The Associate in Arts, Fine Arts (AAFA), Emphasis in Theatre provides a foundation in design, technical, and performance practices for students who wish to specialize in performing arts, including acting, directing, design and technology, stage management, playwriting, and dramaturgy. This degree helps students develop the communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving skills that are sought after by most career fields. With an associate degree, students will be prepared to enter a career or for transfer to a bachelor degree program.
Details
Important information you’ll need when applying for admission:
Field of Interest
Visual and Performing Arts
Type
Associate Degree
Academic Plan
Associate in Arts, Fine Arts, Emphasis in Theatre (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
8315
Total Credits Required
60-99
Catalog Year
2022-2023
Effective Term
Fall 2022
Notes
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses in the program.
Because transfer requirements vary by program and institution, students intending to transfer are strongly encouraged to meet with a faculty program advisor and student success analyst once they have selected their transfer institution to ensure all requirements for achieving junior standing are satisfied.
This program replaces:AAFA/8107 Associate in Arts, Fine Arts (AAFA) - Theatre
Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.
What You'll Learn
This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:
Demonstrate foundational skills in design, technical, and performance practices for effective communication and personal expression across various artistic genres.
Apply critical thinking and research skills to the creative process.
Collaborate effectively, recognizing diverse opinions and cultural and individual differences.
Generate ideas, creations, or models that express the human condition and one`s relationship to the culturally diverse world.
Interpret dramatic works within historical, cultural, and contemporary contexts.
Engage in ethical personal and professional artistic practices, in accordance with copyright laws, intellectual and artistic freedom, civic responsibility, and standards of the field.
Develop a portfolio of artistic and academic work to support university transfer, career development, and/or personal use.
Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field.
Career Opportunities
Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or film productions, or other settings for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing.
Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.
Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Plan and coordinate various aspects of radio, television, stage, or motion picture production, such as selecting script, coordinating writing, directing and editing, and arranging financing.
Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.
Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$21.04
Annual Median Wage
$43,775
Annual Job Openings
37
Number of People Employed
380
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 1.8%
Stage, Motion Picture, Television, and Radio Directors
Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.
Typical Education Level
a certificate
Hourly Median Wage
$47.88
Annual Median Wage
$99,604
Annual Job Openings
3
Number of People Employed
23
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 30.4%
There are additional career opportunities associated with this degree that do not have occupational data available for Arizona at this time. These occupations are listed below:
Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other
* Career and wage information provided by Emsi using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Emsi’s proprietary analytical processes. Emsi’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer
Course Sequence by Term
The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:
Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Pathway Planner tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
Pathway Map Options
There are multiple options available for this pathway map. These options vary depending on the available transfer institutions and what degrees you may be able to transfer into.
These pathway map options may share some common coursework. To explore what additional coursework may be required, select your desired option from the list below. Once selected, the list of courses and any associated details will be automatically updated in the course sequence below. The differences between individual pathway map options may only be a few courses.
Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.
A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Awareness Areas
In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below, students must complete the following awareness areas if not otherwise met by other program requirements:
Cultural [C] and
Global [G] or Historical [H]
Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all graduation requirements.
Term 1Term 1Term 1Term 1Term 1Term 1
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1Term 1Term 1Term 1Term 1Term 1
Prerequisites: Appropriate writing placement test score, or a grade of C or better in ENG091 or ESL097 or WAC101, or a grade of B or better in ALT100, or (a grade of C in ALT100 AND Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL OR WAC101 OR ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Appropriate writing placement test score, or a grade of C or better in ENG091 or ESL097 or WAC101, or a grade of B or better in ALT100, or (a grade of C in ALT100 AND Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL OR WAC101 OR ENG100A+).
FYC
3
MAT14+
College Mathematics
OR Any approved general education course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area
MA
3–6
THP201++ or THP202++
Any Theatre Production course
Students intending to transfer to the University of Arizona should take THP201AA
Critical courseGateway courseRecommend students pursuing acting should take THP112 in the first semester and THP213 second semester Students pursuing technical theater should take THP213 first semester and THP112 second semester
3–4
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 101 Level
See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
For students transferring to NAU to earn a BA in Theatre, complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 101 Level
For students transferring to NAU to earn a BA in Theatre, complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 101 Level
For students transferring to NAU to earn a BA in Theatre, complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 101 Level
Complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Term 2Term 2Term 2Term 2Term 2Term 2
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2Term 2Term 2Term 2Term 2Term 2
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (ENG101 or ENG107) and (RDG095 or RDG100 or RDG111 or RDG112 or RDG113 or an appropriate district placement or permission of Instructor).
