Theater at PJC

Published or Revised January 22, 2025

Join Paris Junior College Drama – Where Your Passion Meets Opportunity!

At Paris Junior College, we offer an enriching and dynamic environment for aspiring actors, directors, technicians, and theater professionals. With a faculty whose extensive experience spans the stage, the classroom, and the industry, we are committed to providing a comprehensive education that prepares students for success in all areas of theater.

Our drama program is dedicated to producing high-quality shows that challenge and inspire. Whether you're acting, directing, designing, or working behind the scenes, you'll have the chance to contribute to productions that reflect both the art and the craft of theater. Our students not only perform but also learn the essential skills required for a well-rounded career in the dramatic arts, gaining hands-on experience in every facet of theater production. At Paris Junior College, you’ll be supported with scholarship opportunities, ensuring that your talent and hard work are recognized. We also have articulation agreements with several prestigious four-year colleges, providing a seamless pathway for those looking to further their education and pursue a bachelor's degree in theater or related fields.

PJC Drama is the right choice for those looking to develop their craft in a supportive and professional setting. If you're ready to take your passion for theater to the next level, join us and experience an education that balances creative exploration with real-world experience.

Apply today and start your journey with Paris Junior College Drama – Where you can grow both on and off the stage.

PJC’s Drama Program

PJC’s Department of Drama is committed to educating and engaging students in both practical and academic collaboration while enriching the cultural and personal experiences of the college and community. With a tradition of success spanning more than 80 years, experienced and knowledgeable instructors, small class sizes, and affordable tuition, PJC sets students on the path to both the artistic and technical aspects of theater arts. Our conservatory approach, centered on the student, forms the foundation of our program.

• Is it your time to shine on stage? Our acting courses will train you in voice and movement, character development, acting theory, script analysis, period and stylized acting, critical analysis, and much more.
• Interested in working behind the scenes? Our stagecraft classes teach students to build sets, manage lighting, work with makeup and costumes, develop sound designs, and more. PJC Drama’s equipment prepares students for careers in entertainment technology.

Alongside classroom instruction, we produce four plays each season in the 350-seat Ray Karrer Theatre. Our seasons span from musical theater to children’s theater, from contemporary works to classics, and from realism to stylized productions. Practical experience is key to your education. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, you’ll find ample opportunities at PJC.

• If you choose the musical theater concentration, you'll develop acting, singing, and dancing skills. You will have plenty of opportunities for musical performance, both large and small, and will receive lessons in voice and piano. You'll also learn movement for the stage, participate in choral arts, and gain practical experience through involvement in musicals.

Program Options

PJC offers an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Drama for transfer to a four-year university. Those pursuing a foreign language requirement as part of the AA should check with their destination university for specific course recommendations.

Admission Requirements

Students are admitted to Paris Junior College by submitting a high school transcript, GED certificate, transferring from another college, or through individual approval. Financial aid is available. Local placement testing is required for all new students.

For more information, students should consult the current semester schedule or contact the Admissions Office at 903-782-0425. 

Location and Faculty Information

Paris Junior College
2400 Clarksville Street
Paris, Texas 75460

Dr. Jennifer Collar
Division Chair, Communications & Fine Arts
903-782-0315
jcollar@parisjc.edu

William Walker
Director of Theater
903-782-0488
wwalker@parisjc.edu