Performing Arts Programs in North Las Vegas, Nevada

Getting a Performing Arts Degree in North Las Vegas, Nevada

A Performing Arts Degree offers comprehensive training in Theater, Dance, Music, and Acting. These degree programs combine theoretical study with practical courses, equipping students with the skills needed for diverse creative careers. Prospective students can choose from specialized paths such as Theatre Studies, Stage and Screen Acting, or Design and Technology for performance production.

In Nevada, students can pursue degrees like the Associate of Arts (AA) in Theatre Studies or the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre Arts. These programs typically involve a mix of acting, directing, stagecraft, and design courses taught in small, focused classes. Detailed coursework and hands-on training form the cornerstone of these educational paths.

About North Las Vegas

North Las Vegas is a dynamic community in Clark County, Nevada. The city is known for its accessible urban amenities and proximity to the thriving entertainment scene of Las Vegas. For further local insights, visit the City of North Las Vegas official website. Local landmarks and neighborhoods, including areas adjacent to downtown Las Vegas, contribute to an environment that fosters creativity and arts education.

Performing Arts Degree Programs in North Las Vegas, Nevada

Although North Las Vegas does not host a large number of institutions specifically offering Performing Arts degree programs, there are several outstanding options nearby. Below is a list of three schools within Clark County where students can pursue their creative ambitions. Distances mentioned are approximate from North Las Vegas.

1. College of Southern Nevada (CSN) – Theatre Program

   • Address: 1101 South Water Street, Las Vegas, NV 89104 (Downtown Las Vegas; approximately 12 miles from North Las Vegas)
   • Program Details: Offers an AA in Theatre Studies with core courses in acting, playwriting, directing, and stagecraft. The curriculum emphasizes production experience, requiring students to participate in two productions per year.
   • More Information: CSN Theatre Program

2. University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) – BA in Theatre Arts

   • Address: 4505 South Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154 (Located in Paradise, NV; approximately 15 miles from North Las Vegas)
   • Program Details: Offers a BA in Theatre Arts with concentrations in Design and Technology, Stage and Screen Acting, and Theatre Studies. The Acting concentration requires an audition for admission, and the Design/Technology track may recommend a portfolio submission.
   • More Information: UNLV Theatre Arts

3. The Art Institute of Las Vegas – Performing Arts Courses

   • Address: 3525 South Martin Luther King Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104 (Downtown Las Vegas; approximately 13 miles from North Las Vegas)
   • Program Details: While primarily known for creative design, this institution offers courses focused on Acting, Theater, Dance, and Music. These courses are designed to provide practical training aligned with the standards of the performing arts industry.
   • More Information: The Art Institute of Las Vegas

Performing Arts Opportunities in North Las Vegas

North Las Vegas and the greater Las Vegas area provide abundant opportunities to experience and participate in the performing arts. These venues not only host live performances but also frequently hold auditions, workshops, and masterclasses that complement academic training.

• The Smith Center for the Performing Arts

  • Address: 361 Symphony Park Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89106 (Downtown Las Vegas)
  • Overview: As one of the premier performing arts centers in Nevada, The Smith Center offers diverse performance and audition opportunities in theater, dance, and music.
  • More Information: The Smith Center

• Las Vegas Philharmonic

  • Address: 521 E. Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101 (Downtown Las Vegas)
  • Overview: This organization provides performance opportunities in music and related fields and serves as a platform for emerging artists.
  • More Information: Las Vegas Philharmonic

• Las Vegas Dance Academy

  • Address: Located in the Summerlin area, Las Vegas Dance Academy is approximately 10 miles from North Las Vegas.
  • Overview: Specializing in dance training, this academy offers courses for aspiring dancers looking to develop skills in various dance styles and performance techniques.

Prerequisites for Performing Arts Programs

Typical prerequisites for enrolling in Performing Arts programs include:

• Educational Requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Audition or Portfolio: Many programs—such as UNLV’s Acting concentration—require an audition or a portfolio submission.
• Additional Criteria: Some programs might expect coursework in acting, voice, movement, or stagecraft. Entrance exams and minimum age requirements may also apply, depending on the school’s policies.

For example, the CSN Theatre Program operates on an open-enrollment basis without an audition requirement, while UNLV’s program mandates an audition for acting.

