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The Theatre Arts program at BC helps students learn about acting, directing, stagecraft, costume design, and more. You’ll gain hands-on experience by working on live shows in different roles—onstage and behind the scenes. This program can prepare you for jobs in theatre, film, and other performing arts, or help you transfer to a four-year college.

What is Theatre Arts?

Theatre Arts is all about live storytelling through acting, set design, costumes, lights, and sound. It takes teamwork, creativity, and lots of practice. Theatre is used to entertain, teach, and share ideas with others.

Is Studying Theatre Arts Right for Me?

Theatre might be a good fit if you like being creative, telling stories, and working with others. You can be on stage or help behind the scenes with lights, sets, or costumes. You don’t need to be a theatre major to get involved; everyone is welcome!

Helpful skills for theatre:

• Creativity
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Adaptability
• Time management
• Self-discipline
• Critical thinking
• Emotional intelligence

Theatre Arts Degrees

gives you a strong start in theatre. You’ll take classes in acting, technical theatre, performance, and play analysis. It’s great for students who want to transfer to a CSU or work in the arts.

Select the degree or certificate title for the catalog description and requirements.

Get Involved

• Productions: We produce 6 shows a year, including two Shakespeare plays each fall.
• Summer Musical: Work with music and choir students on a full musical with a live orchestra.
• Auditions: Open to all BC students enrolled in Theatre Acting Lab (B27)—you don’t need to be a major.
• Tech Theatre: Learn lights, sound, set building, props, and more with support from our tech team.
• Theatre Club: Meet every other Thursday at 2:30 PM in PAC 101. Everyone is welcome!

You do not have to be a student to get involved.

For more information about the program, please contact Professor Brian Sivesind at brian.sivesind@bakersfieldcollege.edu, Professor Kim Chin at kchin@bakersfieldcollege.edu or Professor Cody Ganger cody.ganger@bakersfieldcollege.edu.

Paying For Education

You CAN Afford BC

Don’t let finances get in the way of your goals. Get help paying for college costs like tuition, books, or sometimes even the rent with a variety of financial aid options to help you reach your educational and career goals.

I Can Afford College

Find benefits of studying performing arts and more career pathways at Why Study Performing Arts?

Special Events

Kern Shakespeare Festival

Each fall, BC hosts two Shakespeare plays featuring students, alumni, and local actors.

Peg Pauly High School Festival

High school students compete in acting events judged by BC theatre professors and community artists.

Beyond BC

Transfer to a University

51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ's Associate Degrees for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) guarantee admission with junior standing to the CSU system with priority admission to your local CSU campus in a similar program. Consult a counselor and/or transfer specialist for details.

Transfer Pathways

Academic Department: Performing Arts

Career & Learning Pathway: Arts, Communication, and Humanities

Courses: