Theatre (TH)

Development of methods and skills for Theatre Arts majors. Focus on the various roles involved in theatre-making through collaboration and experimentation. Introduction to the study and appreciation of Theatre; additional emphasis on practical and professional expectations, and career planning. Attendance at theatre performance(s) required. Not open to students with credit in TH 101. 4 lectures.

Overview of theatre principles and production practices, including terminology and conventions, methods, dramatic literature and performance, aesthetic appreciation, and technology. Emphasis on theatre as an integral cultural, social, and artistic entity. Attendance at theatre performance(s) required. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. Not open to students with credit in TH 201. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area C1 (GE Area C3 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Focus on creation and performance of original devised work. Development of skills to research, collect, and produce content for use in performance. Emphasis on theatre to promote social change and awareness within a community about a particular topic or event. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Contemporary acting techniques focused on character building, objectives and tactics, with a focus on the development and implementation of various interactive methods of vocal work, images and actor resources. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Basic costume construction techniques used in entertainment industry. Building of costumes and craft projects for mainstage theater productions. Students required to participate in rehearsals and productions as costume run crew. May not be taken concurrently with TH 230 or TH 330. 4 laboratories.

Examine the traditions of theater, primarily Western, from its origins to the European Renaissance, within the context of wider cultural and political developments. Production methods, acting styles, playwriting theories and representative plays. Course may be offered in classroom-based or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area C1 (GE Area C3 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Highlights of European and North American theatrical history from the 18th to 21st century. Production methods, acting styles, playwriting theories and representative plays. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area C1 (GE Area C3 for students on the 2019-21 or earlier catalogs).

Basic stagecraft technique used in the entertainment industry. Construction and painting of scenery, building and gathering properties, hanging and focusing lighting instruments, and acting as running crew for department production each term. May not be taken concurrently with TH 225 or TH 325. 4 laboratories.

Examination and application of key styles of acting, with specific attention paid toward the comparison and development of performance techniques and/or theories via scene work. Enhancement of foundational skills related to character, given circumstances, tactics, and objectives. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Objectives and techniques of improvisational theatre. Participation in a series of exercises designed to develop skills in dramatic structure formatting, interactive problem solving, spontaneous scripting, dynamic communications, and applied performance styles. 2 lectures, 2 activities.

Basic stage managerial skills for organizing, preparing, and fulfilling theatrical productions from the inception through rehearsal and performance. 4 lectures.

Introduction to theatre production techniques and terminology, including tools and processes required to analyze, interpret, and construct scenery; concepts of lighting system and console programming; rigging practices. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Introduction to various technologies and current software used in theatrical stage design, including graphics editors; computer-aided design; visualizers and mapping; projection creation. Mixed digital media preparation and presentation. Individual and group assignments. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Theory and practice in developing command of oral techniques for the stage including breath support, resonance and articulation. 4 lectures.

Introduction to scenic painting techniques used in theatre, including color mixing and media preparation, surface sizing and preparation, finishes, pattern or stencil work, and scaled transfer. Paint shop operations and functions. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Introduction to the art of theatrical make-up design and application. Techniques for producing character, old age, fantasy and special effects make-up. Demonstration and discussion of various design and application styles. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Directed group study of selected topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures.

Directed group study of movement techniques and exercises to facilitate expressive physical performance. Body effectiveness, alignment and conditioning practice integrated with creative exploration and movement analysis of effort, spatial awareness and detailed body usage. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as DANC/TH 280.

Part-time, supervised internship experience for Freshmen & Sophomore students in theatre or equivalent professionally related industry. Ability to work independently; strong verbal and written skills. Faculty approval of internship position required. Evaluations by supervisor and written reports by student required. 30 - 120 hours of work experience. Total credit limited to 4 units. Credit/ No credit grading only.

Script analysis taught as an essential applied skill for actors, designers and directors. Students read a variety of plays and learn how to examine their structure, theme and context. 4 seminars.

