Whether your plan is to take classes and transfer to a four-year university or enter one of our career programs designed to get you into the workforce right away, Rock Valley College has what you are looking for. Select from one of our more than 60 transfer areas or more than 30 career programs.
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At Rock Valley College, you're not just a number. Our highly respected faculty have master's degrees, doctorates and real-world experience. You won't be competing for attention in a huge lecture hall. Our average class size is 21, so you'll get a chance to interact, challenge and be challenged by your instructors.
Getting Started Get started at RVC in just a few easy steps.
Whether you are new to the college or know your way around, we have a variety of services designed to help you succeed. We're here for you every step of the way.
The Estelle M. Black Library at Rock Valley College features nearly 75,000 volumes and more than 650 periodicals, and access to the interlibrary loan system. It also features spaces for individual and group study, and if you get thirsty, there's a coffee shop in the lobby!
Have fun. Try stuff. RVC gives you opportunities to get involved. There are lots of student activities to choose from. We offer more than 20 clubs and organizations. Try your hands at student government. Join the staff of our campus newspaper. What's it going to be?
RVC competes in NJCAA Division III in men's and women's basketball, women's volleyball, golf, baseball, softball, and men's and women's tennis. Not to brag, but we're pretty good at it. Our teams have won seven national championships and we have had more than 100 All-Americans.
THE 110
Theatre Practicum I
Theatre Practicum I is designed to give the student practical experience in costuming, stage management, lighting, scene construction, prop construction, and box office management that is not available in a standard classroom setting. Students will increase their efficiency, enjoyment and understanding of the various methods of producing theatrical productions using actual production requirements as a learning tool.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 semester hour
THE 111
Theatre Practicum II
Theatre Practicum II is designed to continue to give the student practical experience in costuming, stage management, lighting, scene construction, prop construction, and box office management that is not available in a standard classroom setting. Students will increase their efficiency, enjoyment and understanding of the various methods of producing theatrical productions using actual production requirements as a learning tool.
Prerequisite: THE 110
Credit: 1 semester hour
THE 121
Performance of Literature
Performance of Literature is designed to increase the student's understanding of the study and performance of literature, such as essays, letters, novels, poetry and short stories with an emphasis on using voice and movement to interpret the works and communicate that interpretation to an audience. Students will study literary theory, literary analysis, the relationship between the text and the performer and the development of movement and vocal skills. The emphasis is on developing the student's interpretation skills through the performance of selected literature.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
THE 133
Introduction to Theatre
Introduction to Theatre is designed to acquaint students with the theoretical principles of acting, directing, scene design, set construction, costuming, makeup, lighting for the stage, and sound. A survey of theater history and dramatic literature provides a basis for informed critical viewing and for future studies in theater.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
THE 134
Stagecraft and Theatre Lighting
Stagecraft and Theatre Lighting is an introductory course in the principles, procedures, and practices of technical theatrical production using practical experiences in conjunction with departmental presentations. Basic methods of safe scenery construction, scene painting, lighting equipment, and property building are explored. The class emphasis is on safety in a scenic shop.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
THE 135
Acting I
Acting I is an introduction to the basic elements of acting as an art form. The course centers on exercises to develop the expressiveness of the body and voice combined with a study of the mental and emotional processes of the actor. The class emphasis is on basic performance skill development.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
THE 136
Directing
Directing is an introductory course in the art of directing for the theatre using a problem-solving approach in surveying the director's responsibilities. Particular attention is focused on the organizational, managerial, and planning functions of the director. The class emphasis is on practical directing problem solving.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
THE 137
Costuming
Costuming is an introductory course in the design and construction of theatrical costumes. The course is designed to give students a basic understanding of historical costuming, basic safety procedures, techniques of costume and accessory construction, machine and tool use. The course also includes an introduction to sewing—both hand and machine, cutting, draping and pattern drafting and costume shop organization. Practical experience is gained through the construction of costumes for productions.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
THE 210
Theatre Practicum III
Theatre Practicum III is designed to continue to give the student practical experience in costuming, stage management, lighting, scene construction, prop construction, and box office management that is not available in a standard classroom setting. Students will increase their efficiency, enjoyment and understanding of the various methods of producing theatrical productions using actual production requirements as a learning tool.
Prerequisite: THE 111
Credit: 1 semester hour
THE 211
Theatre Practicum IV
Theatre Practicum IV is designed to continue to give the student practical experience in costuming, stage management, lighting, scene construction, prop construction, and box office management that is not available in a standard classroom setting. Students will increase their efficiency, enjoyment and understanding of the various methods of producing theatrical productions using actual production requirements as a learning tool. Upon completion of the four Practicum credits, the student will have a portfolio review in preparation for transfer to a baccalaureate program.
Prerequisite: THE 210
Credit: 1 semester hour
THE 220
Summer Theatre Workshop
Summer Theatre Workshop is an introduction to the unique challenges of outdoor theatre. Students will receive an overview of the production process through a series of lectures and will then select one or more major areas of emphasis. Students will be exposed to production theory through class presentations and readings. Practical experience will be gained through production assignments.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
THE 234
Design for the Theatre
Design for the Theatre is an introductory design class concentrating on scenic, lighting and property design. The students will take projects from initial design conceptualization through working drawings. Basic drafting—both manual and CAD, mechanical perspective rendering, model construction and lighting theory will be explored in relationship to various dramatic scripts. The class is designed to give the student an introduction to all aspects of theatrical design.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
THE 235
Acting II
Acting II builds upon the skills developed in the basic acting course. It focuses on the development of characterization skills, communication with other actors on stage, and the ability to handle various styles of dramatic literature. The class emphasizes scene work, character-building and character definition with performance outcomes.
Prerequisite: THE 135
Credit: 3 semester hours
THE 236
Directing II
Directing II builds on the skills developed in the basic directing course. It focuses on the development of stage movement through picturization, script analysis, period research, conceptual communication and the actual production of a one-act play. The class emphasis is on directorial communication and conceptualization with a performance as the final outcome.
Prerequisite: THE 136
Credit: 3 semester hours
THE 237
Stage Makeup
Stage Makeup is an introductory course in the basics of designing, applying, and creating theatrical makeup. It will introduce the student to the principles of light, shade and color as they relate to makeup. Students will study character makeup, fantasy makeup, various modern mediums, prosthetics, mask making, facial hair and practical applications. The course emphasis is on both design and application.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours