Students performing a live theatre scene on stage.

Why Study Theatre Arts

The Theatre Arts Department offers wonderful opportunities for both theatre majors and non-theatre majors to learn and experience multiple aspects of theatre, including acting, design, technical production, and literature.

In addition to our credit and non-credit classes, we produce critically acclaimed plays and musicals that draw thousands of audience members annually. Students and community members can audition to perform in our shows and sign up to work backstage.

Hands-on experience working on our productions can help you begin a career in the theatre, enhance your current theatre practice, or prepare you to go on to further study at a 4-year college.

What you can do with a degree in Theatre Arts

Technical crew building and installing stage elements behind the scenes.

A major in Theatre Arts can prepare you for:

  • Actor/actress
  • Director
  • Producer
  • Casting director
  • Teacher
  • Stage manager
  • Technician
  • Designer

Degrees & Certificates

View list below for programs offered at Foothill. Then select program map for a possible schedule that fulfills program and college requirements.

For program requirements and full course listings, view degrees and certificates information.
Note: Certificates of Proficiency and Career Certificates are non-transcriptable and consist of 13-35 units. These certificates are designed as a career advancement tool. Courses focus on practical knowledge and skill development.

Associate in Arts for Transfer

Associate in Arts

Certificate of Achievement (CA)

Career Certificate

View academic catalog for Theatre Technology career certificate requirements.

Non-Credit Certificate of Completion

View academic catalog for Theatre Technology for non-credit certificate of completion requirements.

Quick Look at Theatre Arts Courses

For complete course details, including units, hours and prerequisites, view course catalog. For when a course is offered, view class schedule.

  • THTR 1 Introduction to Theatre
  • THTR 2A History of Dramatic Literature: Classical to Moliere
  • THTR 2F History of American Musical Theatre
  • THTR 7 Introduction to Directing
  • THTR 8 Multicultural Theatre Arts in Modern America
  • THTR 20A Acting I
  • THTR 20B Acting II
  • THTR 20C Acting III
  • THTR 21A Scenery & Property Construction
  • THTR 21B Intermediate Scenery & Property Construction
  • THTR 21C Advanced Scenery & Properties Construction
  • THTR 22 Auditioning for Theatre
  • THTR 24 Readers Theatre
  • THTR 25 Introduction to Fashion & Costume Construction
  • THTR 25B Fashion & Costume Construction II
  • THTR 25C Fashion & Costume Construction III
  • THTR 26 Introduction to Fashion History & Costume Design
  • THTR 27 Lighting Design & Technology
  • THTR 31 Management for the Theatre & Stage
  • THTR 38A Movement for Theatre
  • THTR 38D Stage Combat
  • THTR 40A Basic Theatrical Makeup
  • THTR 40B Theatrical Makeup for Production
  • THTR 42 Introduction to Theatre Design
  • THTR 43A Script Analysis
  • THTR 43C Foundations in Classical Acting
  • THTR 43E Improvisation
  • THTR 45A Technical Theatre in Production I
  • THTR 45B Technical Theatre in Production II
  • THTR 45C Technical Theatre in Production III
  • THTR 45D Technical Theatre in Production IV
  • THTR 45E Technical Theatre Management in Production
  • THTR 45F Technical Theatre Management in Production II
  • THTR 47A Introduction to Musical Theatre Production
  • THTR 47B Intermediate Music Theatre Production Workshop
  • THTR 47C Advanced Music Theatre Production Workshop
  • THTR 47D Advanced Music Theatre Production Workshop II
  • THTR 48B Singing Technique for Musical Theatre
  • THTR 48C Musical Theatre Repertoire for Singers
  • THTR 48F Musical Theatre Repertoire for Singers II
  • THTR 48G Introduction to Voice-Over Acting
  • THTR 49A Performance Production I
  • THTR 49B Performance Production II
  • THTR 49C Performance Production III
  • THTR 49D Performance Production IV
  • THTR 49E Performance Production V
  • THTR 49F Performance Production VI
  • THTR 63A Film & Television Acting Workshop
  • THTR 70R Independent Study in Theatre Arts
  • THTR 71R Independent Study in Theatre Arts
  • THTR 72R Independent Study in Theatre Arts
  • THTR 73R Independent Study in Theatre Arts
  • THTR 421A Scenery & Property Construction Noncredit
  • THTR 425 Introduction to Fashion & Costume Construction Noncredit
  • THTR 425B Fashion & Costume Construction II Noncredit
  • THTR 427 Lighting Design & Technology Noncredit
  • THTR 431 Management for the Theatre & Stage Noncredit
  • THTR 440A Basic Theatrical Makeup Noncredit
  • THTR 440B Theatrical Makeup for Production Noncredit
  • THTR 442 Introduction to Theatre Design Noncredit
  • THTR 445A Technical Theatre in Production I Noncredit
  • THTR 445E Technical Theatre Management in Production Noncredit

Explore Our Programs

Learn more about our three main areas of study and experiential learning!

Ways to Experience More!

At Foothill, we offer many opportunities to get involved outside the classroom.

Research & Service Leadership Symposium

Image from RSL-Symposium

Showcase your ideas and creativity at Foothill’s annual symposium, where students present research, service projects, and creative work through talks, posters, performances, and art exhibitions.

Global Experiential Learning

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Travel, study, and gain real-world experience through Foothill’s faculty-led global programs. Explore new cultures, earn academic credit, and participate in service learning, research, and study abroad around the world.

Humanities Scholars Work Experience

Student working on a laptop at a desk

Gain real-world experience through paid internships with mission-driven nonprofit organizations. Build professional skills, connect coursework to careers, and work with community partners across the region.

IDEA Center

Student working in IDEA Center with digital video/performance environment

Create, record, and experiment in Foothill’s Interdisciplinary Electronic Arts Center, a creative hub supporting music technology, media, photography, graphic design, and digital arts.

Related Programs and Degrees

Leigh Henderson

Leigh Henderson

Department Chair

650.949.7012

hendersonleigh@fhda.edu

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Fine Arts & Communication

Division Office: Room 1701

650.949.7262

arasniasheherazade@fhda.edu

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Meet with a Counselor

Building 8300, Room 8302

650.949.7423

fhcounseling@fhda.edu

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