Exploration of the fundamental principles and practices of designing for the stage. Emphasis placed upon the creative and collaborative process of theatre; development of the visual world of the play via language, color, drawing, analysis, and peer evaluation. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Critical analysis of traditionally underrepresented groups in the American theatre, as writers, practitioners, story subjects. Investigation of dramatic literature and performance trends related to special interest topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division C (GE Area C4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP.

Development of physical expression for the purpose of creating content for the stage; exploration of modern theatrical movement modalities to develop physical impulse, spatial awareness, ensemble work, and storytelling. Course culminates with an original student devised performance. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Specialized and advanced costume construction techniques used in entertainment industry. Building of costumes and craft projects for mainstage theater productions. Students required to participate in rehearsals and productions as costume run crew. Total credit limited to 8 units. May not be taken concurrently with TH 230 or TH 330. 4 laboratories.

Basic stagecraft technique used in the entertainment industry. Students construct and paint scenery, build and gather properties, hang and focus lighting instruments, and act as running crew for department production each term. Total credit limited to 8 units. May not be taken concurrently with TH 225 or TH 325. 4 laboratories.

Preparation of a play for quarterly public presentation, including acting, stage management, publicity, or serving as a key member of the artistic team. Total credit limited to 12 units. Major credit limited to 4 units; repeated units are free electives. 4 laboratories.

Examines dramatic structure, techniques of dialogue, and means of characterization in variety of plays. Relates dramatic writing to technical, design, directorial and acting demands. Compositions of monologues, scenes and one-act play; works read and critiqued in class. 4 seminars.

Preparation of a play for quarterly public presentation. Assignments and projects may center around any technical area of theatre, including, but not limited to, the following: Designers, Assistant Designers, Technicians, Crews and Crew Heads. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 laboratories.

Dress worn in Western society from Ancient Egypt through AD 2000. Silhouette; how, when, and why particular garments were worn; emphasis on social, political, and economic context. 4 lectures.

Practice of educational drama as applied to multidisciplinary curricula. Collaborate on story-based improvisation in areas that include language arts, social studies, geography and science with additional focus on examining emotional development and creativity. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Investigation of non-American theatre and dramatic performance; emphasis on plays, playwrights, and movements as portraits of philosophical/national make-up. Topical emphasis focuses on the definition and development of a cultural identity via the context of historical and contemporary theatre practices. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division C (GE Area C4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Individual investigation, research, or project centering around theatre. Total credit limited to 8 units.

Advanced performance methodology. Focus on actor training in the theatre; analysis and professional skills; development approaches to material for the stage and auditioning. Enhancement of techniques related to monologues, scene study, and auditions. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Scenic design process used in the entertainment industry, including collaboration, concept development, research, sketching, drafting, color rendering using a variety of media, 3D model building, and the presentation of design material. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Costume design process used in the entertainment industry, including collaboration, concept development, research, sketching, color rendering using a variety of media, and the presentation of design material. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Lighting design process used in the entertainment industry, including collaboration, concept development, research, functional aspects of lighting equipment, CAD drafting, the development of production paperwork and presentation of design material. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Principles, philosophies, analytical methods, business practices, organizational techniques and interpersonal strategies of directing for the stage. Experiential work includes hands-on, in-class exercises, as well as intensive outside class rehearsals. Culmination in a public production of student-directed one-act plays. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Focus on post-graduate career planning options in theatre arts, including resume and portfolio building, preparation for professional work, graduate school and internships. A structure by which students design and submit their senior projects. 4 seminars.

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures.

Directed group laboratory study of selected topics for theatre students. The Class Schedule will list topics selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. 1-4 laboratories.

Part-time, supervised internship experience in the entertainment or equivalent professional industry. Ability to work independently; strong verbal and written skills. Faculty approval required. Evaluations by internship supervisor and written reports by student required. 120 hours of work experience. Total credit limited to 8 units. Credit/No Credit grading.