Welcome to The Technical Theatre Program
Just the Facts
Entry: Fall or Spring
Length: 4 semesters
Award: Associate of Arts
Admission Requirements
Admission to the college is granted to all individuals who are high school graduates or the equivalent. We encourage you to review our Getting Started Checklist for specific requirements for admission.
Program Information
The Technical Theatre program prepares students for entry-level technical positions in the entertainment industry. These may include, but are not limited to, stage rigging, stage building, sound engineering, lighting, costume building, makeup design, and scene painting.
Students gain practical experience on all department productions and 
serving as assistants on professional shows traveling through the IWCC Arts Center.
Graduates of this two-year program are awarded an Associate of Arts degree. Associate of Arts degree requirements may be found in the IWCC catalog.
The Theatre program also prepares students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities in order to pursue undergraduate majors in theatre, speech or related fields of education.
Program Philosophy
The theatre department strives to instill a profound appreciation of the arts, and to provide practical experience for students to enhance their career paths upon graduation. Our graduates will be self-directed learners who will pursue challenges with an open mind, a creative spirit, and a love for exploring their own theatrical passions.
Course Sequence
For recommended course sequence, please refer to the program guide or the IWCC catalog. Theatre course descriptions may also be found in the catalog.
Articulation/Transfer Opportunities
Iowa Western Community College has articulation agreements with various four-year schools, local and state.
Facilities
The theatre department is housed in the Arts Center on the campus of Iowa Western. Breathtaking views and a pleasant environment surround this beautiful state-of-the-art facility, which was constructed in 2001.
The facility includes:
- An acoustically excellent performance theatre with a 45' wide proscenium opening, seating 667, including two balconies
- A 45'x45' black box space, featuring the flexibility of staging and seating unique to each production
- Three air-wall joined dressing rooms
- One multi-use dressing room
- Make-up room with full facilities
- Green Room
- Scene Shop
- Costume Shop
- Costume/Prop storage areas
Classrooms at Iowa Western have the latest technologies for faculty to deliver quality instruction. Iowa Western's spacious classroom and laboratory facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and technology.
Our wireless network also allows students to access the internet from virtually anywhere on campus.
Scholarship Information
Scholarships are available for Technical Theatre majors. Scholarship applicants must complete the Scholarship Application for Department of Theatre AND set up an audition or interview with the Program Chair.
Iowa Western Community College has many other scholarship opportunities available for new and continuing students. We encourage you to take a moment to explore these options by visiting our Scholarship Page - the few minutes it takes to fill out the application may literally pay off.
American College Theatre Festival
Every year the college enters productions and attends the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival in January. The location of the festival varies each year.
For more information on the American College Theatre Festival click on the link below.
Current Productions
Our current productions provides a wide variety of entertainment and experience.
Audition Information
Auditions are open to the our theatre students and the community. If you are interested in auditioning for one of our productions, please contact the Program Chair.
Come See the Theatre Program for Yourself!
It is important to research the program you would like to study and school you would like to attend, but it is equally important that you experience both before making your selection. We encourage you to come experience Iowa Western for yourself by scheduling a visit or attending a program day.
American College Theatre Festival
Contact Information
Carl Dumicich, Instructor
Program Chair, Theatre Department
2700 College Road, Box 4-C
(712) 388-7146 or 1-800-432-5852, ext. 7146
Return to the Iowa Western Community College Academic Program Page