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 study, practice, and execution of the fundamentals of acting. The focus is 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 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 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.