Critical courseGateway courseRecommend students pursuing acting should take THP112 in the first semester and THP213 second semester Students pursuing technical theater should take THP213 first semester and THP112 second semester
3–4
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 102 Level
See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 102 Level
For students transferring to NAU to earn a BA in Theatre, complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 102 Level
For students transferring to NAU to earn a BA in Theatre, complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 102 Level
For students transferring to NAU to earn a BA in Theatre, complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 102 Level
Complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Term 3Term 3Term 3Term 3Term 3Term 3Term 3Term 3
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3Term 3Term 3Term 3Term 3Term 3Term 3Term 3
Complete zero to six (0-6) credits of coursework that transfer to ASU as direct equivalents or departmental electives in the following ASU prefixes: FMP, THE, THF, THP.
For students transferring to NAU to earn a BA in Theatre, complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
Prerequisites: Permission of Department or Division. or No requisites
1–3
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 201 Level
For students transferring to NAU to earn a BA in Theatre, complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
For students transferring to NAU to earn a BA in Theatre, complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 201 Level
Complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 101 Level
Complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4
Complete zero to six (0-6) credits of coursework that transfer to ASU as direct equivalents or departmental electives in the following ASU prefixes: FMP, THE, THF, THP.
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in THP112 or permission of Department or Division.
3
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 202 Level
For students transferring to NAU to earn a BA in Theatre, complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in THP112 or permission of Department or Division.
3
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 202 Level
For students transferring to NAU to earn a BA in Theatre, complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
For students transferring to NAU to earn a BA in Theatre, complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in THP112 or permission of Department or Division.
3
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 202 Level
Complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 102 Level
Complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Part-time Sequence
Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.
A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Awareness Areas
In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below, students must complete the following awareness areas if not otherwise met by other program requirements:
Cultural [C] and
Global [G] or Historical [H]
Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all graduation requirements.
Term 1
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Prerequisites: Appropriate writing placement test score, or a grade of C or better in ENG091 or ESL097 or WAC101, or a grade of B or better in ALT100, or (a grade of C in ALT100 AND Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL OR WAC101 OR ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Appropriate writing placement test score, or a grade of C or better in ENG091 or ESL097 or WAC101, or a grade of B or better in ALT100, or (a grade of C in ALT100 AND Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL OR WAC101 OR ENG100A+).
Critical courseGateway courseRecommend students pursuing acting should take THP112 in the first semester and THP213 second semester Students pursuing technical theater should take THP213 first semester and THP112 second semester
3–4
Term 3
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (ENG101 or ENG107) and (RDG095 or RDG100 or RDG111 or RDG112 or RDG113 or an appropriate district placement or permission of Instructor).
Critical courseGateway courseRecommend students pursuing acting should take THP112 in the first semester and THP213 second semester Students pursuing technical theater should take THP213 first semester and THP112 second semester
3–4
Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4
Course Number
Course Name
Requisites
Notes
Area
Credits
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 101 Level
See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in THP112 or THE220, or permission of Instructor.
3
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 101 Level
For students transferring to NAU to earn a BA in Theatre, complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 101 Level
For students transferring to NAU to earn a BA in Theatre, complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 101 Level
For students transferring to NAU to earn a BA in Theatre, complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 101 Level
Complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Term 5Term 5Term 5Term 5Term 5Term 5
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 5Term 5Term 5Term 5Term 5Term 5
For students transferring to NAU to earn a BA in Theatre, complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 102 Level
For students transferring to NAU to earn a BA in Theatre, complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 102 Level
For students transferring to NAU to earn a BA in Theatre, complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 102 Level
Complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Term 6Term 6Term 6Term 6Term 6Term 6
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 6Term 6Term 6Term 6Term 6Term 6
Course Number
Course Name
Requisites
Notes
Area
Credits
THP201++ or THP202++
Any Theatre Production course
Students intending to transfer to the University of Arizona should take THP201AA
See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 201 Level
For students transferring to NAU to earn a BA in Theatre, complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 201 Level
For students transferring to NAU to earn a BA in Theatre, complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 201 Level
For students transferring to NAU to earn a BA in Theatre, complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 201 Level
Complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 101 Level
Complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Term 7Term 7Term 7Term 7Term 7Term 7Term 7Term 7Term 7
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 7Term 7Term 7Term 7Term 7Term 7Term 7Term 7Term 7
Complete zero to six (0-6) credits of coursework that transfer to ASU as direct equivalents or departmental electives in the following ASU prefixes: FMP, THE, THF, THP.
Prerequisites: Permission of Department or Division. or No requisites
1–3
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 202 Level
For students transferring to NAU to earn a BA in Theatre, complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
For students transferring to NAU to earn a BA in Theatre, complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
For students transferring to NAU to earn a BA in Theatre, complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in THP112 or permission of Department or Division.
3
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 202 Level
Complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Second Language
Second Language Requirement, 102 Level
Complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment
0–5
Term 8
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 8
Complete zero to six (0-6) credits of coursework that transfer to ASU as direct equivalents or departmental electives in the following ASU prefixes: FMP, THE, THF, THP.
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.
Previous Catalog Years
The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.
