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Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Theatre Arts

The Cosumnes River Theatre Department Associate of Arts Degree for Transfer Program is designed to facilitate successful transfer to baccalaureate theatre or drama degree programs. This degree provides students with the lower division breadth and depth of the field of theatre arts. Additionally, this degree exposes students to the core principles and practices in the field. Students will learn: the basics of acting, the basics of theatre technology and production, and where theatre fits in to both the historical and modern world of entertainment.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
TA 300 Introduction to the Theatre (3) 3
   or TA 302 History and Theory of the Theatre I (3)
TA 350 Theory and Techniques of Acting I 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
TAP 300 Modern Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
   or TAP 320 Classical Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
   or TAP 340 Musical Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
   or TAP 360 Children's Theatre Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 310 Modern Technical Production I (1 - 3)
   or TAP 330 Classical Technical Production I (1 - 3)
   or TAP 350 Musical Technical Production I (1 - 3)
   or TAP 370 Children's Theatre Technical Production I (1 - 3)
A minimum of 9 units from the following: 9
TA 305 Script Analysis (3)
TA 351 Theory and Techniques of Acting II (3)
TA 420 Stagecraft (3)
TA 422 Stage Lighting (3)
TA 430 Costume Construction (3)
TAP 300 Modern Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
   or TAP 320 Classical Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
   or TAP 340 Musical Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 310 Modern Technical Production I (1 - 3)
   or TAP 330 Classical Technical Production I (1 - 3)
   or TAP 350 Musical Technical Production I (1 - 3)
Total Units: 18

1If students utilized three units of Rehearsal and Performance courses in the core of the degree they may use three units of Technical Production courses here. If they used Technical Production courses in the core they may use three units of Rehearsal and Performance courses here.

The Associate in Arts in Theatre Arts for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • Critique and evaluate the role of the theatre arts and its relationship to other parts of society.
  • Evaluate the historical, artistic, social, and philosophical environments in which theatre exists.
  • Analyze and critique dramatic literature and performance.
  • Formulate alternative solutions to theatrical production situations.
  • Employ audition and performance skills in community, educational, and/or professional theatres.
  • Develop skills to work as a theatre technician in community, educational, and/or professional theatres.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as an ensemble member of a theatre company.
  • Demonstrate skills that will allow the student to thrive in a baccalaureate level theatre program.

Career Information

People with advanced degrees in Theatre have a broad range of employment opportunities including, but not limited to, acting, design/technology for the theatre, publicity and public relations, teaching, theatre technician, stage management, and box Office management. Some of these careers may need additional degrees beyond the Associates level. NOTE TO TRANSFER STUDENTS: The Associate Degree for Transfer program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a campus of the California State University (CSU). Other than the required core, the courses you choose to complete this degree will depend to some extent on the selected CSU for transfer. In addition, some CSU-GE Breadth or IGETC requirements can also be completed using courses required for this associate degree for transfer major (known as “double-counting”). Meeting with a counselor to determine the most appropriate course choices will facilitate efficient completion of your transfer requirements. For students wishing to transfer to other universities (UC System, private, or out-of-state), the Associate Degree for Transfer may not provide adequate preparation for upper-division transfer admissions; it is critical that you meet with a CRC counselor to select and plan the courses for the major, as programs vary widely in terms of the required preparation.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Theatre Arts

The two-year degree in Theatre Arts is a comprehensive program in theater that combines a critical study of theatre with experiential practice in one or more of its component parts. Students explore the various areas of theater to build a foundation for future creative work. The theatre arts degree will provide training in theatre arts production for students who intend to pursue study beyond the AA degree, who are preparing for careers in teaching or in the professional theatre. The basic program also provides an opportunity for specialization in Performance or Design/Technology. A Certificate of Achievement in Theatre for Young Audiences is also available for students whose interest is in doing theatre with or for children.

Highlights include:
* Distinguished faculty with nationally renowned professional experience in directing and design, as well as considerable teaching experience on both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
* A Visual and Performing Arts Complex, which includes a 320-seat proscenium theatre, a 100-seat Black Box theatre, and an outdoor stage.
* Opportunity for advanced students to gain access to the finest four-year college and university theatre programs as well as internships in major regional theatres throughout the country.
* Partnerships with local professional theatre companies for internships.

This degree is designed to provide hands-on experience in the production of plays as well as prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions, and for a baccalaureate major in Theatre or related majors.

