Live Entertainment Technology
Live Entertainment Technology
The ArtsLooking for a career in the broad-based field of live entertainment? Become an entertainment technician, and work “behind-the-scenes.” You can make magic happen on stage.
View Transfer Options, Degrees & CertificatesEntertainment Technology students learn the fundamentals of stage lighting, scenery construction, audio equipment, and rigging. You can learn to work with specialized tools such as programmable lighting controllers, fog machines, sound mixing consoles, and woodworking equipment. Create special makeup effects such as scars, wounds and prosthetics. Gain experience in rehearsal and performance procedures by participating in live productions at IVC’s Performing Arts Center. Local employers include theaters, theme parks, convention centers, concert producers, opera companies, dance companies, cruise ships and cirque troupes.
Program Length
Associate Degree students can finish in four semesters. Certificate students can finish in as little as two semesters.
Transfer Options
Associates Degree students complete coursework that fulfills degree transfer requirements to local universities such as Cal State Fullerton, UC Irvine, and other UC/CSU campuses.
Program Specific Support
Opportunities are available for the student to:
- Work on live productions as designers and technicians.
- Assist working artists on touring summer shows.
- Get placement in internships with local employers such as The Laguna Playhouse and Pacific Coast Entertainment.
- Receive assistance developing portfolios required for university transfer
- Receive interview coaching and support developing an industry specific résumé.
- Apply for employment at the IVC Performing Arts Center working as a stage technician
Your Support Team
Your success is our priority! Whether you are just starting, in the middle of, or completing your time at IVC, we have a team of people in your corner to help keep you on-track to reach your goals at IVC and beyond!
Coming Soon: Completion Teams to get students from start to goal! Look for your team beginning fall 2021!
Transfer Options, Degrees and/or Certificates
Sample Academic Plans
- This is only a sample academic plan. Please see a counselor and check IVC's catalog to create a customized My Academic Plan (MAP) that will best meet your specific academic goals.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| TA 51 | Stage Management Practicum | 1 |
| TA 52 | Stage Management Seminar | 3 |
| TA Major - TBD | Acting and Directing Course | 3 |
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| TA 53 | Advanced Stage Management | 3 |
| TA Major - TBD | Theater Design Course | 3 |
| TA Major - TBD | Production Shop and Back Stage Crew | 1-3 |
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| TA 168 | Cooperative Work Experience: Live Entertainment | 1-3 |
- This is only a sample academic plan. Please see a counselor and check IVC's catalog to create a customized My Academic Plan (MAP) that will best meet your specific academic goals.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| TA 41 | Stage Lighting Design | 3 |
| TA 47 | Sound Reinforcement for Live Entertainment | 3 |
| TA Major - TBD | Production Course | 1-3 |
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| TA 44 | Stagecraft | 3 |
| TA Major - TBD | Performance Course | 1-3 |
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| TA 168 | Cooperative Work Experience: Live Entertainment | 1-3 |
- This is only a sample academic plan. Some CSU majors may have additional required or recommended courses for transfer. Please see a counselor to create a customized My Academic Plan (MAP) that will best meet your specific academic goals.
Sample Academic Plan for Designers and Technicians
| Course | Title | CSU GE Area/Major | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| WR 1 | College Writing 1 | A2 | 4 |
| MATH 10* | Introduction to Statistics | B4 | 3 |
| TA 1 or 2 | Acting | C1 & Major | 3 |
| TA 51,61,62,63,64, or 65 | Rehearsal and Performance or Technical Theatre Practicum (up to 3 units) | Major | 1 |
| Learning & Self Dev. | Lifelong Learning and Self Development GE Course | E | 3 |
| Course | Title | CSU GE Area/Major | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | Critical Thinking GE Course | A3 | 3-4 |
| TA 22, 25 or 25H | Introduction to Theatre or Theatre History I | C1 & Major | 3 |
| TA 40 | Introduction to Design | Major | 3 |
| TA 51,61,62,63,64, or 65 | Rehearsal and Performance or Technical Theatre Practicum (up to 3 units) | Major | 1 |
| Social Science | Social Science GE Course | D | 3 |
| Course | Title | CSU GE Area/Major | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMM 1 | Communication Fundamentals | A1 | 3 |
| Course | Title | CSU GE Area/Major | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| TA 41,44,49, or 53 | Theatre Arts Major Course from List A | Major | 3 |
| TA 51,61,62,63,64, or 65 | Rehearsal and Performance or Technical Theatre Practicum (up to 3 units) | Major | 1 |
| Science Lab | Physical Science Lab | B3 | 1 |
| Humanities | Humanities GE Course | C2 | 3 |
| Physical Science | Physical Science GE Course | B1 | 3 |
| Transfer Elective | CSU Transferable Elective (Courses 1-199) | 3 |
| Course | Title | CSU GE Area/Major | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| TA 42,73, or 76 | Theatre Arts Major Course from List A | Major | 3 |
| PS 1 | American Government | D | 3 |
| HIST 20 or HIST 21 | American History Course | D | 3 |
| Life Science | Life Science Course | B2 | 3 |
| Transfer Elective | CSU Transferable Elective (Courses 1-199) | 3 | |
| Transfer Elective | CSU Transferable Elective (Courses 1-199) | 1 |
- Students can take Math 10 or any other math course that meets the CSU math transfer requirement.
