San Jacinto College provides a balanced blend of theatre courses
“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” – William Shakespeare.
The Bard’s words of wisdom ring true, even in the 21st century. Accordingly, San Jacinto College provides a balanced blend of courses in theatre performance, theatre education, and technical training.
“Practical skills in the areas of acting and production prepare students for careers such as acting, directing, lighting, sound production, special effects production, makeup design, set construction, costume creation, work as casting agents and more,” commented Dr. Jerry Ivins, Central Campus theatre department chair. “Our theater department provides one of the most comprehensive and complete training programs of any two-year college in the state.”
The department performs up to six productions per academic year in either the large Slocomb Auditorium, or the intimate Powell Arena Theatre. Some shows are faculty directed, and some are directed by theatre majors. Every summer, the department presents a musical theatre camp for children and young adults.
To challenge students and provide opportunities for creative growth, the department offers a wide variety of productions during the span of each season, including comedies, musicals, thrillers, classics, and shows that deal with complex themes.
“In addition to our production work, the program is very committed to state and national theatre education with our involvement with the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Texas University Interscholastic League, and the Texas Educational Theatre Association,” Dr. Ivins said. “Our graduates regularly transfer to major universities and to also excel in professional theatre work.”
The South Campus offers a robust program where students gain hands-on experience in performing as well as the technical areas of theatre arts. “We always strive to do shows that are very immersive,” commented Kevin Holden, South Campus theatre department chair. “Traditionally, the live audience is supposed to be quiet and invisible. We want the audience to be part of the world of the show. We are striving to bring a new audience of young people from diverse cultures into theater by selecting shows that appeal to them. Our productions are a highly collaborative process between the students and me. There aren’t any rules. The only limitation is imagination.”
Holden uses his professional theater network to involve students in training and productions with professional acting troupes.
There are no prerequisites or prior acting experience required to enroll in theater classes at San Jacinto College. Holden has noticed that the majority of his students are drawn to the program for acting, but often find a talent or interest on the production side. Those who want to pursue a degree can earn an associate of arts, though many students take theater courses as electives or for continuing education.
Both campuses offer state-of-the-art facilities. In addition to large auditoriums and arena stages, facilities include costume construction areas and scene shops. With a wealth of professional experience, faculty members teach acting, directing, stage combat, dance choreography and all areas of technical theater work.
Career opportunities
The San Jacinto College theatre program prepares students to pursue careers in:
- Professional theatre or film: actor, director, costume designer, makeup artist, playwright, stage manager, house manager, box office manager, producer, master electrician, scene shop foreman, lighting technician, sound technician, carpenter, publicity coordinator, scenic designer, lighting designer, sound designer
- Arts administration: public relations director, festival coordinator, artistic director, business manager, special events coordinator, program planner
- Education: vocal coach, drama instructor, dramaturge, dialect coach, recreation director, lecturer, children’s theatre director
- Communications and media: casting agent, reporter, disc jockey, recording engineer, entertainer personal manager, screen writer, producer, cinematographer, editor, gaffer.
– Rob Vanya