Performing Arts Programs in Chandler, Arizona

Getting a Performing Arts Degree in Chandler, Arizona

A Performing Arts Degree provides comprehensive training in theater, dance, music, and acting. Degree programs may range from Associate in Arts, Fine Arts (AAFA) with emphases in Musical Theatre and Theatre to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. With specialized courses in acting, dance technique, music theory, theatre history, and technical theatre, students gain skills essential for a creative career. Research has shown that accredited institutions like Chandler Gilbert Community College and Arizona State University offer paths that prepare graduates for advanced studies and professional work in performing arts.

About Chandler, Arizona

Chandler, located in Maricopa County, Arizona, is a dynamic community in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The city offers a variety of cultural and educational opportunities and is recognized for its diverse neighborhoods and local landmarks related to the arts. For more detailed city information, please visit the official Chandler website. Chandler’s proximity to major cultural centers makes it a strategic location for aspiring performing artists.

Performing Arts Degree Programs in Chandler, Arizona

Multiple institutions in and near Chandler offer robust performing arts programs:

  1. Chandler Gilbert Community College (CGCC)

    • Address: 65 S Price Rd, Chandler, AZ 85226 (located in West Chandler)
    • Programs: Offers AAFA degrees with emphases in Musical Theatre and Theatre. These programs emphasize collaboration across music, dance, and theatre disciplines and prepare students for transfer to bachelor’s programs.
    • Admission Requirements: A grade of C or better in all courses is expected; auditions may be required for performance courses.
    • Tuition Details: In-state tuition is approximately $86 per credit (2024 rates).
    • Website: Chandler Gilbert Community College

  2. Arizona State University Immersion

    • Address: 1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281 (located in Tempe, roughly 18 miles from Chandler)
    • Programs: Provides Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs in Dance, Music, and Theatre. The curriculum encompasses core performance training along with advanced production and technical theatre courses.
    • Admission Requirements: Auditions/portfolios are often required, and prerequisites vary by program.
    • Website: ASU Immersion – Performing Arts

  3. Mesa Community College

    • Address: 2300 W Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85202 (approximately 20 miles from Chandler, located in downtown Mesa)
    • Programs: Offers theatre and related courses that support the foundational aspects of performing arts education.
    • Features: Mesa Community College provides a convenient option for students seeking quality training outside of Chandler.
    • Website: Mesa Community College

Performing Arts Opportunities in Chandler, Arizona

Chandler provides multiple opportunities for gaining practical experience in the performing arts. Local organizations and venues include:

  • Chandler Cultural Arts Department
    • Description: This city department organizes local art events and performance opportunities, including theater productions, dance recitals, and music concerts across various neighborhoods in Chandler.
    • Website: Chandler Official Website (navigate to the Arts & Culture section for current events)

Additionally, aspiring performers can explore opportunities in nearby cities. Renowned institutions such as Arizona Broadway Theatre and Phoenix Theatre in downtown Phoenix offer professional staging, performance, and audition opportunities. These organizations often serve as stepping stones in a performing arts career and are well-integrated into the regional arts scene.

Prerequisites for Performing Arts Programs

Admission requirements for performing arts programs typically include:

  • Educational Background: Completion of secondary education with satisfactory grades (a minimum grade of C or better for AAFA programs).
  • Audition Requirements: Many programs require auditions, particularly for performance-based courses.
  • Entrance Exams or Portfolio Submissions: Higher degree programs, including those at ASU, may require submission of a portfolio or successful performance in entrance exams.
  • Minimum Age and Experience: While programs vary, students are generally expected to demonstrate a foundational proficiency in their chosen discipline before enrolling.

Career Opportunities with a Performing Arts Degree

Graduates with a Performing Arts Degree have a wide range of career paths available, including roles such as actor, director, stage manager, lighting/sound technician, and dance instructor. Opportunities exist in theater, dance, music, film, television, and related creative industries. Professional organizations and unions in Arizona can provide additional networking, mentorship, and career resources. For instance, aspiring actors can explore job outlook information on the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics Actors page. Entry-level salaries range from $25,000 to $40,000 annually, while experienced professionals may earn $50,000 to $80,000 or more.

Get Started Today

The pathway to a successful career in performing arts starts with the right education and practical experience. With quality programs available locally and in nearby cities, potential students are encouraged to reach out to institutions, explore audition and enrollment details, and confidently pursue opportunities in the performing arts. Contact a school today through the forms on their websites to take the next step in your creative journey.