- This is only a sample academic plan. Please see a counselor and check IVC's catalog to create a customized My Academic Plan (MAP) that will best meet your specific academic goals.
| Course | Title | AA GE Area/Major | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| WR 1 | College Writing 1 | 1A | 4 |
| MATH | Math GE Course | 2 | 3-5 |
| TA Major | TA Major Course from List A | 7 & Major | 3 |
| TA Major | TA Major Course from List B | Major | 1 |
| TA Major | TA Major Course from List C | Major | 3 |
| Elective | Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299) | 1 |
| Course | Title | AA GE Area/Major | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMM 1 | Communication Fundamentals | 1B & Major | 3 |
| Critical Thinking | Critical Thinking | 1C | 3-4 |
| TA Major | TA Major Course from List B | Major | 1 |
| TA Major | TA Major Course from List C | Major | 3 |
| American Institutions | American Institutions GE Course | 8 | 3 |
| Elective | Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299) | 2 |
| Course | Title | AA GE Area/Major | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| TA Major | TA Major Course from List B | Major | 1 |
| TA Major | TA Major Course from List C | Major | 3 |
| Natural Sciences | Natural Sciences GE Course | 3 | 3 |
| Lifelong Health | Lifelong Health and Personal Development GE Course | 9 | 3 |
| Cultural Diversity | Cultural Diversity GE Course | 5 | 3 |
| Elective | Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299) | 2 |
| Course | Title | AA GE Area/Major | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| TA 1 | Acting | Major | 3 |
| Humanities | Humanities GE Course | 6 | 3 |
| Social Sciences | Social Sciences GE Course | 4 | 3 |
| Elective | Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299) | 3 | |
| Elective | Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299) | 3 |
*Students may be eligible for one or more AA/AS/AA-T/AS-T degrees if they complete a GE transfer pattern, have specific courses, and have 60 transferable units. Please see a counselor for degree options and advisement.
- AA = Associate of Arts
- AS = Associate of Science
- AA-T = Associate of Arts for Transfer
- AS-T = Associate of Science for Transfer
- COA = Certificate of Achievement
- COP = Certificate of Proficiency
Explore Careers Related to Live Entertainment Technology
Audio and Video Equipment Technicians
Median Salary
$52,708
Job Growth
-2%
Education
- H.S. Diploma or Less
- 25%
- Certificate
- 20%
- Some College
- 1%
- Associate's Degree
- 11%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 43%
Costume Attendants
Median Salary
$39,389
Job Growth
+25%
Education
- H.S. Diploma or Less
- 43%
- Certificate
- 8%
- Some College
- 15%
- Associate's Degree
- 4%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 30%
- Master's Degree
- 2%
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
Median Salary
$54,813
Job Growth
+19%
Education
- H.S. Diploma or Less
- 8%
- Certificate
- 7%
- Some College
- 37%
- Associate's Degree
- 7%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 41%
Producers
Median Salary
$97,032
Job Growth
+8%
Education
- H.S. Diploma or Less
- 6%
- Certificate
- 11%
- Some College
- 5%
- Associate's Degree
- 10%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 53%
- Master's Degree
- 15%
Set and Exhibit Designers
Median Salary
$50,034
Job Growth
+10%
Education
- Some College
- 4%
- Associate's Degree
- 4%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 48%
- Master's Degree
- 39%
- Doctoral or More
- 4%
Stage, Motion Picture, Television, and Radio Directors
Median Salary
$97,032
Job Growth
+8%
Education
- H.S. Diploma or Less
- 23%
- Certificate
- 4%
- Some College
- 15%
- Associate's Degree
- 8%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 49%
Technical Directors and Managers
Median Salary
$97,032
Job Growth
+8%
Education
- H.S. Diploma or Less
- 4%
- Certificate
- 1%
- Associate's Degree
- 1%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 92%
Theatrical and Performance Makeup Artists
Median Salary
$100,842
Job Growth
-3%
Education
- H.S. Diploma or Less
- 26%
- Certificate
- 43%
- Some College
- 13%
