Theatre Arts Program
Students enrolled in Theatre Degrees gain self-confidence, creativity and teamwork skills through class projects and performances. Theatre encourages students to take risks, to focus and concentrate, and teaches the tremendous power of personal commitment to a project or play. Studying theatre at the college environment allows us to create and learn through a shared artistic experience, and the creation and performance of theatre is an important cultural and social link between Gavilan College and the South Valley Communities.
Open communication, collaboration, creativity, flexible thinking and personal integrity are core values of the Theatre Arts Program at Gavilan College.
Why Study Theatre?
Studying Theatre gives us greater insights into ourselves and the lives of others. It allows us to find our own inner identity, and allows us to change ourselves, using our own personal experiences to create new characters and experiences. Theatre teaches the skills of flexible thinking, focus, creativity, concentration, commitment and teamwork – valuable life skills students can apply to any aspect of their lives or careers.
Students completing the AAs or AA-T in Theatre Arts are prepared to transfer to four-year College programs in Theatre. Gavilan College Theatre Arts students have successfully transferred to and completed BA degrees in Theatre at San Jose State, Cal State Hayward, San Francisco State, several Private Universities such as BYU, and the University of California system including: U.C. Santa Cruz, U.C. Davis and U.C. Berkeley.
Please check out the Student Success Stories to see some of their accomplishments.
APPRENTICESHIPS IN TECHNICAL THEATRE AND BACKSTAGE CRAFT
Summer 2023
Technical Theatre and backstage craft are best learned when you participate firsthand in production. Gavilan Summer Apprenticeships in Technical Theatre allow students to learn the backstage craft by creating Disney’s The Little Mermaid Summer 2023. The production is a collaboration between Hilary Little & her company, Gavilan College Theatre Arts Program, and South Valley Broadway. Contributions from the Gilroy Foundation fund apprenticeships.
Apprenticeship stipends vary depending on the duties and time commitments of the positions. The Apprenticeship Coordinator, Design staff mentor, and Apprentice will set schedules.
Positions are available in the following categories: stage management, assistant stage manager (ASM), sound, lights, projections, sets & props, costume & wardrobe, and hair & makeup. Fill out application here.
Descriptions of Apprenticeships:
Stage Manager (May through August) $2,000. This position needs excellent organizational skills and the ability to communicate well with others. Oversees rehearsals take blocking notes in rehearsals, keeps notes from production meetings, and helps to coordinate communication between all production and design staff. We will have assistant Stage Managers 1-2. Experience necessary in stage management. (One position)
Assistant Stage Manager (June through August) $1,500. Focused on lights or sound, this position will support the Stage Manager and the production in rehearsals and performances. ASMs will help develop the technical aspects of the production as well as run the performances. Backstage or technical theater experience is needed. (Two positions)
Projections/Performance Tech (June through August) $1,500. Helps develop rear projections and integrate them into the backstage design of The Little Mermaid. Apprentice applicants will need advanced computer & design skills. (One position)
Sets & Properties (June through August) $1,250. Helps construct set/prop pieces for The Little Mermaid. Technical Theatre classes or backstage experience necessary. (One position)
Costume & Wardrobe (June through August) $1,250. Helps alter and fit costumes from rentals. Fit Gavilan Students from Gavilan stock/create costumes as needed. Sewing experience is needed. Design or Technical Theatre classes are preferred. Organizational skills are a plus. (Two positions)
Hair & Makeup (Mid-July through August) $500. Implements designs in hair and make-up. Helps create and repeat “looks” for different characters in the production. Some experience is necessary. (Two positions)
Application Process:
- Fill out the 3-page Application for Apprenticeship (includes your one-page essay)
2. Secure a recommendation from a teacher or former Director (Click Here for Form)
3. Interview (if needed) with Cherise Mantia, Summer Apprenticeship Coordinator, Gavilan Theatre Arts Department
Scanned application packets are due April 14, 2023, at 11:59 pm. Interviews will be conducted in mid-April as needed.
A selection committee will review the applications and recommend the list of selected applicants to the Program Director. Awarded apprenticeships will be notified in early May.
Email completed application packets to:
Cherise Mantia
Summer Apprenticeship Coordinator Gavilan College Theatre Arts Department
cmantia@gavilan.edu