Performing Arts Programs in Bakersfield, California

Getting a Performing Arts Degree in Bakersfield, California

Pursuing a Performing Arts degree in Bakersfield, California involves exploring a range of educational paths that include theatre, dance, and music. Degree programs span from associate to bachelor’s levels, offering specialized training in acting, stagecraft, technical design, and music performance. Whether you are interested in theatre production or musical performance, each program provides structured courses that combine theoretical instruction with practical experience. For more detailed job prospects for actors, please visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook page for Actors.

About Bakersfield, California

Bakersfield is a dynamic city located in Kern County, California, known for its rich cultural heritage and active arts scene. The city’s official website, available at Bakersfield City Official Site, offers general information and updates on local community events. Bakersfield hosts diverse neighborhoods and local landmarks that may include performance venues, art galleries, and cultural center initiatives that appeal to prospective art educators and creative professionals.

Performing Arts Degree Programs in Bakersfield, California

Several local institutions offer Performing Arts programs that detail various courses and degree options:

  1. Bakersfield College Performing Arts

    • Programs Offered: AA-T in Theatre, AA-T in Music, and Certificate of Achievement in Commercial Music.
    • Curriculum Highlights: Core courses include acting, directing, stagecraft, costume design, film studies, and Shakespeare, along with practical participation in the Theatre Acting Lab and annual Kern Shakespeare Festival productions.
    • Admission Requirements: Open enrollment typically applies; no formal audition requirements are noted.
    • Location: 4011 F St, Bakersfield, CA 93308 – located in a central neighborhood of Bakersfield.
    • Website: Bakersfield College Performing Arts [1][3]

  2. California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) Theatre Program

    • Program Offered: BA in Theatre.
    • Curriculum Highlights: Focus areas include performance, technical theatre/design, theatre studies, and theatre education, with an expectation of production participation each semester.
    • Admission Requirements: General university admission criteria apply; while active participation in productions is expected, it is not mandatory for admission.
    • Location: 9001 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93311 – situated within the Stockdale area.
    • Website: CSUB Theatre Program [5]

  3. Fresno City College Performing Arts Program (Nearest Option)

    • Due to the limited number of Performing Arts programs directly in Bakersfield, prospective students may also consider Fresno City College, located approximately 110 miles from Bakersfield.
    • Programs Offered: While not as detailed in the provided research, Fresno City College offers courses in performing arts as part of its broader curriculum.
    • Location: 1100 E. University Ave, Fresno, CA 93710 – a considerable option for those willing to travel for additional opportunities.
    • Website: Fresno City College

Performing Arts Opportunities in Bakersfield

Bakersfield offers several opportunities outside the classroom to engage with the performing arts community:

  • Fox Theater Bakersfield
    A historic and active performance venue in downtown Bakersfield, the Fox Theater hosts concerts, theatrical productions, and live events. This venue is central to the local arts scene and regularly features community productions.

  • Kern Shakespeare Festival at Bakersfield College
    An annual festival that invites students, educators, and community members to experience live Shakespeare productions. It not only enriches the educational experience at Bakersfield College but also provides professional performance opportunities.

Prerequisites for Performing Arts Programs

Enrollment in Performing Arts programs typically requires meeting specific prerequisites. For Bakersfield College, open enrollment is standard for most programs with academic prerequisites and no formal audition requirements. In contrast, the CSUB BA in Theatre program requires applicants to meet general university admission standards, with production participation expected once admitted. Prospective students should be prepared to submit any necessary portfolios or audition tapes if required by a particular program.

Career Opportunities with a Performing Arts Degree

Graduates holding a Performing Arts degree can pursue various career paths within theatre, dance, music, film, television, and related fields. Common roles include theatre or film actor, technical theatre specialist (focusing on lighting and sound), theatre educator, and production manager. Entry-level positions may offer salaries ranging from $25,000 to $40,000, while experienced professionals, particularly in technical roles, can expect higher compensation. Professional organizations and unions in California offer further networking and development opportunities for graduates, fostering pathways into a breadth of creative careers.

Get Started Today

Prospective students and art educators are encouraged to take the next step toward a fulfilling career in the performing arts. Bakersfield offers accessible local options along with opportunities in neighboring regions, ensuring that every aspiring performer or creative professional can find a program that aligns with their goals. Explore program details, attend campus open houses, and reach out to admissions offices to begin your journey in the performing arts today.