Theater at PJC

Published or Revised November 08, 2024

Where will you go with PJC’s award-winning Drama Department?

Opportunities abound in film, TV, Broadway, stage acting, directing, radio, design, set building, sound, theme parks, voice-overs, television, props, lighting, costumes, commercials, industrials, concert venues, cruise ships, educational acting, sound design, lighting, and costumes.

The Paris Junior College (PJC) Drama Department has built a reputation for excellence in Texas, especially among community colleges. This tradition is reflected in both its educational approach and its award-winning productions. Students benefit from a rich, immersive experience that prioritizes creativity and personal growth within a supportive environment.

PJC Drama is committed to producing high-quality performances, providing students with the opportunity to engage in real-world theater experiences. The department is also known for its community outreach, further contributing to its reputation as a leader in the region. Through workshops, performances, and partnerships, PJC Drama not only educates but also enriches the local community, creating a bridge between the classroom and the stage.

This emphasis on quality, hands-on experience, and community engagement makes the Paris Junior College Drama Department an outstanding choice for aspiring performers and theater professionals looking for a personalized education in the performing arts.

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