The theatre arts scene in Riverside, California is thriving, and students and graduates are being rewarded for their hard work and commitment. Christian McCleary won the Best Actor award at The Cappies, while Daisy Kopenhefer won the award for best female dramatic actress at the JRays. The department also won the Dramatic Musical of the Year award at the JRays. At the Macy Awards ceremony held on May 14th at the Cerritos Performing Arts Center, Christian McCleary and Natalia Vassilian were awarded Best Actor and Best Actress respectively.
As a result of their success, they will be attending the Jimmy Awards in New York next week. Theatre arts students in Riverside have a wide range of courses to choose from, such as Introduction to Theatre (THETR 100), Storytelling (THTR 123), Foundations of Acting (THETR 160), Theatre Production Workshop (THETR 190), Rehearsal and Performance 1-4 (THETR 131-136). These courses are designed to prepare students for creative work in live theater and musical productions, as well as to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. In addition to courses offered at local schools, Riverside County high school art students are invited to participate in a Fine Art exhibition by creating and presenting a work of visual art in response to the theme If I Ran The World.
Furthermore, students can obtain degrees in mass or electronic communication to work in audio and video production, radio and television, cable television and media departments of companies and government agencies. The Associate in Theater Arts degree for Transfer is intended for those who plan to complete a degree in Theater Arts on a CSU campus. At the end of this degree program, students will understand and be able to demonstrate fundamental processes of interpretation and technical production for the theatrical arts, demonstrate knowledge of historical and cultural dimensions of theater, understand the interaction between script, actor and audience, as well as understand areas of scenography, lighting, sound and costumes. Riverside offers many opportunities for theatre arts students to excel. From awards such as The Cappies and JRays to courses that prepare them for creative work in live theater and musical productions, there is something for everyone.
With an Associate in Theater Arts degree for Transfer, students can gain the skills they need to pursue their dreams.
