The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.
The courses have been intentionally placed and should be prioritized in
the order
in which they appear. If you are unable to take all the courses in
a semester, you
should prioritize enrolling in the courses in the order below.
Some courses have
been noted as “Appropriate for Intersession” 
. Should you need (or want) to take
classes
in the summer and/or winter intersessions,
the program recommends these courses as appropriate for the condensed
schedule of
the intersessions.
Some pathways combine a “Certificate of Achievement” and an “Associate
Degree”. If
you are pursuing only the Certificate of Achievement, you are only
required to take
the courses marked “Program Requirement” 
.
All pathways include at least one “Gateway Course” 
which introduces you to the program and/or field of study and helps you
decide if you want to continue with this Academic and Career Path.
Most Associate degrees (though not Associate Degrees for Transfer)
require satisfying the SMC Global Citizenship requirement. If the Program
Requirements do not include a “Global Citizenship course” 
, be sure to select a General Education course that also satisfies Global Citizenship.
Upon completion of the Associate in Arts in Theatre Arts for Transfer, students will have a strong academic foundation in the field and be prepared for upper-division baccalaureate study. Completing the degree indicates that the student will have satisfied the lower division requirements for transfer into Theatre Arts or a similar major for many California State University system campuses. This degree complies with The Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (Senate Bill 1440).
Students pursuing the Associate in Arts in Theatre Arts for Transfer will demonstrate, through written and oral academic work and performance skills, knowledge of the principles, concepts, and theories of theatre art and performance and be prepared to pursue further study in theatre arts or a similar major at the baccalaureate level at California State University.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Evaluate and appreciate a theatrical performance by recognizing the inherent components of creating theatre, including the research involved, the collaboration among designers and directors, the rehearsal process, and the technical skills involved in making a play come to life.
- Demonstrate performance, design, analytical, or technical skills leading to performance in the capacity of at least one of the following: Actor, Director, Stage Manager, Set/ Light/ Sound/ Costume/ Make-Up Designer, Stage Technician, Reviewer, Educated Audience Member.
Icon Key
-
Gateway Course
-
Program Requirement
-
General Education -
Appropriate for
Intersession
-
Available Online -
Global Citizenship
NOTE: This transfer and/or degree program utilizes Cal-GETC as the required General Education pattern. If you started college before Fall 2025, you MAY be able to use either CSU GE or IGETC. You should meet with a counselor to discuss which general education pattern is appropriate for you.
Semester 1
15-17 Units
This course provides the student with a general knowledge of theatre and its influence on modern society. Historical growth, basic vocabulary, skills, and crafts of theatre are emphasized. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
- 3A: Arts
- C1 - Arts, Dance, Music, Theater
- Area III: Humanities
This course covers the history of theatre and dramatic literature with emphasis on the relationship of the theatre to cultural development. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
- Skills Advisory: ENGL 1
- 3A: Arts
- C1 - Arts, Dance, Music, Theater
- Area III: Humanities
This course introduces the beginning student to the art of stage acting. The major emphasis is on actor development and growth through character portrayal, scene or monologue performance, and written work. Students evaluate theatre productions based on materials and techniques studied.
- C1 - Arts, Dance, Music, Theater
- Area III: Humanities
In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research.
- Prerequisite: Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process or
- 1A: English Composition
- A2 - Written Communication
- Area IV-A: Language and Rationality (Group A)
Cal-GETC Area 2 Course 3-5 units
This course provides an exploration of intellectual, psychological, social and physical factors that impact lifelong learning, well-being and success. Topics include motivation and self-efficacy; critical thinking, academic integrity and active study strategies; health issues and lifestyle choices; relating to others as a global citizen; written and oral communication; time management; career exploration; and educational planning.
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
Semester 2
14-15 Units
Required Elective Course from "List A" below 3 units
Cal-GETC Area 1C Course 3 units
In this course, students receive instruction in critical thinking for purposes of constructing, evaluating, and composing arguments in a variety of rhetorical forms, using primarily non-fiction texts, refining writing skills and research strategies developed in ENGL C1000 Academic Reading and Writing (or C-ID ENGL 100) or similar first-year college writing course.
- Prerequisite: ENGL C1000
- Prerequisite: College-level composition (ENGL C1000/ ENGL C1000H/ ENGL C1000E/C-ID ENGL 100) or equivalent
- 1B: Critical Thinking-English Composition
- 3B: Humanities
- A3 - Critical Thinking
- C2 - Humanities
TH ART 10A, 15, or 16 recommended
Semester 3
16 Units
Required Elective Course from "List A" or "List B" below 3 units
Cal-GETC Area 5C Course 4 units
POLS C1000 ( or POL SC 1) recommended for CSU graduation requirement
See the full list: Cal-GETC Area 4 Course
TH ART 42 recommended
Semester 4
15 Units
Cal-GETC Area 6 Course 3 units
US HIST course recommended for CSU graduation requirement
See the full list: Cal-GETC Area 3B Course
Cal-GETC Area 4 Course 3 units
TH ART 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 28A, 31, and/or 32 recommended
List A
This course introduces the student to theories, techniques and practices of musical theatre performance. The class concentrates on preparing and performing scenes from musical theatre, culminating in a public performance. Attendance at theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
- Prerequisite: Pre-enrollment audition required.
