Ventura College supports a varied program of departmental, social, cultural, and athletic curricular activities, as well as creative activities in dance, dramatics, and music. Every student is encouraged to participate in activities of his or her choice. More information is available from the respective departments listed.

Athletics

Playing under the name of the Pirates, the participants in the Men’s and Women’s Intercollegiate Athletic Programs compete in the Western State Conference with the exception of football, which is governed by the Southern California

Football Association.

To be eligible for competition, the student athlete must be actively enrolled in 6 active units and at least 12 or more units for the semester of competition and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0. “Of the 12 credit units, at least nine shall be attempted in courses counting toward the associate degree, remediation, transfer, and/or certification as defined by the College Catalog, and are consistent with the student athlete’s educational plan.” (California Community College Athletic Association Code).

The Men’s Athletic Program offers competition in baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, swimming, tennis, track and field, and water polo. The Women’s Athletic Program includes competition in basketball, beach volleyball, cross-country, flag football, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball and water polo.

Information about Pirate Athletics can be found on the department's website, www.VCweplayhard.com.

Dance

The dance curriculum, guided by department faculty and staff, combines technical training, historical study, and performance coursework. These classes build students’ communication, critical thinking, and expressive skills while supporting academic and professional goals in dance and related fields.
Students seeking additional performance or choreographic experience may join the Dance Performance class, which culminates in a fully produced live performance each semester.

Music Ensembles

College Choir and College Singers

These groups are designed for students who enjoy singing a wide variety of choral literature. College Choir is open to singers with little or no previous experience. College Singers requires an audition. Auditions are held on the first day of the semester, along with initial placement auditions for College Choir. A major performance is presented each semester.

Symphony Orchestra

Students are invited to participate in orchestra rehearsals and concerts each semester. These classes provide students with the opportunity to perform great symphonic literature. The orchestra often supports musicals, opera, and ballet. Auditions may be required for selected productions.

Symphonic Band

Students are invited to participate in Symphony Band rehearsals and concerts each semester. This ensemble provides students with the opportunity to perform a wide variety of wind band literature while developing ensemble skills, musicianship, and performance experience. Auditions may be required.

Instrumental Chamber Ensembles

Chamber Music Ensembles are organized each semester for students who desire experience in small-group performance and interpretation. String, guitar, brass, woodwind, and percussion ensembles are formed when qualified personnel are available.

Jazz Band

Students rehearse weekly in a large jazz ensemble, with a major performance at the end of the semester. The focus is on a variety of jazz idioms. Auditions may be required.

Opera and Musical Theatre

Scenes or large-scale productions of operas and musicals are produced and performed each semester. Students participate in weekly rehearsals and perform in a major production each semester. Auditions are be required.

Theatre

Theatre Arts faculty and staff at Ventura College aim to provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience in all aspects of performance and production. Co-curricular activities in Theatre Arts include plays and other dramatic events produced throughout the academic year. Students seeking performance opportunities are required to audition. Students interested in production assignments (crew, costume, lights, set, sound, stage management, etc.) are encouraged to request an interview with the faculty director or producer of the desired project.