Performing Arts — Theatre: Transfer Associate

The Performing Arts — Theatre: Transfer Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in theatre arts, engaging them in both practical and theoretical aspects of the performing arts. This program aims to prepare students for seamless transfer to four-year universities and colleges, where they can further their studies in theatre and related disciplines. Throughout the coursework, students will develop core skills in acting, stage movement, voice, and diction, while also gaining an understanding of theatre history, dramatic literature, and production techniques. The program emphasizes hands-on experience through participating in college productions, workshops, and collaborative projects, fostering creativity, teamwork, and professional development. Students are encouraged to analyze theatrical texts critically, understand stagecraft and design, and explore contemporary issues in the performing arts. The coursework is designed to be flexible and comprehensive, covering various genres and styles of theatre, from classical to modern and experimental productions. In addition to the artistic training, the program also emphasizes important transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking, which are valuable in numerous career paths beyond performing arts. Graduates of the program will be well-prepared to transfer to university programs in theatre, drama, communications, or related fields, with a strong foundation to succeed academically and artistically. The faculty members involved in the program are experienced professionals dedicated to mentoring students and fostering their artistic growth and academic success. Participating in the Performing Arts — Theatre: Transfer Associate program ultimately aims to cultivate versatile, skilled theatre artists who can contribute to the cultural and artistic communities locally, regionally, and nationally.

General Education   
ENGL 101 English Composition I  3 
ENGL 102 English Composition II  3 
COMM 101 Effective Speaking  3 
Core A Elective  3 
Core B Elective*  3 
Core B Elective  3 
Core C Elective (Mathematics)  3 
Core C Elective (Science)  3 
Core C Elective (Math or Science)  3 
General Education Transfer Elective  3 
Physical Education & Wellness  1 

Major Requirements   
THTR 101 Introduction to Theater (Core A)  3 
THTR 110 Introduction to Acting   3 
THTR 111 Acting II  3 
THTR 120 Theatre Voice I  1 
THTR 121 Theatre Voice II  2 
THTR 130 Theatre Movement I  1 
THTR 131 Theatre Movement II  2 
THTR 142 Scenic Design  3 
THTR 143 Theatre Makeup  3 
THTR 144 Costuming for the Theatre  3 
THTR 210 Acting III  3 
ENGL 246 Shakespeare (or)  3 
  THTR 224 Modern American Theatre   (3) 
Transfer Elective  3 

This curriculum is designed to prepare the student to:

Distinguish and demonstrate the various roles and functions of Theater Arts professionals

Recognize the necessity for collaboration and artistic compromise

Execute the various tasks involved in creating the visual environment of a stage production

Write and speak effectively about the nature of the performing arts

Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship

Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC? 
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.

Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program. 

Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.

What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year. 

The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.

Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Apply to HACC

Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)

Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county

Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC

Participate in at least two HACC student organizations

The Performing Arts — Theatre: Transfer Associate program offered by Harrisburg Area Community College is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in theatre arts, whether as performers, directors, playwrights, or other theatre professionals. This program provides foundational coursework in acting, stagecraft, theatre history, and production techniques, enabling students to develop essential skills and knowledge in the performing arts. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical experience, preparing students for a seamless transfer to four-year institutions to complete a bachelor's degree in theatre or related fields.

Throughout the program, students engage in diverse courses such as acting techniques, voice and diction, movement for performers, stage design, lighting, sound, and costume construction. They also study theatre history and dramatic literature, fostering a comprehensive understanding of theatrical evolution across different periods and cultures. The program often includes opportunities for students to participate in campus theatre productions, providing real-world experience in performance, production management, and technical roles.

One of the key goals of this associate degree is to serve as a strong foundation for students aiming to transfer to the Harrisburg University or other reputable colleges and universities with theatre programs. The transfer process is supported by academic advisors who help ensure that credits earned align with the prerequisites of bachelor’s degree programs in performing arts. Many students leverage this transfer pathway to gain further training and specialization in areas such as acting, directing, stage management, or technical theatre at institutions with more extensive theatre departments.

Harrisburg Area Community College also emphasizes hands-on learning and collaboration, encouraging students to develop teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving skills essential for a successful career in theatre. The program may also provide access to internships, workshops, and industry events that connect students with theatre professionals and expand their professional networks.

Graduates of the Performing Arts — Theatre: Transfer Associate program can pursue a variety of career paths in theatre, including stage actor, director, stage manager, costume designer, set designer, or technical specialist. They are also well-prepared for further academic pursuit in theatre-related fields or arts administration. The program's comprehensive curriculum and transfer-oriented focus make it an excellent starting point for aspiring theatre professionals seeking to build a strong foundation and continue their education at a four-year university.