What You Will Learn
The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in Theatre Technology at CCM is a dynamic undergraduate program serving the growing field of technicians in the theatre industry. The program will provide you with an opportunity to learn, train, and design within the various technical areas of theatre under the construct of live theatre productions.
This curriculum at CCM provides you with an intensive program to ultimately feel confident in pursuing a career in applied theatrical technologies and services. As a graduate of the program you will gain competency in the areas of: Design and Construction, Sound Design and Audio Technology, Lighting Design and Theatrical Electrics and Effects, and Theatrical Production and Stage Operations.
Curriculum
The Theatre Technology program at CCM consists of 31 core credits, focusing on music recording, sound, lighting, and drawing and drafting, among other technical coursework. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to work on lighting design and live sound mixing for all concerts and instrumental recitals held on campus in the state-of-the-art Music Technology Center with Black Box Theater and the Dragonetti Auditorium.
Why Study Theatre Technology at CCM?
The Associate of Science (A.S.) in Theatre Technology at CCM is your backstage pass to a future filled with creative possibilities. Whether you want to step straight into the workforce or transfer to a four-year program, this well-crafted curriculum gives you the skills, experience, and confidence to make it happen. Designed to be technician-specific, the program immerses you in every facet of technical theatre, from lighting and sound to set design and stage operations.
You’ll learn from faculty with advanced degrees and real-world expertise in professional performance and technical production for voice, theatre, and dance—mentors who know what it takes to thrive in the industry and are ready to guide you every step of the way.
Your classroom? The state-of-the-art Music Technology Center and the newly renovated Dragonetti Auditorium—a 434-seat performing arts powerhouse outfitted with cutting-edge sound, lighting, and digital systems. You’ll also work in the intimate Black Box Theatre, seating up to 125, complete with an adjacent recording and sound studio featuring a Marley dance floor, mirrors, and a Steinway piano. Two professional-grade recording studios and a fully equipped design studio for scene creation and painting are also at your fingertips.
At CCM, you won’t just study theatre—you’ll live it. Each year, the college produces four major full-scale performances, numerous Black Box showcases, a Cabaret, and two electrifying dance concerts. You’ll gain hands-on experience designing lighting and mixing live sound for every concert and recital on campus—and even for outside clients who rent the auditorium.
Credit and non-credit internship experiences for students studying Theatre Technology are available at Hudson Scenic, PRG, Hayden Lighting, Reid Sound, SPL, Weiss, Rose Brand, Starlight, and Proof Productions, in addition to:
- Mayo Performing Arts Center – Morristown
- Dream Catcher Repertory Theatre – South Orange
- Bergen PAC – Englewood
- New Jersey Performing Arts Center – Newark
- Daress Theater – Boonton
- Paper Mill Playhouse – Millburn
- Brundage Playhouse – Randolph
- The Growing Stage – Netcong
- Newton Theatre – Newton
- Roy’s Hall – Blairstown
- Bickford Theater – Dover
- ShowFab – Fairfield
If you want a program that’s immersive, hands-on, and industry-connected, CCM’s Theatre Technology degree puts you center stage—right where you belong.
Where You Can Go
An Associate of Science degree in Theatre Technology will help you launch your career in any of the following fields:
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
- Lighting Technician
- Producer
- Set and Exhibit Designer
- Sound Engineer
- Stagehand
- Technical Director
- Theater Technician
- Video Technician
Salaries for Theatre Technology graduates are generous! Stagehands, Lighting and Video Technicians and Sound Engineers may start at a rate of $50/hour. Theater Technicians, Set and Exhibit Designers and Producers starting salary is $50,000 -$95,000.
As a graduate with an A.S. in Musical Theater from CCM you can benefit from New Jersey’s Statewide Transfer Agreement. This means that the general education requirements will be waived at New Jersey public colleges and universities, allowing you to transfer in with junior standing. In addition, many out-of-state institutions also accept CCM credits.
CCM Theatre Technology students frequently transfer to the following colleges and universities.
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Kean University
- Montclair University
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Ramapo College
- Rider University
- Rutgers University – New Brunswick
Job search support for CCM students is facilitated through our Office of Career and Transfer Services, where you can also learn how to build a resume, and receive the tools to help you with interviewing skills to succeed! To learn more, visit our Career Services page.
Paying for Your Theatre Technology Education
Earning an associate degree in Theatre Technology is a powerful investment that will pay off over the course of your life, in both increased earnings and job satisfaction. But what is the upfront cost, and how do you afford it?
There’s good news: Money is available to help you pay for school! Our Financial Aid staff can provide lots of information about the process of finding funds to help pay for your education.
Featured Courses
Intro to Technical Theatre
This course is an introduction to the world of technical theater. Whether brand new to theater or looking to strengthen your skills, this course will cover everything that goes on behind the scenes. Allowing students the opportunity to try everything that technical theater has to offer.
Intro to Lighting Design
Students that apply for this course will be given the full theater lighting experience. This hands-on course is designed to emulate the conditions of the theater lighting industry. From light plots, to scene design and even programming, students will engage with all aspects of theatrical lighting in a way that’s engaging and immersive.
Sound Reinforcement
This course introduces students to the set-up and use of equipment for live sound events ranging from musical performances to musical theater. Students learn first-hand about sound system set up and operation. Sound Reinforcement provides students a well-rounded and practical audio education that prepares them for professional work in the audio industry.
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