Theater Arts
The Theatre Arts and Musical Theatre Programs are taught by professionals to become professional theatre artists. GCC’s Theatre Arts programs inspire a new community of Theatre students through a combination of classroom study and production applications that emphasize the collaborative nature of Theatre Arts. We invite the community to enjoy theatre performances by students, faculty and visiting artists throughout the year. Check our events calendar for upcoming performances and audition opportunities.
Who We Are
We are a group of creative faculty, staff, students, and professionals collaborating to create storytellers that employers want to hire. Artists who create change and graduates that universities recognize as the next generation of leaders. Our students and graduates are recruited for continuing education programs at universities and conservatories as well as in production, post-production, writing, acting, directing and technical theatre internships and jobs locally and around the country.
What are you looking for?
The GCC Theatre Arts Program and Musical Theatre Program offers you an exciting hands-on theatrical experience that prepares you for the professional world or a transfer to a four-year university. Our courses are taught by industry professionals to help you become a professional theatre artist.
Studies show a theatrical education provides you with a valuable base from which to launch a career in film, television, stage, management, marketing, advertising, law, education, politics, theology, social work, or in therapeutic fields.
Programs We Offer
Associate in Arts, Fine Arts - Theatre (AAFA-Theatre)
Associate in Arts, Fine Art - Musical Theatre (AAFA-Musical Theatre)
Certificates of Completion (CCL) in Technical Theatre
What you can expect
The Theatre Arts Program and Musical Theatre Program combine classroom study with opportunities for public performances each semester. We offer a variety of theatre opportunities including four main stage productions, as well as student productions and showcases, original works, guest artists and workshops. The GCC Theatre Programs prepare students to achieve their personal and professional goals in a number of ways including:
- Prepare for professional careers in theatre and related entertainment fields
- Fulfill requirements for the Associate of Arts, Fine Arts (A.A.F.A.) degrees
- Pursue humanities and fine arts electives for general studies
- Explore personal creativity
- Cultivate critical thinking skills
The Theatre Arts Programs at GCC offers students a friendly atmosphere, close contact with faculty and staff, small classes with individual attention, immediate opportunities for production participation, and a student-run, nationally affiliated Drama Club.
Theatre Majors, See an Advisor
Meet with the Theatre Arts advisor before you enroll in any classes. These experts will help you organize your class schedule every semester, and keep you on track to meet your program requirements quickly. Make an appointment with David Seitz by email david.seitz@gccaz.edu or by phone at 623-845-3385.
Non-majors and Recreational Interest
Anyone with an interest in theatre arts is invited to audition for theatre roles, as either cast or crew. Audition information, dates and times are posted throughout the year.
Backstage
Learn by doing. The GCC Theatre Arts Program offers a variety of positions backstage. Find out more about Design and Technology, Stage Management, Running Crew, Lighting, Sound, Costuming, Props, Media and Production Shop. View the video at the top of this page to see a stage load in for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" production.
Work Study & Scholarships
The Theatre Arts program offers Work Study positions for qualifying students. Please check with Financial Aid to see if you qualify for Federal Work Study. Scholarships may be available for Theatre program students. Please talk to an advisor and view GCC Scholarship opportunities.
Competitions
Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF)
GCC is an active participant in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival which offers students additional opportunities for special recognition, awards, scholarships, and professional networking. KCACTF is an exciting opportunity for our students to interact with their peers and gain regional and national exposure.
MCCCD Artists of Promise Competition
Maricopa County Community College District's Artists of Promise is a gala performance and exhibition celebrating the artists of the Maricopa Community Colleges. The annual even features some of the finest emerging artists in the Valley in theatre, choreography, music, creative writing and visual mediums such as photography, sculpture, painting and film, animation and media arts.