Theatre Arts Courses

TH A 30, Introduction to Theatre
Lec-52.5

This course focuses on the relationship of theatre to various cultures throughout history, and on the contributions of significant individual artists. This course introduces students to elements of the production process including playwriting, acting, directing, design and criticism. Different periods, styles, and genres will be surveyed.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 31, Survey of Classical Drama
Lec-52.5

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

Readings and analysis of the plays that form the historical foundation of modem
European and American drama. Lectures, reading and discussion of plays from ancient
Greece through Shakespeare to the 19th century.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 32, Survey of Modern Drama
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

Readings and analysis of plays that illustrate the major types of drama written for the modern stage. Lectures, reading and discussion of play scripts dating from the advent of 19th Century realism, through the writing of contemporary authors.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 33, Survey of the Art of Comedy
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

Historical analysis of Comedy in its many forms, its performances, and literature presented on stage resulting in laughter. Lectures, readings, viewings and discussions of comedic performances and literature tracing its development from the mimes of ancient Greece through Shakespeare, and commedia dell'arte, to stage comedy of present day.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 60, Stagecraft
Lec-35 Lab-70 P/NP Available

Introduction and practical experience in stage scenery construction, stage properties
selection, lighting execution, sound design, scenic painting techniques, and stage
management through class lab work and participation in departmental productions

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 61, Technical Theatre Production
P/NP Available

PREREQ: Approval of the Theatre Arts Department

On campus College work experience in technical theatre production, house management and stage management subject to approval and under supervision of a Theatre Arts Department Instructor. One unit of credit is earned for 54 hours of unpaid or paid work.

UC/CSU
Units: 1
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 62, Introduction to Stage Design
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

Introduction to the basic techniques used in stage design for live performance with
emphasis on the art of scenic design through drafting techniques, model making, ground
plans, as well as script analysis for the practical application of these skills.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 63, Introduction to Lighting Design
Lec-52.5 Lab-52.5 P/NP Available

Introduction to the basic techniques used in lighting design for live performance with
emphasis on the art of lighting design, script analysis, lighting equipment needs, safety
and uses, drafting techniques as well as color theory for the practical application of these
concepts.

UC/CSU
Units: 4
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 80, Introduction to Costume Design
Lec-35 Lab-70 P/NP Available

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

Introduction to the process and materials for designing and fabricating costumes for theatrical productions.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

Formerly TH A 70

TH A 81, Introduction to Stage Makeup and Wig Design
Lec-35 Lab-70 P/NP Available

Introduction to the materials and techniques of wig and makeup design for stage, film, TV, and photography. Traditional and contemporary techniques of makeup application in both classroom and production environments.

CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 107A, Introduction to Directing for the Theatre
Lec-52.5

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

Introductory-level examination of the function of a stage director and the techniques of stage direction with application through practical experiences focusing on scene work.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 107B, Intermediate Directing for the Theatre
Lec-52.5

PREREQ: TH A 107A

Intermediate-level examination of the function of a stage director and the techniques of stage direction with application through practical experiences focusing on one-act plays.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 107C, Advanced Directing for the Theatre
Lec-52.5

PREREQ: TH A 107B

Advanced-level examination of the function of a stage director and the techniques of stage direction with application through practical experiences focusing on a full-length play.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 150A, Beginning Acting Fundamentals
Lec-52.5

Beginning level examination, practice and execution of the fundamentals of acting. Staging techniques, improvisation, theatre games, stage movement, and acting terminology. Classroom preparation and presentation of monologues and ensemble work.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

Formerly TH A 150

TH A 150B, Intermediate Acting Fundamentals
Lec-52.5

PREREQ.: TH A 150A

Intermediate level examination, practice and execution of the fundamentals of acting. The focus on using staging techniques, improvisation, theatre games, stage movement, and applying acting terminology. Classroom preparation and presentation of monologues and ensemble work.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 150C, Advanced Acting Fundamentals
Lec-52.5 field trips