This course includes rehearsals and performances of a theatrical production geared specifically for a younger audience. It explores acting skills through the application and development of progressive performance techniques. Emphasis is placed on cooperative blending of all theatre activities into a finished public performance. Students will rehearse and prepare material and learn about the processes of performing for the live theatre. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
- Prerequisite: Pre-enrollment audition required
- Corequisite: TH ART 51
This course is intended for students interested in actual training and experience, either in the various backstage areas of technical support or by being involved as a member of a production crew for a Santa Monica College Theatre Arts Dept. production.
This course is intended for students interested in actual training and experience, either in the various backstage areas of technical support or by being involved as a member of a production crew for a Santa Monica College Theatre Arts Department production. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
This course is intended for students interested in actual training and experience, either in the various backstage areas of technical support or by being involved as a member of a production crew for a Santa Monica College Theatre Arts Department production. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
This course introduces the student to theories, techniques and practices of musical theatre performance. The class concentrates on preparing and performing scenes from musical theatre, culminating in a public performance. Attendance at theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
- Prerequisite: Pre-enrollment audition required.
This course includes rehearsals and performances of a full-length theatrical production in the Main Stage. Emphasis is placed on cooperative blending of all theatrical activities into a finished public performance.
- Prerequisite: Pre-enrollment audition required
- Corequisite: TH ART 51
This course includes rehearsals and performances of a theatrical production geared specifically for a younger audience. It explores acting skills through the application and development of progressive performance techniques. Emphasis is placed on cooperative blending of all theatre activities into a finished public performance. Students will rehearse and prepare material and learn about the processes of performing for the live theatre. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
- Prerequisite: Pre-enrollment audition required
- Corequisite: TH ART 51
This course involves rehearsals and performances of a theatrical production designed for a smaller venue. Such a production includes, but is not limited to any of the following: Non-traditional themes, newer or lesser-known playwrights, student or faculty-written works, multi-cultural works and multiple theatrical genres. The course applies advanced acting skills in the selected genre to the development and performance of a production. Emphasis is placed on cooperative blending of all theatre activities into a finished public performance. Students rehearse and learn about the processes of performing for the live theatre. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
- Prerequisite: Pre-enrollment audition required
- Corequisite: TH ART 51
List B
This course introduces the student to theories, techniques and practices of musical theatre performance. The class concentrates on preparing and performing scenes from musical theatre, culminating in a public performance. Attendance at theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
- Prerequisite: Pre-enrollment audition required.
This course includes rehearsals and performances of a theatrical production geared specifically for a younger audience. It explores acting skills through the application and development of progressive performance techniques. Emphasis is placed on cooperative blending of all theatre activities into a finished public performance. Students will rehearse and prepare material and learn about the processes of performing for the live theatre. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
- Prerequisite: Pre-enrollment audition required
- Corequisite: TH ART 51
This course covers the construction, painting and rigging of stage scenery, properties and effects. It includes the use of construction tools, shop safety and procedures, and an introduction to scenic design. Attendance of theater productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
This course introduces the student to the theory and practice of modern stage lighting. The properties and control of light are covered, including electricity, color, instrumentation and design. Attendance of theater productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
Costume construction theory and practice are the essential elements in this course, including a survey of the history of costume. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
This course provides continued and intensive development of acting skills. Focus on realistic acting techniques, rehearsal skills, character building, scene study and performance, and play analysis.
- Skills Advisory: TH ART 41
This course introduces the student to theories, techniques and practices of musical theatre performance. The class concentrates on preparing and performing scenes from musical theatre, culminating in a public performance. Attendance at theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
- Prerequisite: Pre-enrollment audition required.
This course includes rehearsals and performances of a full-length theatrical production in the Main Stage. Emphasis is placed on cooperative blending of all theatrical activities into a finished public performance.
- Prerequisite: Pre-enrollment audition required
- Corequisite: TH ART 51
This course includes rehearsals and performances of a theatrical production geared specifically for a younger audience. It explores acting skills through the application and development of progressive performance techniques. Emphasis is placed on cooperative blending of all theatre activities into a finished public performance. Students will rehearse and prepare material and learn about the processes of performing for the live theatre. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
- Prerequisite: Pre-enrollment audition required
- Corequisite: TH ART 51
This course involves rehearsals and performances of a theatrical production designed for a smaller venue. Such a production includes, but is not limited to any of the following: Non-traditional themes, newer or lesser-known playwrights, student or faculty-written works, multi-cultural works and multiple theatrical genres. The course applies advanced acting skills in the selected genre to the development and performance of a production. Emphasis is placed on cooperative blending of all theatre activities into a finished public performance. Students rehearse and learn about the processes of performing for the live theatre. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
- Prerequisite: Pre-enrollment audition required
- Corequisite: TH ART 51