Costume Technology
Degree/Certificate Program
The Costume Program at Orange Coast College was developed by the theater and fashion departments in response to the need by the entertainment industry for well qualified employees in the area of costume dresser, costume stitcher, costume cutter/draper and assistant costume designer.
The program was developed in partnership with advisory committee members from theme parks, theatres, video production companies, and many other entertainment businesses to train students for entry-level employment in the Entertainment Industry.
The four-certificate/degree programs represent skill levels and job titles found in the Fashion and Entertainment Technology industry. The certificates build skills toward higher levels of employment or education.
Costume Dresser Certificate
This course of study provides the student with the practical knowledge and experience necessary to work backstage preparing, changing and maintaining costumes before and during performances. Students are trained in basic costuming techniques, as well as basic theatrical production practices.
Costume Stitcher Certificate
The courses in this program provide training in the specialized sewing techniques and other skills required to build a wide variety of costumes used in theater and other performance arts. Students also receive training in basic theatrical production practices.
Costume Cutter/Draper Certificate
The courses in this certificate program train students to create patterns for costumes by flat-pattern and draping methods, and to cut out and assemble costumes for the performance arts. Students also receive training in basic theatrical production practices.
Assistant/Costume Designer (A.A. Degree)
This certificate/degree requires a high-level of responsibility to assist the designer in work such as costuming for film, TV, theme park entertainment, or theater. The Assistant Costume Designer should be able to utilize the skills acquired in the Cutter/Draper and Stitcher certificates, be able to illustrate fashion, and have design skills.
Course Information
Required courses for the Costume certificate/degree program and course descriptions can be found in the current OCC catalog. Program requirements and course titles are subject to change without notice.
For Additional Information
Contact Christina Amaral, Fashion Program Coordinator at 713-432-5841 or Cynthia Corley in the Theatre Arts Department at 714-432-5640, extension 3 .
Entertainment Technology
Career/Degree Certificate Program
Orange Coast College is "home to what easily is one of Orange County’s most serious and successful college theater units."
– Robert Koehler, Los Angeles Times’
Because of its location near the heart of Southern California’s entertainment industry, Orange Coast College is uniquely situated to provide training in several branches of Entertainment Technology. We’re close to many major theme parks, theaters and other venues that require skilled technicians.
OCC offers eight individual Entertainment Technology certificates of achievement...all interdisciplinary in nature. Students are given intensive training as part of OCC’s Theatre Arts Program, and also through courses provided by other departments. Our costume students receive training through the college’s Fashion Program in conjunction with Theatre Arts classes.
OCC’s Entertainment Technology Program is designed to give students two years of extensive theory and technical experience and training in the basic skills required for entry-level employment in this exciting and competitive field.
Our Appoach
Orange Coast College’s Entertainment Technology curriculum was developed–and is reviewed on a regular basis–by industry representatives and educators to ensure that courses accurately reflect current industry standards and requirements. OCC works in partnership with local theme parks, theaters and other entertainment businesses to offer internships as part of its "hands-on" training philosophy.
Our Theatre Arts Department maintains a production-oriented approach to creating theater–coupled with excellent classroom instruction provided by industry professionals. We encourage students to take a "cross-training" approach to their studies. We want them to explore multiple areas of expertise, and to consider the many technology-based career fields in the entertainment industry.
OCC’S Entertainment Technology Certificates
| Lighting Technician (Certificate of Achievement or Associate Degree) |
| This program is intended to give a fundamental understanding of electronics and wiring in conjunction with practical and theoretical knowledge of lighting equipment and the processes used in show production. |
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| Audio Technician (Certificate of Achievement or Associate Degree) |
| This program is intended to give a fundamental understanding of electronics and wiring in conjunction with the practical and theoretical knowledge of audio equipment and the processes used in show production. |
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| Scene Artist (Certificate of Achievement or Associate Degree) |
| This program is designed to give students a concentrated background in the art techniques and theatrical theory and production practices required to recreate a scenic designer's artwork on a large scale for theatre, theme parks, or other entertainment uses. |
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| Scene Carpenter (Certificate of Achievement or Associate Degree) |
| The courses in this program provide training in the basic skills required to build the wide variety of scenic elements used in the entertainment industry, as well as training in the theory and practice of theatrical production. |
Orange Coast College is Number One!
Orange Coast College ranks number one in Southern California in the number of students it transfers to four-year universities...and, we’re home to one of the nation’s finest community college theater departments! OCC’s Theatre Department produces more than 50 productions annually on its three stages.
Our students have gone on to attend such prestigious schools and conservatories as UCLA, USC, NYU, Yale School of Drama, Julliard, Circle in the Square, and ACT. Our graduates work in film, television and theater across the nation, and have founded several successful theater companies.
The Repertory Theatre Company is OCC’s critically acclaimed student-run production company. "The Rep" gives students invaluable hands-on experience managing all aspects of theater production. Each season, The Rep produces a wide assortment of exciting, cutting-edge original and published plays.
Course Information
Required courses for Entertainment Technology specialties may include "Introduction to Theatre," "Play Production," "Stagecraft Lab," "Stage Scenery," "Stage Lighting," "Costume Crafts," "Recording Techniques Workshop," "Performing Arts Management" and "OCC Repertory Theatre."
Program requirements and course titles are subject to change without notice. Students should consult the current OCC catalog for specific course information.
For Additional Information
Contact Cynthia Corley in the Theatre Arts Department at (714) 432-5640, extension 3