PREREQ.: TH A 150B

Advanced level examination, practice and execution of the fundamentals of acting. The focus on mastering staging techniques, improvisation, theatre games, stage movement, and acting terminology. Classroom preparation and presentation of monologues and ensemble work at an advanced level.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 151A, Beginning Character Development and Scene Study
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

ADVISE: TH A 150A

Beginning level analysis, development and creation of believable characters, and in-class performance. Concentration on studying scene evolution in an ensemble setting of plays selected from diverse dramatic literature.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

Formerly TH A 151

TH A 151B, Intermediate Character Development and Scene Study
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

PREREQ.: TH A 151A

Intermediate level analysis, development and creation of believable characters, and in-class performance. Special emphasis on the playwright's "given circumstances" and character development. Communication onstage demonstrated through scene presentation.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 151C, Advanced Character Development and Scene Study
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

PREREQ.: TH A 151B

Advanced level analysis, development and creation of believable characters, in relation to text analysis of characters from diverse material. Special emphasis on social-cultural influences on both character and text through in class scene presentation.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 152C, Performance Projects: Contemporary Plays
Lec-52.5 field trips

ADVISE: TH A 30

Development of contemporary plays that will be performed in a studio setting. Investigation of the development of performance skills as they relate to the audience and to the specific studio space.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 153A, Beginning Improvisation
Lec-52.5

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

Beginning-level instruction in the acting skill of creating original material by performers for presentation through techniques of improvisation and scenario. Beginning-level actor-generated narrative and play script development in an ensemble setting.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

Formerly TH A 153

TH A 153B, Intermediate Improvisation
Lec-52.5

PREREQ.: TH A 153A

Intermediate-level instruction in the acting skill of creating characters through original and spontaneous material developed by performers for presentation through techniques of improvisation and scenario. Focus on actor's improvised communication and character relationships.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 153C, Advanced Improvisation
Lec-52.5

PREREQ.: TH A 153B

Advanced-level instruction in the acting skill of creating characters through original and spontaneous material developed by performers for presentation through techniques of improvisation and scenario. Focus on spontaneous group presentations with character interaction and given circumstances, in the long-form improvisation structure.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 154A, Beginning Acting for the Camera
Lec-43.8 Lab-26.3

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

Beginning-level development of performance skills for video, film and electronic media applications with emphasis on identifying and defining an on-camera persona in a production context.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 154B, Intermediate Acting for the Camera
Lec-43.8 Lab-26.3

PREREQ: TH A 154A

Intermediate-level development of performance skills for video, film and electronic media applications with emphasis on dramatic characterization in a production context utilizing text to performance techniques.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 154C, Advanced Acting for the Camera
Lec-43.8 Lab-26.3

PREREQ: TH A 154B

Advanced-level development of performing skills for video, film and electronic media applications with emphasis on application of practical skills to transition to a professional environment.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 160A, Beginning Vocal Production and Audition
Lec-52.5

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

Beginning instruction in the study of the anatomy of the vocal mechanism. Practice of voice and articulation with an emphasis on Standard American English for the stage to develop the actor's process in preparation for performance and audition, selection of materials, and presentation of self in various audition settings.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

Formerly TH A 160

TH A 160B, Intermediate Vocal Production and Audition
Lec-52.5

PREREQ.: TH A 160A

Intermediate instruction in the study of the anatomy of the vocal mechanism. Practice transcription of sounds into International Phonetics for voice and articulation with an emphasis on Standard American English for the stage, and to develop the actor's process in preparation for performance and selection of materials for various audition settings.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 160C, Advanced-Intermediate Vocal Production and Audition
Lec-52.5

PREREQ.: TH A 160B

Advance-Intermediate instruction in the study of the anatomy of the vocal mechanism. Practice of voice and articulation in preparation of classical and contemporary auditions. Focused auditioning exercises for the stage to develop the actor's process in preparation for performance and audition and selection of materials in various audition settings.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 160D, Advanced Vocal Production and Audition
Lec-52.5

