Technical
Technical Theatre Training
Pacific Conservatory Theatre’s two year Technical Theatre program encompasses all areas of technical theatre. The training models professional standards and practices through a master/apprentice approach. Students participate through invitation and advance based on demonstrated growth of skills and professionalism
PCPA's Resident Company is comprised of highly talented professional designers, technicians, directors, and actors who have a dedication to producing quality professional theatre and a deep seated passion to teach.
Click the faculty heading for a list of instructors and their bios.
Click the faculty heading for a list of instructors and their bios.
Pacific Conservatory Theatre’s two year Technical Theatre training program offers intensive, vocational technical theatre training while participating in a Professional Theatre company. Based on industry models, the program guides the technical student from their discovery of concepts through professional level validation. Each student’s journey is uniquely tailored to meet the individual student’s desired focus, level of training, and educational need. Students train in lights, sound, props, paints, set construction, costumes, stage management, and more. Introductory and advanced study in theory and practice is designed to prepare the student for a career in the technical crafts of the entertainment industry. Students spend, on average, seven to ten hours per day in direct contact with working professionals. Self-marketing is an integral part of the program; students are instructed in the basics of cover letter, resume and portfolio preparation and presentation. During the second year students attend the USITT conference and interview with several professional companies. Our students have been highly sought after by companies like the Disney Corporation, Cirque du Soleil, ZFX, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Utah Shakespeare Festival, New Jersey Shakespeare Festival, The Williamstown Theatre Festival, Santa Fe Opera as well as schools like Cal State Fullerton, Penn State University, Boston University, University of Memphis, Southern Oregon University, and more.
Technical Theatre Training Program
Admission to the Conservatory is by application and interview.
We will begin accepting applications on October 1. We recommend applicants use the Acceptd platform to submit their application material.
- a link will be available by October 1
However, if Acceptd does not work for you, please email sice@pcpa.org for other options.
We ask that applicants submit their application by March 1, however, we will accept applications after that date. Early acceptance is possible for those that submit their application by December 1.
Advancement in the Conservatory is based on merit – maintenance of acceptable grade standards, demonstrated professionalism, and continued growth. Students are expected to adhere to the standards and best practices of the profession.
Students applying for our two year Technical Theatre Conservatory need to provide:
• An application.
• Resume detailing education/training, theatre experience and/or special skills.
• Two letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, or directors. (not family)
• Your most recent school transcripts.
• Mission Statement: a two-page (minimum), typed
• Once you submit your application, you will be contacted to set up an interview. You may interview in person or via telephone or video call.
You need to have a high school diploma or be at least 18 years of age to attend the conservatory. Students who have not graduated from high school may be admitted to the program if they are 18 years of age and demonstrate in the interview that they are able to benefit from the PCPA program.
We will begin accepting applications on October 1. We recommend applicants use the Acceptd platform to submit their application material.
- a link will be available by October 1
However, if Acceptd does not work for you, please email sice@pcpa.org for other options.
We ask that applicants submit their application by March 1, however, we will accept applications after that date. Early acceptance is possible for those that submit their application by December 1.
Advancement in the Conservatory is based on merit – maintenance of acceptable grade standards, demonstrated professionalism, and continued growth. Students are expected to adhere to the standards and best practices of the profession.
Students applying for our two year Technical Theatre Conservatory need to provide:
• An application.
• Resume detailing education/training, theatre experience and/or special skills.
• Two letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, or directors. (not family)
• Your most recent school transcripts.
• Mission Statement: a two-page (minimum), typed
- "Mission Statement" in which you discuss your educational, professional, and personal goals and why PCPA can benefit you.
• Once you submit your application, you will be contacted to set up an interview. You may interview in person or via telephone or video call.
You need to have a high school diploma or be at least 18 years of age to attend the conservatory. Students who have not graduated from high school may be admitted to the program if they are 18 years of age and demonstrate in the interview that they are able to benefit from the PCPA program.
• Pacific Conservatory Theatre is a very rigorous program. Technicians are in the shops, labs, classes, and performance 6 days a week 9:00 am to 10:30 pm. The conservatory requires full time commitment.
• You will not have time for an outside job
• We are all theatre all the time. We do not offer general education classes.
• Pacific Conservatory Theatre is a vocational program. We do not offer an associates or a bachelor’s degree.
• Pacific Conservatory Theatre's goal is to make sure you are ready to enter the professional world after graduation.
• Pacific Conservatory Theatre can be part of a four year path to a Bachelor’s degree. We have relationships with several Colleges and Universities that allow our graduates to start as Juniors if accepted into their program.
