# Theater Arts-Acting (Certificate of Achievement)

Napa Valley College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Theater Arts

Source: https://catalog.napavalley.edu/areas-of-study/theater-arts/theater-arts-acting-coa/

This certificate is for students interested in developing the essential skills and knowledge to work as actors in theater, film, television and other forms of media.  Students will gain hands-on experience by working with professional actor trainers, directors, actors, and designers.

##### Career Opportunities

1.  **Stage Actor** – Perform in theater productions, including musicals, dramas, comedies, and experimental theater.
2.  **Film Actor** – Act in feature films, short films, and independent productions.
3.  **Television Actor** – Perform in TV series, soap operas, sitcoms, and made-for-TV movies.
4.  **Voice Actor** – Provide voices for animated characters, video games, dubbed films, and commercials.
5.  **Commercial Actor** – Act in television, radio, and online ads for brands and products.
6.  **Stunt Performer** – Perform physical stunts and action scenes in film, TV, and theater.
7.  **Background Actor (Extra)** – Appear as part of the background in films, TV shows, and other visual productions.
8.  **Improvisational Actor (Improv Artist)** – Perform in live improv shows, comedy clubs, and interactive theater.
9.  **Radio/Podcast Actor** – Voice characters in radio dramas, scripted podcasts, and audio series.
10.  **Touring Actor** – Act in traveling productions that perform in various cities or countries.
11.  **Musical Theater Performer** – Perform in musical productions, often requiring singing and dancing skills.
12.  **Street Performer** – Engage in live, often interactive performances in public spaces.
13.  **Web Series Actor** – Act in online video series on platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or streaming sites.
14.  **Script Reader/Editor** – Review and provide feedback on scripts, often as a freelancer or with production companies.
15.  **Audiobook Narrator** – Record readings of books, often requiring character voices and clear storytelling skills.
16.  **Children’s Theater Performer** – Act in productions designed for young audiences, often involving outreach and education.
17.  **Motion Capture Actor** – Perform using motion capture suits for characters in animated films and video games.
18.  **Event Entertainer** – Perform at special events, corporate gatherings, theme parks, and parties.
19.  **Corporate Actor** – Perform role-play scenarios in corporate training programs or team-building workshops.
20.  **Theme Park Performer** – Act as characters in theme parks, often requiring interactive and improvisational skills.
21.  **On-Camera Host/Presenter** – Work as an on-camera talent for news, talk shows, or entertainment segments.
22.  **Museum or Historical Interpreter** – Act as a historical figure or tour guide in museums or heritage sites.
23.  **Performance Artist** – Create and perform original works, often in experimental and mixed-media formats.
24.  **YouTuber/Content Creator** – Create acting-based content for social media platforms, including skits, parodies, or educational content.

##### Program Learning Outcomes

1.  Analyze dramatic literature.
2.  Demonstrate an appreciation of acting and theater.
3.  Create the illusion of reality.
4.  Perform in a play, musical or devised work for peer, academic and public review.

**Program Requirements**

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Required Courses** | |  |
| THEA-110 | Acting I | 3 |
| THEA-111 | Acting II | 3 |
| THEA-151 | Rehearsal and Performance: Non Musical 1 | 12 |
| or THEA-153 | Rehearsal and Performance: Musical |  |
| **Required Electives: Acting** | |  |
| **Complete two courses from the following:** | | 6 |
| ↳ THEA-114 | Reader's Theater |  |
| ↳ THEA-115 | Acting Shakespeare |  |
| ↳ THEA-122 | Improvisation and Physical Theater |  |
| ↳ THEA-210 | Acting III |  |
| ↳ THEA-220 | Acting for Fun and Profit |  |
| ↳ THEA-244 | Acting IV |  |
| **Total Units** | | **24** |

1. Students are required to complete 3 units of either THEA-151 or THEA-153 each semester (up to four times) for a total of 12 units.