PREREQ.: TH A 160C

Advanced instruction in the study of the anatomy of the vocal mechanism. Practice of voice and articulation with an emphasis on dialects for the stage to develop the actor's process in preparation for performance and audition, selection of materials, and presentation of self in various audition settings.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 170A, Beginning Shakespeare for Actors
Lec-52.5

ADVISE: TH A 150A and (ESL 188 or readiness for college- level English

Beginning instruction in the use of text techniques interpreting poetic imagery and vocal exercises for the actor used in the performance of Shakespearean verse and prose. The class will develop the student's approach to address analytic skills, historical research, vocal skills and interpretive skills to perform William Shakespeare's canon.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 170B, Intermediate Shakespeare for Actors
Lec-52.5

PREREQ.: TH A 170A

Intermediate instruction in the use of text techniques interpreting poetic imagery and exercises for the actor to use in the performance of Shakespearean verse and prose. Focusing the actor's voice and developing the use of Standard American Speech in order to perform William Shakespeare's canon for an American audience.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 170C, Advanced Intermediate Shakespeare for Actors
Lec-52.5

PREREQ.: TH A 170B

Advanced intermediate instruction of text techniques of interpreting poetic imagery, vocal exercises for the actor to use in the performance of Shakespearean verse and prose applied to scene work. The class will develop the student's approach to address character development from William Shakespeare's "Comic" or "Romance" plays.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 170D, Advanced Shakespeare for Actors
Lec-52.5

PREREQ.: TH A 170C

Advanced instruction of text techniques of interpreting poetic imagery, vocal exercises for the actor to use in the performance of Shakespearean verse and prose applied to scene work. The class will develop the student's approach to address character development from William Shakespeare's "Tragic" or "Historic" plays.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 171A, Beginning Storytelling and Performance
Lec-52.5 field trips

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

Beginning instruction in the acting skill of storytelling through performance exercises, improvisations, writing of original work, and the use of the literature of folklore, myth, and monologue focusing on narrative, creation of character and the telling of stories in an ensemble setting.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 171B, Intermediate Storytelling and Performance
Lec-52.5 field trips

PREREQ.: TH A 171A

Intermediate level instruction in the acting skill of editing for the presentation of stories through performance exercises, improvisations, writing of original work, and the use of the literature of folklore, myth, and monologue focusing on narrative, creation of character and the telling of stories in an ensemble setting.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 171C, Advanced Intermediate Storytelling and Performance
Lec-52.5 field trips

PREREQ.: TH A 171B

Advanced intermediate level instruction in the acting skill of editing for the presentation of stories through performance exercises, improvisations, and the use of material from holiday tales and creation mythology, focusing on production of a public performance.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 171D, Advanced Storytelling and Performance
Lec-52.5 field trips

PREREQ.: TH A 171C

Advanced level instruction in the acting skill of storytelling. Focus on individual skill through performance exercises, improvisations, writing of original work. Uses the literature of folklore, myth, and monologue, focusing on narrative, creation of character and characters' narrative monologues.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
TH A 201A, Ensemble Role Comedy - Play Rehearsal and Presentation
Lab-35 P/NP Available

PREREQ: Approval of the Theater Arts Department

Ensemble-level performance preparation and training through participation in a comedic play presented by the Theatre Arts Department. Students must audition, be cast, rehearse, and perform an ensemble role in a production in the comedy genre in order to receive credit.

UC/CSU
Units: 1
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

Enrollment by audition and interview by the Theater Arts Department.

TH A 201B, Supporting Role Comedy - Play Rehearsal Presentation
Lab-70 P/NP Available

PREREQ: Approval of the Theater Arts Department

Supporting-level performance preparation and training through participation in a comedy presented by the Theatre Arts Department. Students must audition, be cast, rehearse, and perform a supporting role in a production in the comedy genre in order to receive credit.

UC/CSU
Units: 2
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

Enrollment by audition and interview with the Theater Arts Department

TH A 201C, Principal Role Comedy - Play Rehearsal and Presentation
Lab-105 P/NP Available

PREREQ: Approval of the Theater Arts Department

Principal performance preparation and training through participation in a comedy presented by the Theatre Arts Department. Students must audition, be cast, rehearse, and perform a principal role in a production in the comedy genre in order to receive credit.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

Enrollment by audition and interview by the Theater Arts Department.