• You will need to cover all of your living expenses. PCPA can help you find housing and roommates, however, it is your responsibility to secure and pay for housing.
For more information please email sice@pcpa.org
PCPA values excellence and professionalism in all aspects of its company and public life. Integral to this position is the demonstration of practical initiative; respectful, courteous and cooperative relationships; affirmative, efficient and ethical working practices. Successful PCPA students derive deep personal fulfillment from the exemplary completion of their work, and in the flexibility required to respond to emergent challenges and opportunities, in accomplishment of the evolving work of the theatre and its training programs. PCPA expects a strong commitment to the mission of the theatre in service to task, colleague, company and community.
• You will not have time for an outside job
• We are all theatre all the time. We do not offer general education classes.
• Pacific Conservatory Theatre is a vocational program. We do not offer an associates or a bachelor’s degree.
• Pacific Conservatory Theatre's goal is to make sure you are ready to enter the professional world after graduation.
• Pacific Conservatory Theatre can be part of a four year path to a Bachelor’s degree. We have relationships with several Colleges and Universities that allow our graduates to start as Juniors if accepted into their program.
• You will need to cover all of your living expenses. PCPA can help you find housing and roommates, however, it is your responsibility to secure and pay for housing.
For more information please email sice@pcpa.org
PCPA values excellence and professionalism in all aspects of its company and public life. Integral to this position is the demonstration of practical initiative; respectful, courteous and cooperative relationships; affirmative, efficient and ethical working practices. Successful PCPA students derive deep personal fulfillment from the exemplary completion of their work, and in the flexibility required to respond to emergent challenges and opportunities, in accomplishment of the evolving work of the theatre and its training programs. PCPA expects a strong commitment to the mission of the theatre in service to task, colleague, company and community.
Pacific Conservatory Theatre's Professional Acting and Technical Theatre programs are fully accredited career and technical education (CTE) programs of Allan Hancock College.
This two-year, state-supported Conservatory is part of the California Community College system; therefore, the cost of attending PCPA’s Pacific Conservatory Theatre is lower than that of other theatre training programs.
California state residents pay a $46.00 per unit registration fee each semester.
PCPA Acting students typically register for 16 to 18 units per semester.
PCPA Technical Theatre students typically register for 16 units per semester.
To qualify as a California State resident, students must have physically resided in the state of California for one year prior to the first day of classes and must be able to demonstrate the intent to make California their home.
Enrollment fees for out-of-state residents are significantly higher (see below).
Additional fees and expenses include parking permits, books, and class supplies totaling approximately $400-$600.
Enrollment Fees
Resident Tuition - $46.00 per unit
Non-Resident Tuition for international students and out of state students - $264.00 per unit tuition fee, plus $46 per unit enrollment fee (total $310 per unit).
Health Fees
$21.00 Fall & Spring Semesters
Student Center Fee
$10.00 per academic year
For more detailed information regarding the cost to attend, the refund policy, and possible exceptions, please see the Allan Hancock College webpage.
This two-year, state-supported Conservatory is part of the California Community College system; therefore, the cost of attending PCPA’s Pacific Conservatory Theatre is lower than that of other theatre training programs.
California state residents pay a $46.00 per unit registration fee each semester.
PCPA Acting students typically register for 16 to 18 units per semester.
PCPA Technical Theatre students typically register for 16 units per semester.
To qualify as a California State resident, students must have physically resided in the state of California for one year prior to the first day of classes and must be able to demonstrate the intent to make California their home.
Enrollment fees for out-of-state residents are significantly higher (see below).
Additional fees and expenses include parking permits, books, and class supplies totaling approximately $400-$600.
Enrollment Fees
Resident Tuition - $46.00 per unit
Non-Resident Tuition for international students and out of state students - $264.00 per unit tuition fee, plus $46 per unit enrollment fee (total $310 per unit).
Health Fees
$21.00 Fall & Spring Semesters
Student Center Fee
$10.00 per academic year
For more detailed information regarding the cost to attend, the refund policy, and possible exceptions, please see the Allan Hancock College webpage.
Financial aid is available through Allan Hancock College.
If you would like to apply please contact (805) 922-6966 x3200
or email finaid@hancockcollege.edu
If you would like to apply please contact (805) 922-6966 x3200
or email finaid@hancockcollege.edu
Business Office
805 928-7731
pcpa@pcpa.org
805 928-7731
pcpa@pcpa.org
Box Office
805 922-8313
boxoffice@pcpa.org
805 922-8313
boxoffice@pcpa.org
