Technical Theater

Overview

The Las Positas College Technical Theater Certificate is designed to prepare students for entry level occupations as a theater technician in educational, community, and resident theater venues. Technical theater technicians may work on set construction, carpentry, sound systems, lighting design, light board operation, stage lighting, scenery costumes, props, and various degrees of entry level management positions, such as hours management and stage management. This program is designed to prepare individuals who work in technical production areas with a range of skills, enabling them to select, adapt and transfer skills to different work situations throughout their career in technical theater. This program prepares students, through coursework and hands on experience, for work in technical theater. The certificate includes a wide range of topics designed to give students basic skills and knowledge to work behind the scenes in theater and other venues. This certificate can also serves as the first step in completing the Theater Associates Degree for transfer (AD-T) to a four year college or university, where students can complete a degree in a specialized or generalized field of theatrical study. Typical job opportunities include: lighting designer, lighting operator, scenic painter, stage/set designer, stage manager, sound operator, costume designer, or stage hand.

Career Opportunities

Typical job opportunities include: lighting designer, lighting operator, scenic painter, stage/set designer, stage manager, sound operator, costume designer, or stage hand. This program also lines up with many of the foundation courses needed for an Associate for Degree for Transfer (AD-T) in Theater.

Program Learning Outcome(s)

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Analyze elements of a theatrical design.
2. Hang, cable, and focus stage lighting and be able to read lighting plots and related documents.
3. Perform as a member of a show running crew in various capacities, such as stagehand, light or sound board operator, or wardrobe assistant.
4. Read construction plans and construct common stage scenery such as flats, platform, and stairs.
5. Research, plot, and design costumes for use in production.

Technical Theater (CA): Program Requirements