TH A 202A, Ensemble Role Drama - Play Rehearsal and Presentation
Lab-35 P/NP Available

PREREQ: Approval of the Theater Arts Department

Ensemble-level performance preparation and training through participation in a drama presented by the Theatre Arts Department. Students must audition, be cast, rehearse, and perform an ensemble role in a production in the drama genre in order to receive credit.

UC/CSU
Units: 1
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

Enrollment by audition and interview by the Theater Arts Department.

TH A 202B, Supporting Role Drama - Play Rehearsal Presentation
Lab-70 P/NP Available

PREREQ: Approval of Theater Arts Department

Supporting-level performance preparation and training through participation in a drama presented by the Theatre Arts Department. Students must audition, be cast, rehearse, and perform a supporting role in a production in the drama genre in order to receive credit.

UC/CSU
Units: 2
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

Enrollment by audition and interview with the Theater Arts Department

TH A 202C, Principal Role Drama - Play Rehearsal and Presentation
Lab-105 P/NP Available

PREREQ: Approval of Theater Arts Department

Principal performance preparation and training through participation in a drama presented by the Theatre Arts Department. Students must audition, be cast, rehearse, and perform a principal role in a production in the drama genre in order to receive credit.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

Enrollment by audition and interview by the Theater Arts Department.

TH A 203A, Ensemble Role Classical - Play Rehearsal Presentation
Lab-35 P/NP Available

PREREQ: Approval of the Theater Arts Department

Ensemble-level performance preparation and training through participation in a classical play presented by the Theatre Arts Department. Students must audition, be cast, rehearse, and perform an ensemble role in a production in the classical genre in order to receive credit.

UC/CSU
Units: 1
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

Enrollment by audition and interview by the Theater Arts Department.

TH A 203B, Supporting Role Classic - Play Rehearsal Presentation
Lab-70 P/NP Available

PREREQ: Approval of the Theater Arts Department

Supporting-level performance preparation and training through participation in a classical play presented by the Theatre Arts Department. Students must audition, be cast, rehearse, and perform a supporting role in a production in the classical genre in order to receive credit.

UC/CSU
Units: 2
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

Enrollment by audition and interview with the Theater Arts Department

TH A 203C, Principal Role Classic - Play Rehearsal and Presentation
Lab-105 P/NP Available

PREREQ: Limitation on enrollment — by audition/interview

Principal performance preparation and training through participation in a classical presented by the Theatre Arts Department. Students must audition, be cast, rehearse, and perform a principal role in a production in the classical genre in order to receive credit.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

Enrollment by audition and interview by the Theater Arts Department.

TH A 204A, Ensemble Role Tragedy - Play Rehearsal Presentation
Lab-35 P/NP Available

PREREQ: Approval of the Theater Arts Department

Ensemble-level performance preparation and training through participation in a tragic play presented by the Theatre Arts Department. Students must audition, be cast, rehearse, and perform an ensemble role in a production in the drama genre in order to receive credit.

UC/CSU
Units: 1
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

Enrollment by audition and interview by the Theater Arts Department.

TH A 204B, Supporting Role Tragedy - Play Rehearsal Presentation
Lab-70 P/NP Available

PREREQ: Approval of the Theater Arts Department

Supporting-level performance preparation and training through participation in a tragedy presented by the Theatre Arts Department. Students must audition, be cast, rehearse, and perform a supporting role in a production in the tragedy genre in order to receive credit.

UC/CSU
Units: 2
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

Enrollment by audition and interview with the Theater Arts Department

TH A 204C, Principal Role Tragedy - Play Rehearsal and Presentation
Lab-105 P/NP Available

PREREQ: Approval of the Theater Arts Department

Principal performance preparation and training through participation in a tragedy presented by the Theatre Arts Department. Students must audition, be cast, rehearse, and perform a principal role in a production in the tragedy genre in order to receive credit.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

Enrollment by audition and interview by the Theater Arts Department.