Career Opportunities with a Performing Arts Degree

Graduates with a Performing Arts Degree can pursue various creative careers. Potential roles include:

• Actor/Actress: Performance in theater, film, and television. For a detailed job outlook, visit the job outlook page for Actors on bls.gov.
• Director/Producer: Leading theatrical productions and films.
• Designer: Specializing in lighting, scenic, or costume design.
• Stage Manager: Coordinating live productions and performances.
• Choreographer/Dance Instructor: Developing and teaching dance routines.

In addition to these roles, graduates might consider joining professional organizations such as the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), which accredits theatre programs and sets educational standards.

Professional Regulatory and Oversight Bodies

Aspiring students should also be aware of the various regulatory bodies that oversee arts and education in North Las Vegas and Nevada:

• Official City Arts and Education Regulatory Bodies:
  (No accessible city-specific resources found in provided sources)
  Note: For current city resources, visit the City of North Las Vegas official website.

• Official County Arts and Education Regulatory Bodies:
  (No accessible county-specific resources found in provided sources)
  Note: For Clark County resources, visit the Clark County Government website.

• Official State Arts and Education Regulatory Bodies:

  • Nevada Department of Education: Oversees K-12 and higher education standards, including arts programs. Website
  • Nevada Arts Council: Promotes arts education and provides grants for cultural initiatives. Website
  • Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE): Governs public universities and colleges, including performing arts programs. Website

• Federal Arts and Education Oversight Agencies:

  • U.S. Department of Education: Provides accreditation oversight and federal financial aid eligibility. Accreditation Database | FAFSA
  • National Endowment for the Arts (NEA): Funds arts programs and initiatives nationwide. Website

State-Specific Degree Information

Types of Degrees Available

• Associate of Arts (AA) in Theatre Studies: Offered by CSN with practical training through multiple annual productions.
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre Arts: Offered by UNLV with concentrations in Design and Technology, Stage and Screen Acting, and Theatre Studies.

Admission Requirements

• CSN Theatre Program:
  • Open enrollment with no audition required.
  • Coursework includes acting, voice, and stagecraft.
• UNLV BA in Theatre Arts:
  • Acting Concentration requires an audition.
  • The Design/Technology track may recommend a portfolio submission.

Curriculum Requirements

• CSN:
  • Core courses include acting, playwriting, directing, and stagecraft.
  • Students participate in two productions per academic year.
• UNLV:
  • Design/Technology: Involves computer-assisted drafting and interdisciplinary courses.
  • Acting: Focuses on camera training and voice/movement workshops.
  • Theatre Studies: Offers a flexible curriculum suited for transfer students.

Accreditation Information

• Accrediting Bodies:
  • Regional: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
  • Program-Specific: National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).
• Verification: Check NAST Accredited Institutions or contact institutions directly.

Professional Organizations

• National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST): Sets educational standards and accredits theatre programs. Website

Educational Resources

• CSN Theatre Program: Provides an AA degree with robust production experience. CSN Theatre
• UNLV BA in Theatre Arts: Offers specialized training in acting, design, and theatre studies. UNLV Theatre Arts

Career Information

• Job Prospects in Nevada:

  • Common careers include actor, director, lighting/scenic designer, and stage manager.
  • Top employers feature Las Vegas entertainment venues, such as casinos and theaters, along with production companies.
  • Salary ranges typically start at $25,000–$40,000 for entry-level positions, with experienced professionals earning $50,000–$80,000 or more.

• Professional Development:

  • Workshops and masterclasses are frequently hosted by local theaters and institutions like UNLV and CSN.

Top Performing Arts Programs in Nevada

Additional Resources

(No accessible city/county resources found in provided sources)
For updated local resources, consider contacting:

• Clark County Arts Council: Clark County Government (search “arts council”)
• North Las Vegas Cultural Affairs: City of North Las Vegas (search “arts”)

This report reflects information available as of March 2025. For the most current details, verify directly with institutions or official agencies.

Get Started Today

Prospective students are encouraged to take the first step toward a rewarding career in the performing arts. Whether you are drawn to acting, design, or dance, the programs and opportunities available in and around North Las Vegas provide a strong foundation for success. Contact a school today through the inquiry forms available on their websites to begin your journey in the performing arts.