Theatre Arts Program
Associate in Arts Degree
Program Description
Step into the transformative world of live performance with our Theatre Arts program, designed to spark creativity on stage and behind the scenes. Whether your passion is acting, directing, design, or technical theatre, the program blends theory with hands-on training, collaborative productions, and coursework that prepares you for professional careers or advanced study.
Students train in real theatre environments, participating in Massasoit productions that range from contemporary plays and musicals to classical works. This direct, practical engagement builds confidence and industry-ready skills across every aspect of performance and production.
Massasoit also sets itself apart with professional development opportunities that connect students to the evolving field of theatre. Workshops, job-shadow placements, and mentorship pair students with professionals who guide them through the creative and technical process. Cross-disciplinary projects with the Media Arts program further expand skills into broadcasting, digital production, and performance for the screen.
Whether you’re pursuing theatre as part of a liberal arts education or preparing for transfer to a competitive four-year program, Massasoit’s Theatre Arts program equips you with the foundation, versatility, and artistic courage to thrive in today’s performing arts landscape.
The Associate of Arts Theatre Arts Degree Program will:
• Provide faculty who are experienced professionals dedicated to meeting the needs of community college students by creating a supportive environment necessary for learning.
• Provide lecture based and experiential learning, focusing on current industry methods and technology.
• Provide various elective options to explore Music, Dance, Musical Theatre, and Media Arts, as they relate to Theatre Arts.
• Foster an attitude of self-improvement, responsibility, and professionalism in the graduate, and to nurture life-long learning as a core value.
Student Learning Outcomes:
• Learn the vocabulary of artistic expression and competency in the theatrical knowledge applicable to performance and technical skills.
• Understand, analyze, and explain the relationship among world cultures as they relate to theatrical study.
• Apply knowledge in the theory and practice of both performative and technical theatre professional processes.
• Demonstrate proficiency in text analysis, critical thinking, oral communication, writing skills.
• Write critically about both primary and secondary texts, research, and viewing of productions.
• Assess the interdisciplinary nature and components of the theatre performance and design.
• Inhabit the ability to work creatively, collaboratively and cooperatively, in diverse teams.
Every graduate will be able to:
• Acquire an associate degree education equivalent to the first two years of a baccalaureate degree program.
• Acquire academic skills necessary for successful transfer to a senior institution which include a strong foundation in the theatre arts.
• Apply skills needed for entry-level positions in theatre and/or advanced study beyond the Associates Degree.
• Transfer to state-supported schools in Massachusetts through the Mass Transfer Program.
Massasoit produces and promotes a performance series throughout the year for the college and community that encompasses contemporary and classical music, dance and theatre. The Massasoit Theatre Company, a community theatre sponsored by the college, also produces a season of plays and musicals.
Activities associated with Theatre Arts include an extracurricular job shadow and training program that gives students the opportunity to work directly with theatre professionals and learn various technical theatre skills. Each student in the program is paired with a mentor who guides them through the technical theatre process from start to finish.
| Academic Map | Course Outcomes | Syllabi | Advisory Committee |
|---|---|---|---|
| View Academic Map | View Course Outcomes |
Buckley Performing Arts Center
The Buckley Performing Arts Center, named for Senator Anna Buckley, who was instrumental in siting a community college in the City of Brockton, is the theatrical hub of the bustling Fine Arts Building. A resource for the college and the surrounding community, the Fine Arts Building is home to two modern theaters, a state-of-the-art television studio, a radio studio, a painting studio, the Media Center and the college Children’s Daycare Center, not to mention classrooms and staff offices.Massasoit produces and promotes a performance series throughout the year for the college and community that encompasses contemporary and classical music, dance and theatre. The Massasoit Theatre Company, a community theatre sponsored by the college produces a season of plays and musicals, and is home to the Massasoit Student Ensemble.
Massasoit Ensembles
The Massasoit Student Ensemble produces two productions a year, providing opportunities for performance and technical training. It also includes an extracurricular job shadow and training program that gives students the opportunity to work directly with theatre professionals and learn various technical theatre skills. Each student in the program is paired with a mentor who guides them through the technical theatre process from start to finish.
Practical Theatre Ensemble (P.T.E.) is an academic program where we get to combine the theatrical skills we are learning in class, with the practical application of a rehearsal process. Truly an ensemble, we collaborate on a script, exploring acting, design, marketing, and stage management, culminating in a showcase of our work to invited guests.
Clubs
Performix is a Performing Arts Club for students who want to become more involved in exploring arts opportunities and participating in activities to further their performance skill set.
Radio Club is a student run organization supporting the Radio Massasoit internet radio station. Its purpose is to provide broadcasting opportunities to students and train them in the operation of a radio station.
Media Axis Club is for students involved in the television side of the media club. They can expect to get immediate quality hands-on training in television production. The media club provides a stepping-stone to those who are considering a career in any aspect of media communications.