- Associate's Degree
- 4%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 13%
Middle School Career and Technical Education Teachers
Median Salary
$51,118
Job Growth
1%
Education
- Bachelor's Degree
- 81%
- Master's Degree
- 19%
Riggers
Median Salary
$54,085
Job Growth
+28%
Education
- H.S. Diploma or Less
- 87%
- Certificate
- 9%
- Some College
- 3%
Secondary School Career and Technical Education Teachers
Median Salary
$75,391
Job Growth
1%
Education
- Certificate
- 15%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 74%
- Master's Degree
- 11%
Sound Engineering Technicians
Median Salary
$62,802
Job Growth
-6%
Education
- H.S. Diploma or Less
- 41%
- Certificate
- 25%
- Some College
- 6%
- Associate's Degree
- 22%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 3%
- Master's Degree
- 3%
Actors
Median Salary
$49,324
Job Growth
+21%
Education
- H.S. Diploma or Less
- 62%
- Certificate
- 4%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 21%
- Master's Degree
- 14%
Choreographers
Median Salary
$59,907
Job Growth
+4%
Education
- H.S. Diploma or Less
- 25%
- Some College
- 25%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 30%
- Master's Degree
- 20%
Dancers
Median Salary
$48,174
Job Growth
-6%
Education
- H.S. Diploma or Less
- 79%
- Certificate
- 14%
- Some College
- 7%
Fashion Designers
Median Salary
$80,766
Job Growth
1%
Education
- H.S. Diploma or Less
- 5%
- Certificate
- 1%
- Some College
- 25%
- Associate's Degree
- 36%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 24%
- Master's Degree
- 9%
Music Directors
Median Salary
$53,286
Job Growth
-2%
Education
- H.S. Diploma or Less
- 1%
- Associate's Degree
- 7%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 32%
- Master's Degree
- 23%
- Doctoral or More
- 37%
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Median Salary
$56,463
Job Growth
+14%
Education
- H.S. Diploma or Less
- 35%
- Some College
- 8%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 50%
- Master's Degree
- 4%
- Doctoral or More
- 4%
Postsecondary Art, Drama, and Music Teachers
Median Salary
$95,831
Job Growth
+10%
Education
- Associate's Degree
- 1%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 15%
- Master's Degree
- 52%
- Doctoral or More
- 32%
Program Directors
Median Salary
$97,032
Job Growth
+8%
Education
- H.S. Diploma or Less
- 13%
- Certificate
- 6%
- Some College
- 3%
- Associate's Degree
- 12%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 65%
Radio and Television Announcers
Median Salary
$52,781
Job Growth
-26%
Education
- H.S. Diploma or Less
- 16%
- Some College
- 10%
- Associate's Degree
- 10%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 55%
- Master's Degree
- 8%
Religious Activities and Education Directors
Median Salary
$59,561
Job Growth
+3%
Education
- H.S. Diploma or Less
- 6%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 83%
- Master's Degree
- 11%
Singers
Median Salary
$57,926
Job Growth
+8%
Education
- H.S. Diploma or Less
- 32%
- Some College
- 26%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 29%
- Master's Degree
- 13%
Speech-Language Pathologists
Median Salary
$88,601
Job Growth
+33%
Education
- Master's Degree
- 100%
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
Median Salary
$45,562
Job Growth
+19%
Education
- H.S. Diploma or Less
- 20%
- Certificate
- 16%
- Some College
- 4%
- Associate's Degree
- 2%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 33%
- Master's Degree
- 24%
Talent Directors
Median Salary
$97,032
Job Growth
+8%
Education
- H.S. Diploma or Less
- 1%
- Some College
- 10%
- Associate's Degree
- 19%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 51%
- Master's Degree
- 18%
Painters, Sculptors, Illustrators, and Other Fine Artists
Median Salary
$37,599
Job Growth
+18%
Education
- H.S. Diploma or Less
- 27%
- Some College
- 37%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 35%
Not sure if Live Entertainment Technology is the right fit?
That's OK!
Begin with the Exploratory Interest Area and explore Live Entertainment Technology while still working toward your academic goals.
Or speak to one of IVC’s Academic Counselors to learn more about all of your options.