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About the Program

Rock Valley College offers a variety of courses in theatre arts, covering both theoretical and practical aspects of the field. There are opportunities to learn from experienced professionals, which can be a valuable resource for their career development.
 
Students also have access to Starlight Theatre, which is a well-known venue that offers a variety of productions throughout the year. Having access to this venue could provide students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in theatre production, as well as exposure to different styles and genres of theatre.
 
Whether you want to major in theatre, meet a general education requirement, or pursue a passion, there is something for everyone at RVC theatre.

What can I do with this degree?

Potential Careers & Wages

While students can choose to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelors degree in theatre, some students use theatrical training for a launchpad to other career opportunities.

Program Pathways

Students should meet with an Academic Advisor to develop a clear pathway leading to a seamless transfer experience or transition to the workforce. For additional possibilities that may require an advanced degree or certification, make an appointment with an Academic Advisor.

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Declaration by Jonathan Dorff

Performances: October 23 at 1 pm, October 24 at 7 pm, Octover 25 at 4 and 7 pm (All performances are in the ERC PAR and they are free and open to the public).

Director: Jennifer Thompson

Stage Manager: TBD

Declaration explores the befores, durings and afters of a group of students whose school is yet another ground zero for a mass shooting. Through a series of connected scenes and monologues, they'll try to piece together what's happened in the frantic moments after, calm themselves with imaginings of what they'll have accomplished years from now--assuming they make it through the morning--and consider whether hiding in classrooms, closets and bathrooms was what our country's founders had in mind when they penned the Declaration of Independence's famous phrase about the right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

The Declaration Initiative was a group of nearly a dozen schools around the United States that partnered to produce Declaration either during the world premiere weekend or on the first anniversary of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. The playwright waived his royalties, and participants donated all proceeds to March For Our Lives, the movement to stop gun violence in schools founded by MSD survivors. 

While the play was written to take place in a high school, it can be and has been adapted for colleges. Therefore, these individuals are all college students. Each actor will portray several roles. There are 19 scenes or vignettes and 46 characters.

Auditions: 

  • Wednesday, September 10 from 5 - 7 pm in the ERC PAR
  • Thursday, September 11 from 6 -7 pm in the ERC PAR

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. No experience necessary. 

For more information, contact Jennifer Thompson

RVC's unique theatre, Startlight Theatre, is the longest continuously running community theatre's in Illinois. It's unique structure, designed by world-renowned architect Jeanne Gang, allows for outdoor performances June through August each year. Starlight presents four mainstage musicals and a musical production for children each summer. Starlight gives students a wonderful opportunity to get hands-on experience both on stage and off. For more information, visit Starlight's webpage.

Each fall, a volunteer troupe called Starlight Shakes presents a Shakespeare on the lawn of Starlight Theatre. For more information about Starlight Shakes and how to get involved, contact Troupe leader, Christopher D. Brady.

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