Charles Temple Observatory

Moorpark College’s on-campus observatory is situated in an area with minimal light pollution to enhance viewing. Students taking astronomy labs explore the night sky by guiding simple-to-use telescopes themselves at the site. The observatory is periodically opened for public events hosted either by the college or the Ventura County Astronomical Society. For information on public astronomy programs, contact the Ventura County Astronomical Society at (805) 529-9666 or go online at www.vcas.org.

Teaching Zoo

America’s Teaching Zoo is one of two community college teaching zoos in the United States. The 5-acre zoo serves as student support for the Exotic Animal Training and Management Program. The zoo is open to the public for shows and tours every weekend from 11:00 am-5:00 pm. During the weekdays, pre-approved Moorpark College classes, school programs and special events may be scheduled. For information, call (805) 378-1441 or visit the Moorpark College website.

Forensics Team (Speech and Debate)

Moorpark College Forensics proudly owns the top record of any team in America at the National Championships. Forensics team participants regularly transfer to the finest schools across the country in their respective majors. The experience provided by the team has also enabled many to go on to become successful in a variety of fields including politics, law, and film/TV/theatre. Whether your interest is in debate, public speaking, or acting, no experience is necessary. Students who are interested in participating should contact Rolland Petrello in the Communication Studies Department (rpetrello@vcccd.edu).

MakerSpace

MakerSpace at Moorpark College is a place for students and faculty to explore new technologies, work on entrepreneurial and class projects, and gather with others who enjoy making. In the MakerSpaces on campus, students can receive training on machines ranging from computers software to wood working tools. Equipment is shared and available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information visit the MC MakerSapce website.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Multicultural Day

Multicultural Day at Moorpark College is an annual spring event organized by faculty, staff, and students as a creative and experiential day of teaching and learning. A day of alternative instruction, Multicultural Day was established in 1990 with the goal of enhancing the college mission of preparing students to appreciate the value of diverse cultures, both local and worldwide. Instruction features insightful lectures, breathtaking performances, amazing exhibits, thought-provoking presentations, exciting demonstrations, energetic panel discussions, innovative storytelling, inspiring music, rhythmic dance, dramatic theater, and experiential exercises. For more information about the event (including dates, scheduling, and programs), please visit our Moorpark College website.

One Campus One Book (OCOB)

The OCOB program invites all Moorpark College students, faculty, staff, and community members to participate in this campus-wide program that encourages reading, thinking, and the exchange of meaningful ideas while fostering a sense of community through the shared experience of reading and discussing important ideas generated by a common book. For the current selection and related events, please visit the Moorpark College Library.

Performing Arts (Dance, Music, Theatre and Film/Television)

The Moorpark College Performing Arts Center is the home for our Theatre Arts, Music and Dance programs. Performance opportunities for students abound at Moorpark College!

Theatre Arts: Students interested in Theatre Arts are offered a wide variety of classes, performance opportunities, and technical experiences in our two state-of-the art theaters for students interested in both transfer and direct career preparation (CTE). The ambitious Theatre Arts program mounts classical drama, comedy, musical theatre (partnering with Music and Dance) productions, as well as student-written one-act plays, monologues and improvisational comedy performances.

Music: Among the many outstanding musical groups performing regularly at Moorpark College are the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Choral Ensembles, and Jazz Ensembles.

Dance: The Dance Department offers a wide variety of classes and levels to suit the needs of our dance students in their educational and career pathways. Each semester Dance offers a main stage production (Speaking Movement in the Fall and Motion Flux in the Spring), the “Evening of Dance” (a culminating concert featuring students from Dance classes), and, for the advanced dancer, the Moorpark College Modern Touring Ensemble.

The Communications Building, just next door, is the home of Moorpark College’s Film, Television and Media program.

FTMA: This transfer and career preparation (CTE) program boasts a fully equipped sound stage and television studio offering additional classes and production opportunities for students interested in acting and directing, as well as the technical aspects of television, film and audio production, and digital asset management. It is also the home of KMCJ the new Moorpark College Radio Station training the radio engineers, technicians and on-air talent of tomorrow.

These organizations and groups are active throughout the academic year with over thirty annual productions in Dance, Music, Theatre and Film/Television extending into the summer. For the most up-to-date scheduling information or to purchase ticket for upcoming events, check out the website or call the Performing Arts Box Office at (805) 378-1485. Purchase tickets online at the Moorpark College website and you can enjoy a special discount.