Fine Arts - Theatre Arts & Musical Theatre

Break the fourth wall to discover every aspect behind comedy, drama, and musical theatre!

The joys and sorrows that are felt by watching musicals and plays are just the beginning of your exciting journey into these profoundly moving crafts. If you have ever wanted to be on stage or behind the scenes bringing stories to life, this is your chance for a hands-on learning experience where you will be expected to delve into the many details of what brings a production to life.

Getting an Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) degree in Theatre or Musical Theatre at WNCC will give you a strong foundation in theatrical theory and history, as well as provide you in-depth, practical experiences for a hands-on approach to learning these multifaceted crafts. Located on our Scottsbluff Campus, both Theatre and Musical Theatre AFA degrees require your participation in interactive learning. Depending on your major, you will take courses on stage makeup, tap dancing, script analysis, jazz, and much more, so whether you pursue a career directly after graduating from WNCC or continue on to receive a bachelor’s degree, you are positively prepared for any role you set out to take!

WNCC Productions
We present several dramatic productions each year. All students are invited to participate both onstage and behind the scenes. If you participate in an all-college play, you can either receive one academic credit or enjoy it as a noncredit activity. Check out the Performing & Visual Arts page for a complete schedule!

Collegiate Chorale
Collegiate Chorale is the premier concert choir of WNCC. Past performances include several at New York’s famed Carnegie Hall and the 2007 Nebraska Governor’s Inaugural Ball. No auditions required. Every singer is welcomed!

Varsity Vocalise
Varsity Vocalise is a highly-selective touring ensemble where membership is by audition and enrollment in the Collegiate Chorale. Warm your vocal chords and take on the challenge for a spirited, outgoing tour.

WNCC Theatre Club
Stretch your self-confidence to new limits. We love theatre, and through our Theatre Club we dive into the nitty gritty behind the theatrical experience. From improvisational exercises to learning new acting techniques, we work to further hone the craft we love. And with that, we attempt to cultivate and inspire others in becoming more creatively expressive and self-assured both onstage and in life.

Award Types

Associate of Fine Arts | Theatre Arts
Associate of Fine Arts | Musical Theatre

About the Program

Program Objectives

Curriculum

Career Opportunities

Fine Arts - Theatre Arts (AFA)
The AFA Theatre program at WNCC will give you the practical and theoretical background you’ll need to transfer into a four-year college or university. Getting a degree in Theatre gives you the fundamental knowledge and innovative techniques being used by today’s theatre professionals.

Whether you are a performer or working behind the scenes, the potential career options in theatre are numerous. They include actor, stage manager, director, acting coach, producer, audience relations, playwright, drama instructor, artist’s agent, set designer, stage crew, and much more. While a majority of performances are in a theatre, productions can be creatively held in parks, art galleries, bars, cemeteries, as well as television and film sets, among others. Most careers in theatre can be transferred to film or television, broadening your opportunities.

Typically, theatrical rehearsals usually have a set schedule. Dress and technical rehearsal prior to a show starting can take several hours to an entire day. And, once a show is running, extra rehearsals can be called to work in understudies or revise a scene that isn’t working in the production. A career in theatre is ever-changing, constantly moving, and always in the moment.

Fine Arts - Musical Theatre (AFA)
WNCC’s AFA Musical Theatre degree will give you the technical and pragmatic learning experiences that are essential for transferring into a four-year bachelor’s program. A degree in this field gives you a discerning edge by gaining critical-thinking skills, interdisciplinary education, and innovative practices while meeting and working with like-minded students to prepare you for this competitive profession.

Musical Theatre offers exciting careers onstage and off. A few of these are actor, choreographer, stage manager, pianist, lighting designer, dancer, director, singer, set designer, and director of music. Breaking into the world of musical performance has many different pathways. Other supportive occupations include scenic carpentry, costume attendant, music instructor, production assistant, educator, agent, and front of house staff, among many others. Come share your passion for musical theatre at WNCC and we’ll help your future shine!

For more information on any of these career options, contact Career Pathways & Advising at pathways@wncc.edu .