halftoning
Here’s a simple tutorial on how to halftone text or an image.
First, write out your text. Here’s mine:

Next, go to Effects > Artist Effects > Halftone:

With the box that pops up, match your settings to mine and then click OK:

This is the finished product:
CLICK HERE to find out how to halftone on vectors (the ones that are used in the Showtime style signs)