Golden West College Theater Arts Department

Golden West College Theater Arts Department Community College Theater Arts Program Alumni of the Theater Arts Program can be seen on stage, television, and movie screens worldwide.

The Theater Arts Program at Golden West College offers courses for everyone from patrons of the theater to those who are actively pursuing a career in the performance and technical aspects of theater production. Some students and graduates of the theater arts program are behind the scenes at Disney, MGM/Universal, and many touring theater companies nationwide.

Meet the Actors of THE DIVINERS!This week, we introduce you to several actors from our upcoming production of THE DIVINE...
09/12/2025

Meet the Actors of THE DIVINERS!

This week, we introduce you to several actors from our upcoming production of THE DIVINERS: William Logan, Emily Bolden, and Tristan Lund!

William Logan - Dewey Maples
William is excited to return to the Golden West College stage for his third production. Previous roles here include Mr. Lindquist in A Little Night Music and Wayne Wellacre in Inspecting Carol. Other favorite credits include Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast and Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd, both with the Academy for the Performing Arts at HBHS. He also had the honor of per-forming as the King of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland with the California Musical Theatre Ensemble at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.

Emily Bolden - Darlene Henshaw
Emily is tickled pink to return to the Golden West College stage for her third production! After two previous shows with the GWC Theatre program, she’s loved learning new tricks, making new friends, and discovering that stage makeup never really comes off!

Tristan Lund - Melvin Wilder
Tristan is thrilled to be returning for his fourth show at Golden West College and for the opportunity to work with such a great cast and crew. Some of his previous credits include Laertes in Hamlet, Dave in Almost Maine, Lysander in A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Tybalt in Shakespeare in Love, Star Cat in Psycho Beach Party and Henry (Vecna) in Stranger Things at Universal Studios.

We hope you'll come out and support these three fine actors as well as the rest of the cast when THE DIVINERS opens October 19th at 7:30 PM in the Mainstage Theater at GWC!

GENERAL PRODUCTION INFORMATION:

Golden West College Theater Arts Department presents...

THE DIVINERS
by Jim Leonard Jr.
Directed by Tom

Performances Run October 10th -19th

Performances will be held in the beautiful 339 seat Mainstage Theater at Golden West College in Huntington Beach.

Tickets Available Now at: https://gwctickets.universitytickets.com/?cid=167

ABOUT THE PLAY:

This award-winning American drama explores the unlikely friendship between a disturbed young man and a disenchanted preacher. Set in rural Indiana in the 1930’s, THE DIVINERS is a story of friendship, faith, family, and community told in a spare, hauntingly poetic voice that speaks to the heart. As playwright Jim Leonard Jr. puts it, “These are good and simple people, they have only the best of intentions.”

THE CAST:

THE DIVINERS features an exceptional cast of veteran GWC performers as well as exciting newcomers! Our exceptional cast includes the following actors...

Justin Callisch as Buddy Layman -
Hannah Belle Owens as Jennie Layman
Scott Keister as Ferris Layman
Luke Brodowski as C.C. Showers
Kim Brown as Norma Henshaw
Emily Bolden as Darlene Henshaw
Eric Davis as Basil Bennett
Carrie Vinikow as Luella Bennett
Judy Gish as Goldie Short
Tristan Lund as Melvin Wilder
Will Logan as Dewey Maples

See you at the theater! 🎭

Auditions start tomorrow for William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing!Auditions will be held at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, ...
09/08/2025

Auditions start tomorrow for William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing!

Auditions will be held at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, 9/9 and Wednesday, 9/10 in Stage West at Golden West College, 15751 Gothard Street at Center Avenue, Huntington Beach.

Enter the campus from the Gothard Street side near the Mainstage Theater. Stage West is opposite the Mainstage Theater.

Rehearsals begin on Thursday October 2 and are scheduled for Monday through Thursday evenings from 7 pm until 10:00 pm. Cast members are called to rehearsals only when needed.

Additional information: visit
http://www.gwctheater.com or email [email protected]

Meet our Student Designers for THE DIVINERS!GWC Theater Arts Department faculty are very excited to offer this unique op...
09/06/2025

Meet our Student Designers for THE DIVINERS!

GWC Theater Arts Department faculty are very excited to offer this unique opportunity to some of our most dedicated and deserving technical theater students!

Our student designers are as follows:

Rainbow Nguyen (he/him) - Scenic Designer

Rainbow is currently a student at Golden West College with a great interest in technical theater. Recently, he graduated with a certificate in Costume Production and Wardrobe and a certificate in Scenic, Lighting, and Production. Rainbow has taken many theatrical classes and has worked in several positions within the theater. His notable roles include Stage Manager, Prop Master, Assistant Scenic Designer, and now Scenic Designer.

Caitlin Fitzpatrick - Scenic Designer

Caitlin is excited to be involved in the production of The Diviners. They've been involved in set construction for the past four semesters as a member of the Stagecraft class, and intend to stay involved in the theater. She would like to thank their professor for his invaluable support and encouragement, and her aunt for pushing them to try new things, as that was directly responsible for her introduction to the theater.

