Before my current position as the dance teacher for Johansen High School, I taught Dance and English at various high schools in the area. While going to school for English, I continued dancing with MJC, which helped me get a Dance supplement on my Credential. After going to MJC for two years, I transferred to Stanislaus State for another two, and then transferred to UC Davis for their Credential/Masters program. My BA and Credential are both in English and my Masters is in Education. Dance positions are rare so if you have any other career interests I would suggest pursuing them as well. For all students, I recommend to stay busy with classes. Always take at least 12 units to keep on track!
MJC prepared me completely as far as my education and dance training -- not to mention the money I saved by attending MJC for my first two years of study! Choosing dance as a career is not an easy path. There are ups and downs. It’s the ups the will keep you going. I currently perform in two different dance companies, SJDanceco and HH Dance Company. I was hired at SJDanceco through my audition for the BFA program at San Jose State, and was hired at HH Dance Company after being seen at a performance. In addition I attend San Jose State University and I am in the dance program working on my Bachelors in Fine Arts. In the field of dance you face every type of emotion and all kinds of experiences.
Marte Madera, MJC Alum
About the Theatre and Dance Programs
Prepare yourself for a creative job in the exciting world of live theatre and dance performance and production. MJC's theatre and arts program offers many opportunities to put your talents in front of the public.
The Theatre Program at MJC is designed to prepare students to work in
professional or semi-professional theatre situations or to transfer to four-year
colleges and universities to pursue additional drama classes that may include
preparation for teaching theatre. The program is designed to teach students the
techniques of acting, costuming, directing, playwrighting, lighting, makeup, oral
interpretation, stage design, and children's theatre. The Theatre program provides
students the opportunity to act in major productions.
Opportunities also exist for narrators, playwrights, costume designers, wardrobe workers, makeup and hair stylists, lighting or set designers, stage managers, and actors. Graduates find marketing and advertising positions, becoming publicists, booking agents, or sales representatives.
Skills Recognition Award: Design and Technical Theatre
Students who complete the requirements for the Skills Recognition Award in Design and Technical Theatre will be able to:
1. describe how theatre artists collaborate in order to create a theatrical production.
2. analyze a script in terms of themes, place, time period, style, plot, genre and mood as applied to scenery, costume and lighting planning and design.
3. demonstrate how to safely use common lighting instruments and accessories in the course of lighting a dance concert or play.
4. demonstrate the ability to draw a basic makeup design for a face.
5. demonstrate knowledge of stage and shop safety rules and safe working practices in an applied situation.
6. demonstrate the ability to organize the necessary paperwork and schedule to prepare and run rehearsals and performances.
Skills Recognition Award: Theatre Performance
Students who complete the requirements for the Skills Recognition Award in Theatre Performance will be able to:
1. solve memorization and other problems of scene preparation.
2. employ advanced acting techniques for character development, physical and vocal warm ups and performance preparation.
3. analyze a script verbally and/or in writing in terms of theme, character and motivational units.
4. demonstrate the ability to improve a performance after receiving a critique from a director.
5. properly cut and edit performance material from larger works.
Theatre A.A. Degree Program Outcomes
In addition to demonstrating the abilities listed as General Education Student Learning Outcomes, students who complete the Associate's Degree in Theatre will be able to:
1. demonstrate knowledge of theatre from a historical perspective.
2. demonstrate an understanding of time management, commitment, follow-through, and responsibility to achieve a common goal.
3. creatively analyze, critique, and interpret works of theatrical art.
4. demonstrate an understanding of and empathy for the racial, ethnic and cultural diversity of U.S. and world theatre.
5. express creativity in the artistic process.
MJC theatre student alumni include:
• Actor Jeremy Renner
