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Perfect for individuals who have a passion for film or theatre, CCAC's programs support this thriving industry in Western Pennsylvania.

The Theatre program prepares students to transfer to a baccalaureate program at a four-year institution. Students will acquire a solid foundation of knowledge in theatre with an emphasis on performance or the technical aspects of the discipline.

Students will pursue a track in either Theatre - Acting, Theatre - Technical or Dance. The Theatre - Acting track will teach students how to analyze a script to create a character as well as apply appropriate vocal and physical techniques when performing. In the Theatre - Technical track, students will learn how to synthesize elements of design and drama in order to construct scenery appropriate for a production. Students in the Dance track will learn how to choreograph a dance with thematic development that illustrates the communicative potential of dance.

CCAC's Film Technician program is designed to address the shortage of qualified film crew members in the Pittsburgh region. The program focuses on the technical aspects of the filmmaking process and prepares students for a variety of exciting careers in the film and television industry. Students learn a range of hands-on skills and create their own films, shooting in campus facilities and public settings. Opportunities to visit or intern on movie locations and sound stages are an integral part of the training. Positions such as set builder, scenic artist, set dresser, grip, lighting technician, sound mixer and editor, video assistant, wardrobe stylist, and location scout are also introduced.

This growing program is housed at South Campus in a new state-of-the-art center that features a large film studio, a set production area, woodshop, sound room, computer lab, classroom, dressing room and equipment center. Every semester, the students present their final projects—a collection of short films, music videos, spec commercials, poster presentations and cinematography reels—to the college and wider community. Graduates may find entry- or mid-level employment as film and television production crew members. Students may also choose to transfer to an advanced degree program.

 

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Student Gallery

Film Technician, A.S. (128.1)

This program prepares graduates to work on film, television, concerts and sporting events as crew and/or transfer to an advanced degree program. Concepts such as film directing, screenwriting, camera operating, video assisting, production managing, set dressing, grip, lighting, sound mixing and editing, production assisting, costuming, set constructing, scenic painting, craft services, film accounting and location scouting are introduced. Students combine an understanding of the history, aesthetics and theory of cinema with the technical requirements of film production to produce thought-provoking work.

Theatre, A.S. (025.3)

Perfect for students who wish to earn a bachelor's degree in theatre, this program prepares the student for transfer to a four-year institution with a broad college background and skill and knowledge in theatre or for employment in the field of performance.

Film Technician, Certificate (126.2)

This certificate program prepares graduates to work on film, television, concerts and sporting events as crew. Concepts such as film directing, screenwriting, camera operating, video assisting, production managing, set dressing, grip, lighting, sound mixing and editing, production assisting, costuming, set constructing, scenic painting, craft services, film accounting and location scouting are introduced. Students combine an understanding of the history, aesthetics and theory of cinema with the technical requirements of film production to produce thought-provoking work.

Technical Theatre, Certificate (125.1)

The Technical Theatre program provides students with an overview of the technical aspects of theater including theatrical terminology, scenic design, stage lighting, set construction, stage rigging and draperies, sound systems, and safety precautions that need to be taken when using hand and power tools and working in a theatre, on a movie set or for a television studio.

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Dance Classes at CCAC

Interested in pursuing dance?

In the Theatre program, dance is one of the specialty tracks. There you will gain an understanding of dance as an art form, as well as explore various dance techniques to further your physical and kinesthetic abilities. Aesthetic analysis of a variety of dance styles will also provide you with an understanding of the communicative potential of dance.

Testimonial

"CCAC is all about new opportunities. Before I came here, I knew that I wanted to work in film, but I really didn't know much about the industry or how to turn my interest into a career. CCAC has given me the chance to discover what it means to be a filmmaker. Every day I am building relationships with individuals who share in my passion, and I'll carry these memories with me wherever the plot line takes me in the future."

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