Jen McLean -Costume Designer

Jen is beyond elated to be designing her first show at Golden West! She is currently a student studying theatre arts, and has worked most recently as costume crew for The Secret Garden. Jen loves learning about all areas of theatre and is so excited to be continuing down this path. Jen would like to thank her friends and family for all of their support, and a big thank you to everyone in the GWC Theater Arts Department for this opportunity! Enjoy the show!

Melissa Satler — Costume Designer

Melissa Satler has been sewing for over 35 years and is thrilled to serve as Costume Design for this production of The Diviners. This marks her third year in costuming and her sixth show at Golden West College starting with The Exorcist. Known among family and friends for creating imaginative Halloween costumes year after year, Melissa brings that same creativity and care to the stage. She is both proud and grateful to be part of this production and shares her passion for sewing and design with the theater community and looks forward to many productions to come.

Vienna Smith - Hair and Makeup Designer

Vienna is extremely ecstatic to student design the hair and makeup for The Diviners. Her recent credits include The Secret Garden, Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville and Agatha Christie’s Murder On The Orient Express. She is currently studying both theater and film production at Golden West College. Vienna would like to thank her friends and family for always believing in her and supporting her dreams.

GENERAL PRODUCTION INFORMATION:

Golden West College Theater Arts Department presents...

THE DIVINERS
by Jim Leonard Jr.
Directed by Tom

Performances Run October 10th -19th

Performances will be held in the beautiful 339 seat Mainstage Theater at Golden West College in Huntington Beach.

Tickets Available Now at: https://gwctickets.universitytickets.com/?cid=167

ABOUT THE PLAY:

This award-winning American drama explores the unlikely friendship between a disturbed young man and a disenchanted preacher. Set in rural Indiana in the 1930’s, THE DIVINERS is a story of friendship, faith, family, and community told in a spare, hauntingly poetic voice that speaks to the heart. As playwright Jim Leonard Jr. puts it, “These are good and simple people, they have only the best of intentions.”

THE CAST:

THE DIVINERS features an exceptional cast of veteran GWC performers as well as exciting newcomers! Our exceptional cast includes the following actors...

Justin Callisch as Buddy Layman -
Hannah Belle Owens as Jennie Layman
Scott Keister as Ferris Layman
Luke Brodowski as C.C. Showers
Kim Brown as Norma Henshaw
Emily Bolden as Darlene Henshaw
Eric Davis as Basil Bennett
Carrie Vinikow as Luella Bennett
Judy Gish as Goldie Short
Tristan Lund as Melvin Wilder
Will Logan as Dewey Maples

See you at the theater! 🎭

08/28/2025

🎭 Federal Work Study Position Available! 🎭

Join the Theater Arts Department Team

Are you a Theater Arts, Performing Arts or interested student looking for hands-on experience and extra income?

The Theater Arts Department is seeking a Federal Work Study student to assist with department activities and productions.

✨ Why Apply?

• Gain behind-the-scenes theater experience
• Work closely with faculty, staff, and fellow students
• Develop valuable organizational and technical skills
• Flexible hours that fit around your class schedule

📌 Responsibilities May Include:

• Assisting in the costume and scene shops
• Supporting rehearsal and performance preparation
• Helping with department office tasks
• Providing front-of-house support during productions

📣 Eligibility:

• Must qualify for Federal Work Study through Financial Aid

📍 How to Apply:

Visit Calvin Tang ([email protected]) in the Financial Aid Office or contact the Martie Ramm Engle in the Theater Arts department ([email protected]) to learn more.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic on—and off—the stage!

The 2025/2026 GWC Mainstage Theater Season is officially up and running with rehearsals for THE DIVINERS starting this w...
08/28/2025

The 2025/2026 GWC Mainstage Theater Season is officially up and running with rehearsals for THE DIVINERS starting this week!

The actors, directors, and production staff are currently in meetings and readthrough rehearsals for our fall production, which will move into the Mainstage Theater next week!

THE DIVINERS features an exceptional cast of veteran GWC performers as well as exciting newcomers! Our exceptional cast includes the following actors...

Justin Callisch as Buddy Layman -
Hannah Belle Owens as Jennie Layman
Scott Keister as Ferris Layman
Luke Brodowski as C.C. Showers
Kim Brown as Norma Henshaw
Emily Bolden as Darlene Henshaw
Eric Davis as Basil Bennett
Carrie Vinikow as Luella Bennett
Judy Gish as Goldie Short
Tristan Lund as Melvin Wilder
Will Logan as Dewey Maples

In addition to these talented individuals, our production team for THE DIVINERS features 5 students designers in the areas of scenic design, costume design, and make-up. GWC Theater Arts Department faculty are very excited to afford this unique opportunity to some of our most dedicated and deserving technical theater students!

Our student designers are as follows:

Caitlin Fitzpatrick and Rainbow Nguyen - Scenic Design
Jen McLean and Melissa Satler - Costume Design
Vienna Smith - Hair and Makeup

GENERAL PRODUCTION INFORMATION:

Golden West College Theater Arts Department presents...

