The employment outlook for actors, directors, designers, technicians, and producers is expected to grow faster than average through 2010, according to the U.S. Labor Department. Cable television, home movie rentals, and television syndication will fuel a growing demand for productions. Opportunities in live theatre continue to grow, as well, throughout the country.

The Theatre Arts degree program at Finger Lakes Community College prepares you to become a skilled individual with production, acting, and communication experience.

The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Theatre Arts is designed for students who wish to transfer to four-year colleges and universities for theatre arts and related fields. The comprehensive program includes course work in acting, directing, production, voice, writing, theatre history and literature, design, set construction and painting, stage lighting, costuming, makeup, mime, and television production.

In addition, the College offers honors courses that provide enhanced educational experiences for students who have demonstrated outstanding academic ability. Enrollment in honors courses is open to qualified students enrolled in this degree program, as well as all other qualified FLCC students. Successful completion of honors courses or an Honors Certificate may increase student transfer options to four-year institutions.

The Lively Arts Council Theatre Arts Scholarship is awarded to a freshmen Theatre Arts student. Other scholarships are available to returning and graduating students. For details, contact a member of the Theatre Arts faculty or the Financial Aid Office.

Our students participate in a variety of productions throughout their two years at Finger Lakes-two main stage plays each year, Children's Theatre Tour, Spring Arts Festival, one-act plays, and acting scenes.

Internships are available at Bristol Valley Playhouse in Naples, the Downstairs Cabaret Theatre in Rochester, and others.

Field trips to a variety of locations are planned throughout the year. Past trips have included the Geva Theatre and Community Theatres, Rochester; Stratford and Shaw Festivals, Canada; Broadway Theatres, NBC and CNN Studios and Time Warner Communications, New York City; and ESPN Studios, Bristol, Connecticut

Graduates of the program have pursued baccalaureate degrees at SUNY Colleges at New Paltz, Fredonia, Brockport, Oswego, Purchase and Geneseo, Nazareth College of Rochester, Carnegie-Mellon University, SUNY University at Buffalo, Niagara University, American Musical and Dramatic Academy, and the University of Cincinnati.*

Graduates of the Theatre Arts degree program can pursue a variety of careers including positions such as actor, director, stage manager, technician, production assistant, scene, lighting, costume and sound designers, company manager, properties manager, makeup artist, theatrical agent, theatre teacher, drama coach, theatre critic, voice-over speaker, screenwriter/scriptwriter, model, public relations professional, business manager, communication skills consultant for businesses, youth groups and schools, and elementary education teacher.

* This is a sampling of some of the four-year colleges and universities to which our students have transferred. Please consult your advisor or the Center for Advisement and Personal Development for a complete listing of transfer agreements between Finger Lakes Community College and four-year institutions.