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Theatre Arts

About Theatre Arts

Independence Community College’s Theatre Arts program offers a dynamic and immersive educational experience that prepares students for success in the world of theatre and beyond. Through a two-year Associate of Arts Degree in Theatre, students gain hands-on training in acting, directing, technical theatre, and playwriting, all within a collaborative ensemble environment.

Housed in the Fine Arts Building, ICC’s Theatre Department provides a specialized system of instruction designed to develop each student’s creative voice while building transferable skills that support success in a wide range of professional paths.

Theatre Arts Degree Paths

Theatre – Associate of Arts (AA)

The Associate of Arts (AA) in Theatre provides a broad foundation in acting, voice, movement, directing, playwriting, and technical theatre, combined with general education courses. This degree is designed for students planning to transfer to four-year colleges to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA).

Theatre Performance – Associate of Fine Arts (AFA)

The Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) in Theatre Performance focuses intensively on acting and performance skills, preparing students for professional theatre or advanced study.

Theatre Tech – Associate of Fine Arts (AFA)

The Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) in Theatre Tech emphasizes technical theatre skills such as set design, lighting, sound, and stage management, ideal for students interested in behind-the-scenes careers.

 

Why ICC?

ICC stands out as the only college in Kansas that provides Theatre Arts students with direct access to more professional guest artists than any other institution in the state. Students at ICC become part of a close-knit ensemble where they learn, grow, and create together.

A cornerstone of the program is the nationally recognized William Inge Theatre Festival, held annually on campus. As the Official Theatre Festival of the State of Kansas, the festival celebrates the legacy of ICC alumnus William Inge, Pulitzer Prize and Academy Award-winning playwright, and brings together celebrated theatre professionals from across the country. ICC students gain rare, real-world experience by working directly alongside actors, directors, playwrights, and technicians in a professional setting.

From your first day to final curtain, ICC’s Theatre Arts program equips you with the training, mentorship, and connections to thrive on stage, behind the scenes, or in any creative career you pursue.

Students who graduate from the theatre program at ICC will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a systematic approach to creating a theatrical production.
  2. Engage productively in the collaborative process.
  3. Build intellectual and aesthetic understanding of the craft and technique of theatre arts.
  4. Explore the diversity of theatre and its intersection with community, culture and society.

Explore the Degree Map to see how you can complete your degree in just two years.

  • Actor
  • Director
  • Playwright
  • Producer
  • Stage Manager
  • Casting Director
  • Technical Director
  • Talent Agent
  • Artistic Director
  • Literary Manager
  • Company or Project Manager

Apply Now

Program Contact

Joel Williams
Director of Technical Theatre Production & Associate Professor of Theatre
jwilliams@indycc.edu
620-332-5461