Students completing this program can pursue work as live entertainment technicians with employers such as regional theaters, theme parks, convention centers, concert producers, opera companies, dance companies, cruise ships, and cirque troupes. Students develop skills used across many forms of live entertainment such as operating equipment used in a theatrical production, constructing stage scenery, managing workgroups, and design of staging elements. Students build a portfolio of employable skills applicable to professions such as stage manager, production manager, stage rigger, stage carpenter, entertainment electrician, and audio technician. However, specific entry level employment opportunities may require additional education or experience. Students completing this degree will take courses in five key areas: history and cultural traditions of theater, performance procedures, stage design or stage management, performance crew, and shop work. Examples of specialized coursework include scene painting, stage makeup, audio production, costume construction, and stage management. Students will have the opportunity to participate in live performances as a member of the performance crew and students will spend time in the IVC theater shops learning how to build scenery and costumes.