LOS ANGELES CITY COLLEGE
THEATRE ACADEMY in HOLLYWOOD
In the heart of Hollywood sign, the Theatre Academy is dedicated to rigorous professional training for Actors, Costume Designers and Theatrical Stage Technicians. Still the "best kept secret in Southern California," the Theatre Academy provides vocational skills in all areas of theatre and entertainment for only $20 per unit (CA residents.)
  • What does that mean?
  • What is the difference between the Theatre Academy and the Theatre Department?
  • Which one is right for you?

The information on this page helps explain some of the differences.
Echo Serna in BACCHAE
Established in 1929, the Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy is one of the oldest and most highly respected programs in the country for actors and technicians seeking professional training. Over the years the Academy has received numerous regional and national awards and recognition, including: the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle, Kennedy Center/ American College Theatre Festival and many other annual performance competitions across the country.
  • STRONG COMMITMENT TO THE BASICS The Theatre Academy provides each Academy student with the principles and techniques, discipline, organization, and dedication to training required for success in the entertainment industry. Throughout each of the programs, students are encouraged to take charge and to exercise their talents and organizational skills in all areas of theatre.
  • STRONG PRODUCTION-ORIENTED PROGRAM The Theatre Academy stresses the importance of exposure to both classical and contemporary theatre. Recent Theatre Academy productions have included: Take Me Out, Moon Over Buffalo, Loose Ends, Twelfth Night, Amadeus, The Kentucky Cycle, The Rose Tattoo, Our Country's Good, Nicholas Nickelby, The Heidi Chronicles, Sweet Charity, The Colored Museum, The Grapes of Wrath, A Chorus Line, A Christmas Carol, Waiting for Godot, A Midsummer Night's Dream, You Can 't Take It With You, Romeo & Juliet, Blood Knot, Rumors, Ghosts, Raps, and The Cherry Orchard.
  • HEAVY PRODUCTION SCHEDULE AS PART OF TRAINING Seven faculty-directed productions and numerous student directed productions are produced each year in three theatres:
    • the Camino Theatre, a 299 seat-proscenium theatre
    • the Caminito Theatre, a 99-seat Equity-plan black box space
    • and the Cameo Theatre, an intimate 75-seat proscenium stage.
  • ALUMNI WORK WITH STUDENTS Academy Alumni are encouraged to return to work with students in the Theatre Academy through the City Playhouse. Through the Extended Learning Program for Professional Actors, professionals work alongside students during the preparation and presentation of a performance. Alumni often return to produce original works in conjunction with the Academy.
  • LOS ANGELES CITY COLLEGE THEATRE ALUMNI & ASSOCIATES LACCTAA has become a major contributor to the work of the Academy by providing scholarships to students, providing resources for marketing purposes, and enhancing the reputation of the Academy in the theatre, television, and film industry in Los Angeles. Its benefits, particularly its editions of Radio Live, have become very successful in providing monies to support the ongoing program at the Theatre Academy. Noted celebrities who have performed in Radio Live I & II include: Steve Allen, Gary Owens, Paul Winfield, Cindy Williams, Ed Asner, Hugh O'Brian, John Ingle, Louise Sorel, and many others.

The Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy offers six Certificate Programs to students completing their area of specialization:
  • Professional Actor Training Certificate (2-year program)
  • Advanced Professional Actor Training Certificate (3-year program)
  • Professional Theatre Technologies and Production Training Certificate for Technical Theatre (2-year program)
  • Advanced Professional Theatre Technologies and Production Training Certificate for Technical Theatre (3-year program)
  • Professional Theatre Technologies and Production Training Certificate for Theatrical Costuming (2-year program)
  • Advanced Professional Theatre Technologies and Production Training Certificate for Theatrical Costuming (3-year program)

Acting Audition Information

Students may also receive their Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Theatre by completing General Education requirements. Most classes are transferable to four-year colleges and universities.

The Theatre Academy attracts students from across the country and across the globe. Students have come from as far away as England, France, Iceland, Italy, Sweden, Canada, and Belgium to pursue their training.

Frequently Asked Questions
Congratulating the Department, President Bill Clinton wrote, "For 65 years your department has worked to educate its members and promote excellence within the field of the performing arts. The strength of your organization today exemplifies the ongoing commitment to professionalism that inspired your founders."

MARISOL

LOS ANGELES CITY COLLEGE THEATRE DEPARTMENT
Theatre department classes are available to students who are unable to make the time commitment necessary for the Academy. A number of classes are available to non-Academy students each semester. There is no required application or audition for Departmental classes. Students interested in these classes need only register through Los Angeles City College to participate. Many Departmental Classes are also required as part of the regular Theatre Academy curriculum and are taught by Theatre Academy Faculty.

GENERAL THEATER MAJOR

For Non-Academy - Associate in Arts Degree

  • Students studying in the Theater Department fall into three categories:
    (1) those who are planning to transfer to a four-year college and are taking a limited number of courses to satisfy lower division requirements
  • (2) those who are satisfying their elective and/or humanities requirements for the A.A. Degree
  • (3) those who are satisfying the eighteen-unit requirement for an A.A. Degree in Theater. No specific combination of classes is required. This program is listed in a four-semester sequence as a matter of convenience to the student. However, the following program is strongly recommended:
     FIRST SEMESTER  UNITS  SECOND SEMESTER  UNITS
     Theater 100  3  Theater 105  1
     Theater 105  1  Theater 271  2
     Theater 200  3  Theater 300  3
     THIRD SEMESTER  UNITS  FOURTH SEMESTER  UNITS
     Theater 105  1  Theater 105  1
     Theater 110  3  Theater 273  2
     Theater 273  2  Theater 450  2
     Theater 400  3    
    • GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS *See Graduation Requirements Section of LACC catalog.

    FEES AND TUITION--A tuition of $20 per unit is currently required of California residents for each semester of study at Los Angeles City College.(All fees subject to change.) Tuition for non-residents is $125.00 per unit per semester and $130.00 per unit per semester for international students.This tuition is paid at the time the student registers for classes. A health fee of $7.50 is also required of all students.

    THE FACULTY - Nineteen full-time and part- time Acting, Technical Theatre and Costuming. Faculty teach both Academy and Departmental Classes. All faculty are available to students for individual evaluation as well as career counseling and assistance during the semester. The Theatre Faculty are working professionals in all areas of theatrical performance and production. Many are active in theatre organizations and programs such as Actor's Equity Association, the Southern California Educational Theatre Association, the California Educational Theatre Association, the United States Institute of Theatre Technology, the Kennedy Center/American College Theater Festival. Members of the full-time Faculty are also published authors on theatre and the craft of acting.

    LACC Theatre Academy

    F. Fate, Director
    855 N. Vermont Ave.
    Los Angeles, CA 90029

    323.953.4000 ext.2971
    fax 323.953.4013

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    7/1/08