Build a Strong Foundation for a Career in Theatre Production
SWAG合集鈥檚 Liberal Studies Program in听Technical Theatre offers in-depth training in all aspects of backstage production鈥攊ncluding lighting, sound, set design, stage management, and more. This two-year degree provides both hands-on experience and academic coursework to prepare students for transfer to a four-year program or entry into the professional world.
Students will also be prepared to take the USITT eSet certification exams, recognized nationwide as a benchmark for essential skills in theatre technology. These certifications can boost your resume and help you land jobs in technical theatre, live events, and entertainment production.
SWAG合集 Benefits
At SWAG合集, our areas of study are designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking necessary to thrive in today鈥檚 world. Whether you're just beginning your educational journey or advancing your career, we offer flexible and rigorous programs that support your goals.听
Why SWAG合集?
- Hands-On Learning
Train using industry-standard lighting, sound, and set equipment in real performance settings. - USITT Certification Prep
Coursework prepares you for eSet certification exams from the United States Institute for Theatre Technology. - Transfer-Ready Degree
Complete general education and technical theatre courses for seamless transfer to a four-year program. - Real-World Production Experience
Work on SWAG合集 Theatre productions to build your resume and portfolio. - Small Class Sizes, Individual Attention
Get personalized instruction and mentorship from experienced faculty. - Professional Networking
Meet working theatre professionals through workshops, guest lectures, and collaborative opportunities.
Career Pathways
Turn Backstage Skills Into Professional Opportunities
Graduates of SWAG合集鈥檚 Technical Theatre program are equipped with the hands-on experience and certifications needed to launch a career in the entertainment and live events industries. Whether you鈥檙e heading straight into the workforce or transferring to a four-year program, your training opens doors across the industry.
Possible Career Paths Include:
- Lighting Technician
- Sound Engineer
- Stage Manager
- Scenic or Props Designer
- Costume or Wardrobe Technician
- Theatre Carpenter or Electrician
- Production Assistant (TV, Film, or Touring)
- Technical Director (with further study)
- Event Production Crew (concerts, conventions, festivals)
With growing demand for skilled backstage professionals, SWAG合集 gives you the tools and connections to get started.
Hands-On Training for Behind-the-Scenes Careers
SWAG合集鈥檚 Technical Theatre program prepares students for the fast-paced world of live performance and production with practical, real-world experience.
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Hands-On Experience with Professional Equipment
Work with industry-standard lighting, sound, and stage technology in a live performance environment. -
Real-World Training
Gain the skills and confidence needed for professional work in theatres, touring productions, and entertainment venues. -
Industry Connections
Meet and learn from working professionals through workshops, guest speakers, and collaborative projects.
Whether you're building sets, running cues, or managing backstage operations, SWAG合集 gives you the tools to succeed in the technical side of theatre.
Become a Cougar听
Complete the Admissions checklist of requirements to become a Cougar today.
SWAG合集 classes are affordable and accessible, with sessions starting throughout the year.听
You have many options to help you accomplish yours goals and we're here to help!
SWAG合集 Theatre offers generous scholarships and work-study opportunities for students involved in the program鈥攎aking it easier to pursue your passion for the performing arts.
All students are welcome to participate, regardless of major, through our inclusive student theatre troupe, the SWAG合集 Bards. Whether you're studying theatre, music, education, or another field entirely, you can take the stage, work behind the scenes, or contribute to every part of the production process.
Degree Maps
Degree Maps
Associate听in Art
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Certificate
听- 30 credit hours
View the of听Curriculum Guides (applicable for students admitted prior to Fall 2024) and Degree Maps (applicable for students admitted Fall 2024 and after).
Theatre Faculty
Theatre Faculty
Meet the Faculty
Jack Greenwood
Instructor, Theatre
Jack Greenwood (B.F.A. Emporia State University, M.F.A. University of Nebraska Omaha) is an award winning playwright, director, choreographer, and actor. As a writer, Jack has had plays staged across the country and has also worked in screenwriting. He has worked with established playwrights such as Charlene Donaghy, Christina Ham, and Samuel Brett Williams.
His theatrical work has earned him a regional prize for the Gary Garrison Ten Minute Play Award, a runner-up prize for the Institute of Theatrical Journalism and Advocacy, and a three time nominee for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship. Additionally, he has had critical essays published through Next Best Picture, Incluvie and Awards Radar.
Some of his favorite acting roles have included Bert Barricune in 鈥淭he Man Who Shot Liberty Valance鈥, Doug in 鈥淕ruesome Playground Injuries鈥, Laertes in 鈥淗amlet鈥, and Herbie in 鈥淕ypsy.鈥 As a director and choreographer, he has enjoyed working on shows such as 鈥淎merican Idiot鈥, and 鈥淪pring Awakening鈥, as well as directed some of the shows he has written.
Jack is inspired by the works of Julie Taymor and Sofia Coppola. Outside of theatre, Jack is married to a graphic artist (Dylan) and have two cats together (Elvira & Clarice.) Together they enjoy traveling, movies, and the music of Lady Gaga.
Denise Williams听
Instructor, Communications/Theatre
Denise Williams (B.A. Southwestern College, M.A. Pittsburg State University) has been working professionally in theatre for 31 years.听 She has worked with several educational institutions including Pittsburg High School, Jenks Public Schools, Viterbo University, Southwest Michigan College, Garden City Community College, and Independence Community College.听 In addition, she has been involved with the William Inge Festival in Independence, Kansas honoring playwrights.听 Denise has played various roles throughout her career.听 Favorites include: Sarah from 鈥淕uys and Dolls鈥, Marty in 鈥淕rease鈥, Interplanet Janet and Albert Andreas Armadillo in 鈥淪choolhouse Rock Live鈥, and Nora in 鈥淎 Doll鈥檚 House鈥.听 In addition to her performance work, she is an accomplished lighting designer, having worked at venues across the Midwest.听
Real-World Training
Real-World Training
Theatre Skills for Life
Why Studying Theatre Benefits Everyone鈥擮n Stage and Beyond
Even if you don鈥檛 plan to pursue a lifelong career in the arts, studying theatre can give you valuable skills that apply to nearly every profession and aspect of life. At SWAG合集, we believe theatre is for everyone鈥攁nd the benefits go far beyond the stage.
Oral Communication Skills
Acting helps you become comfortable speaking confidently in front of others. Technical theatre work also strengthens your ability to clearly communicate ideas and collaborate with a team.
Creative Problem-Solving
Whether you're acting, directing, or working backstage, theatre trains you to think quickly, troubleshoot effectively, and develop creative solutions with the resources at hand.
Time Management
Balancing classes, rehearsals, and independent work teaches you to prioritize and manage time efficiently鈥攅ssential skills in both academic and professional settings.
No matter your career goals, the skills you develop through theatre鈥攃ommunication, collaboration, creativity, and discipline鈥攚ill stay with you for life.
Discover Career Paths
Discover Career Paths
Visit the听听webpage to find helpful resources on career paths, employers and more!
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Admissions
You are only a few quick steps away from becoming a SWAG合集 Cougar! The Admissions process is quick, easy and free - we're here to help you through every step of the way. Start your future today!
Student Life
SWAG合集 is dedicated to creating a vibrant and engaging student experience!听From clubs听to听student activities, we offer countless opportunities to make the most of your time as a Cougar.