Note to Transfer Students:
If you are interested in transferring to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in this major, it is critical that you meet with a CRC counselor to select and plan the courses for your major. Schools vary widely in terms of the required preparation. The courses that CRC requires for an Associate’s degree in this major may be different from the requirements needed for the Bachelor’s degree.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
TA 300 Introduction to the Theatre (3) 3
   or TA 302 History and Theory of the Theatre I (3)
TA 305 Script Analysis (3) 3
TA 350 Theory and Techniques of Acting I 3
TA 420 Stagecraft 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
TAP 300 Modern Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 301 Modern Rehearsal and Performance II (1 - 3)
TAP 302 Modern Rehearsal and Performance III (1 - 3)
TAP 303 Modern Rehearsal and Performance IV (1 - 3)
TAP 320 Classical Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 321 Classical Rehearsal and Performance II (1 - 3)
TAP 322 Classical Rehearsal and Performance III (1 - 3)
TAP 323 Classical Rehearsal and Performance IV (1 - 3)
TAP 340 Musical Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 341 Musical Rehearsal and Performance II (1 - 3)
TAP 342 Musical Rehearsal and Performance III (1 - 3)
TAP 343 Musical Rehearsal and Performance IV (1 - 3)
TAP 360 Children's Theatre Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 361 Children's Theatre Rehearsal and Performance II (1 - 3)
TAP 362 Children's Theatre Rehearsal and Performance III (1 - 3)
TAP 363 Children's Theatre Rehearsal and Performance IV (1 - 3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
TAP 310 Modern Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 311 Modern Technical Production II (1 - 3)
TAP 312 Modern Technical Production III (1 - 3)
TAP 313 Modern Technical Production IV (1 - 3)
TAP 330 Classical Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 331 Classical Technical Production II (1 - 3)
TAP 332 Classical Technical Production III (1 - 3)
TAP 333 Classical Technical Production IV (1 - 3)
TAP 350 Musical Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 351 Musical Technical Production II (1 - 3)
TAP 352 Musical Technical Production III (1 - 3)
TAP 353 Musical Technical Production IV (1 - 3)
TAP 370 Children's Theatre Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 371 Children's Theatre Technical Production II (1 - 3)
TAP 372 Children's Theatre Technical Production III (1 - 3)
TAP 373 Children's Theatre Technical Production IV (1 - 3)
Subtotal Units: 18
Acting/Performance Track
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
TA 351 Theory and Techniques of Acting II (3)
TA 356 Acting for the Camera I (3)
TA 360 Styles of Acting (3)
TA 401 Children's Literature and Creative Drama (3)
TA 498 Work Experience in Theatre Arts (0.5 - 4)
Acting/Performance Track Units: 6
Total Units: 24
Technical Theater Track
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
TA 422 Stage Lighting (3)
TA 424 Advanced Technical Theatre (3)
TA 430 Costume Construction (3)
TA 404 Techniques of Puppetry (3)
TA 498 Work Experience in Theatre Arts (0.5 - 4)
Technical Theater Track Units: 6
Total Units: 24

The Theatre Arts Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) one of the following: the CRC General Education, the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC), or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • Critique and evaluate the role of the theatre arts and its relationship to other parts of society.
  • Evaluate the historical, artistic, social, and philosophical environments in which theatre exists.
  • Analyze and critique dramatic literature and performance.
  • Develop both a conceptual understanding and a practical application of skills related to the theatre discipline in performance, technical theatre, theatre production and performance studies.
  • Synthesize the roles and responsibilities of working as a member of an ensemble and production team and perform dependably, competently, collaboratively and resourcefully as part of the ensemble and production team.
  • Apply the necessary skills for entry-level work in educational, community and professional theatrical endeavors and for entry into undergraduate bachelorette study in theatre arts.

Career Information

Theater arts majors will develop attributes that are highly valued by employers. These include: interpersonal soft skills, critical thinking, research, analysis, oral/written communication, presentation, and problem solving skills. The A.A. degree helps prepare students for many career opportunities. Program career opportunities include jobs with theater production and performing arts organizations as well as many related industries such as advertising, television, film, recreation, and academia. Potential Job Titles: Costume Designer, Drama Therapist, Casting Director,Set Designer, Stage Manager,Talent Manager, Playwright.Teacher Stage Actor, Director, Literary Manager, Arts Manager, Box office manager, Producer, Arts advocate, Lobbyist, Giving and Fundraising Specialist, Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, Designer, Lighting Engineer, Dramaturge, Shop Supervisor, Wardrobe Crew, Dresser, Booking Agent, Public Relations Specialist,Special Effects Technician, Theater Critic, Voice acting, Announcer, Event Planner, Arts Administrator, PR and Advertising Specialist Additionally, many employers in other disciplines actively recruit theatre majors. Students may find employment in government agencies, nonprofits, educational institutions, and businesses depending on their skills and experience. Internships or relevant part-time jobs may be a prerequisite to finding employment. This list does not reflect all potential places of employment or kinds of jobs for theater arts majors. Some career choices may require courses beyond the Associate Degree.

Certificate of Achievement

Theatre for Young Audiences Certificate

The Certificate in Children's Theatre focuses on building skills in puppetry, storytelling, Story Dramatization, creative drama in the classroom and other skills pertaining to children's theatre. This certificate allows the student to further their education with transferable theatre classes.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
TA 401 Children's Literature and Creative Drama 3
TA 404 Techniques of Puppetry 3
TA 344 Improvisation and Theatre Games 2
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
TAP 360 Children's Theatre Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 361 Children's Theatre Rehearsal and Performance II (1 - 3)
TAP 362 Children's Theatre Rehearsal and Performance III (1 - 3)
TAP 363 Children's Theatre Rehearsal and Performance IV (1 - 3)
Total Units: 11

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • Critique and evaluate the role of the theatre for youth and its relationship to other parts of society. SLO #1
  • Evaluate the historical, artistic, social, and philosophical environments in which theatre for youth exists. SLO #2
  • Analyze and critique dramatic literature and performance for young audiences. SLO #3
  • Collaborate effectively as an ensemble member of a theatre group or company. SLO #4

Career Information

Recreation leaders, teaching-artists, youth group director, after-school drama specialist.