THE DIVINERS
by Jim Leonard Jr.
Directed by Tom

Performances Run October 10th -19th

Performances will be held in the beautiful 339 seat Mainstage Theater at Golden West College in Huntington Beach.

Tickets Available Now at: https://gwctickets.universitytickets.com/?cid=167

ABOUT THE PLAY:
This award-winning American drama explores the unlikely friendship between a disturbed young man and a disenchanted preacher. Set in rural Indiana in the 1930’s, The Diviners is a story of friendship, faith, family, and community told in a spare, hauntingly poetic voice that speaks to the heart. As playwright Jim Leonard Jr. puts it, “These are good and simple people, they have only the best of intentions.”

See you at the theater! 🎭

There is still time to enroll in Theater Arts classes at Golden West College!THEA G188 Stage Movement with Professor Mar...
08/04/2025

There is still time to enroll in Theater Arts classes at Golden West College!

THEA G188 Stage Movement with Professor MartieRamm Engle will instruct actors in the use of the body as an expressive instrument in performance focusing on introductory movement skills, physical awareness, movement improvisation and stage combat.

THEA G160 Introduction to Stage Direction with Professor Martie Ramm Engle introduces the student to the directing process for the stage. Included are units of study in the use of the stage, play selection and analysis, casting the play, blocking the action, picturization, character development, rhythm, and the organization of the audition and rehearsal process.

Visit the Golden West College class schedule for more information!

Fall classes are filling and now is the time to enroll! THEA G166 Stagecraft with Professor Tim Mueller is an introducti...
07/30/2025

Fall classes are filling and now is the time to enroll!

THEA G166 Stagecraft with Professor Tim Mueller is an introduction to materials, tools and procedures of theatrical stagecraft including scenery construction, set painting, stage lighting and rigging, stage props and technical theatre operations.

THEA G176 Stage Lighting is an introduction to the theories and technology of lighting for stage, film and television.

Visit the Golden West College class schedule for more information!

Calling all theater creatives! There’s still time to enroll in Theater Arts courses for the upcoming fall semester!Basic...
07/28/2025

Calling all theater creatives! There’s still time to enroll in Theater Arts courses for the upcoming fall semester!

Basic Costume Sewing with Amanda Martin introduces students to the principles and techniques of basic costume construction, sewing, use of fabrics, and development of simple patterns in a theatrical context.

Advanced Makeup with Michon Gruber is an advanced level course for film and stage make-up techniques including design, sculpting, molding, casting, and finishing techniques of prosthetic make-up.

Both meet on campus this fall. Visit the Golden West College schedule for more information.

Start your journey into performance and storytelling this fall!THEA G106, G107, G206, G207 Acting 1 - 4 with Professor M...
07/24/2025

Start your journey into performance and storytelling this fall!

THEA G106, G107, G206, G207 Acting 1 - 4 with Professor Martie Ramm Engle

THEA G110 Acting for the Camera with instructor Amanda Zarr.

check out the class schedule at goldenwestcollege.edu to view detailed information on these courses and more!

There’s still time to enroll in Theater Arts courses at Golden West College! Recommended courses include THEA G100 Intro...
07/22/2025

There’s still time to enroll in Theater Arts courses at Golden West College!

Recommended courses include THEA G100 Introduction to the Theater with instructors Martie Ramm Engle or Amanda Zarr.

THEA G102 History & Appreciation of the Cinema with Professor Tom Amen is an on-campus favorite for film lovers.

Enroll today!

SEATS STILL AVAILABLE IN HISTORY AND APPRECIATION OF THE CINEMA!!!Do you like watching movies on a big screen and then d...
07/19/2025

SEATS STILL AVAILABLE IN HISTORY AND APPRECIATION OF THE CINEMA!!!

Do you like watching movies on a big screen and then discussing them with friends? Are you interested in taking a deeper dive into how and why some of your favorite films are made?

If so, be sure to join GWC Professor Tom Amen’s History and Appreciation of the Cinema course for a fun and fascinating journey through a handful of landmark films that you’re sure to enjoy! The 16 films feature something for everyone - classics, fan-favorites, and some thought-provoking surprises!

About the Course...

THEATER G102 (On-Campus)

CRN #22318

The class meets Wednesdays from 12:50 PM - 4:00 PM in Forum II

Note: With with 3 large screens and a booming sound system, Forum II is a great place to enjoy an afternoon movie!

NO TEXTBOOK REQUIRED!

ALL NOTES PROVIDED!

See You in Class This Fall! 🎥 🎞️ 🍿

Check out our online Theater Arts course options for Fall! Curious about where theater began? Explore the roots of drama...
07/18/2025

Check out our online Theater Arts course options for Fall!

Curious about where theater began? Explore the roots of drama in Theater History & Literature: Classical to 1800-fully online with Professor Martie Ramm Engle.

And if you’re drawn to experience the rhythm of backstage life, enroll in Stage Management (Hybrid), also with Professor Martie Ramm Engle

Both courses are open for enrollment now.

Address

15751 Gothard Street
Huntington Beach, CA
92647

Telephone

+17148958150

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Golden West College Theater Arts Department posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Golden West College Theater Arts Department:

Shortcuts

Share

Category