Theater Arts Courses

Introduction to the techniques and theories of acting, explored through improvisation, exercises and scene study. Development of the physical and psychological resources for acting including relaxation, concentration, creativity, believability, and commitment. Development of critical thinking skills associated with viewing and analyzing performances of others. Lab hours are required for rehearsal of scenes and attendance of on campus theater productions. (Formerly THEA 1A)

This course follows THTR 1 and continues the exploration of theories and techniques used in preparation for the interpretation of drama through acting. The emphasis will be placed on deepening the understanding of the acting process through character analysis, monologues, and scenes. The course will help students better prepare for participation in full scale theater productions as well as continue with other training and education options.

This course builds upon skills developed through study in THTR 1 and THTR 2A. Strong emphasis will be put on developing specific three dimensional characters, strengthening acting choices and clear use of language through use of scene and monologue study and presentation. Students will work on greater emotional depth and authenticity.

Introduction to the techniques and theories of improvisation and its various uses in theater. Development of the ability to think quickly, develop characters, work in an ensemble, and create spontaneously through various exercises. This course is helpful for learning acting, but also for just having fun and learning to play and be spontaneous. Recommended for non-theater as well as theater majors.

This course builds on the skills developed in THTR 4A, deepening student's understanding of how to perform on camera with authenticity and believability. Scenes will be more complex and demanding than those at the previous level. Strong focus will be given to building an inner life that helps support the character being played and the story being told.

Learn approaches for preparing, rehearsing and performing on camera that can be used for commercials, film and television work. Students will prepare and perform scenes and monologues that will be shot on camera in studio and on-location settings. May not receive credit if THTR 4 has been completed.

Participate in a theater production to be performed for local K-12 students. Plays will be cast by audition, however, everyone who enrolls will be a part of the production.

Participate in a theater production to be performed for local K-12 students. Plays will be cast by audition, however, everyone who enrolls will be a part of the production.

Work with a variety of physical techniques to help with the development of character, improve stage presence, command focus, be in control of the story when on stage and be more specific in your work as an actor or improvisor. Techniques include use of mask, improvisation and stage combat. Students work together to create their own scenes and performance pieces based on the work in class. May not receive credit if THTR 6 has been completed.

Students will build on skills developed in THTR 6A. Specific areas of development will include relaxation while on stage, physical and emotional connection to characters being played, use of psychological gestures, improvisation with masks, and stage combat techniques.

Development of the awareness of and access to the natural voice for use in theatrical production, and in life. Increase emotional availability and ability to communicate text clearly through breath control and articulation.

This course builds on skills learned in THTR 8A. Emphasis will be put on the development of a full repertoire of monologues for a variety of audition situations. Students will finish the semester prepared to audition for professional acting work as well as actor training programs and 4 year schools. Other topics will include current trends in actor promotions, development of a professional resumes and how to prepare for professional head shots.

This course will give students an understanding of what is required in order to be a professional actor, as well as what it takes to pursue advanced acting degrees. The main focus will be on the audition process for theater, commercials and film. Students will receive coaching on contemporary and classical monologues, and learning techniques for cold-reads during a call-back. Other topics will include resumes, headshots and the basics of actor promotions. May not receive credit if THTR 8 has been completed.

Focuses on the relationship of theater to various cultures throughout history, and on the contributions of significant individual artists. Introduces students to elements of the production process including playwriting, acting, directing, design, and criticism. Students will also survey different periods, styles and genres of theater through play reading, discussion, films, and viewing and critiquing live theater, including required attendance at theater productions.

The history, representation and contributions of various ethnic groups in American theater and the study of theater as an instrument for expressing and understanding cultural identity. The focus will be on at least three of the following cultural groups: African Americans, Asian Americans, European Americans, Latin Americans and Native Americans.

Learn the basics of directing actors working on dramatic writing for live performance. Focus will be given to blocking, text analysis, structuring rehearsal, leading a group in artistic collaboration.

This is a continuation of THTR 16C, designed for students who wish to further develop their existing skills in dramatic writing. The emphasis of this course will be on developing longer works, with special attention to rising action and alternatives to Realism.

This course provides techniques for reading a script in preparation for production. Focus is on principles of structural dynamics, how scripts reflect cultural and social norms and values and how to apply differing theories as actors, directors and designers for their respective contributions to projects. The first job of any theater artist is to understand the script they are working on. This course builds the ability to perceive the writer's intention in writing a script, giving students skills for bringing scripts to life in productions.

Students will be offered a survey of scenery, lighting, sound, costumes, makeup, properties, and special design needs, through demonstration, and laboratory experience.

Students will study costume history, design, and basic construction techniques as an introduction to basic theatrical costuming. There will also be attention paid to makeup for theatrical purposes.

This course involves the study and execution of stage lighting with emphasis on equipment, control, color and their relationship to design.

Development of new plays for staged readings and/or productions. This class will develop and perform plays for an audience, with an emphasis on the evolution of the dramatic texts. Special projects, such as specific textural challenges, may be included.

This is a continuation of Theater 30B, as students further their skills in the development of new dramatic material. This course emphasizes character development and story arc, culminating in the staged reading, the reading workshop.

This is a continuation of 30A, the development of new plays and/or other special projects for production and/or readings. This course emphasizes character study and scene breakdown.

This is the capstone course of the THTR 30 track, where students continue to hone their skills in the development of new work and/or other special projects for the stage. This course will emphasize an actual staged production near the end of the term, with instruction in student directing, stage management, elemental production values of lights, sound and costumes

This course supports students who are either writing or directing material that is in the process of being rehearsed and performed in other courses. The course builds on the skills developed in THTR 32A. Student writers will improve abilities with creating story structure and dialogue, as well as create multi-dimensional characters. Student directors will focus on how to prepare for and manage a rehearsal. This course will typically accompany THTR 30A and THTR 61A, or any other course where the focus is producing original student writing and directing. Students writing and directing in these other courses will be asked to enroll in THTR 32B as a way of giving more direct instruction and support to those students.

This course gives students the opportunity to participate in a stage play or podcast of a play that focuses on themes appropriate to holiday festivities. Students of all levels of experience will be given the opportunity to participate.

An introduction to technical theater and the creation of scenic elements. Includes basic concepts of design, use of shop tools, painting techniques, set construction, set movement, prop construction, backstage organization, and career possibilities. May include stage management, lighting, and/or sound techniques. Lecture, reading, projects, and practical experience.

This is a continuation of THTR 47A, as students further their acting skills in a college production. This course emphasizes character development, along with objectives, actions and obstacles.

This is a continuation of THTR 47B. for furthering a student's skill as an actor in a college production. Emphasis in this course will be on effective rehearsal techniques, generous responses,and ensemble building.

This course provides instruction and supervised participation in theater rehearsal and performance in main season production or project. Enrollment is for duration of the production. Enrollment by audition only.

This is a continuation of THTR 47C, where students further develop their skills as actors in a college production. This course will emphasize the polish in performance, the evaluation of one's work and the development of a personal, creative process.

Participation in scheduled productions as crew members and/or constructing its technical elements. Application of skills in the various technical areas involved in the presentation of a theatrical production learned in preceding course.

Participation in scheduled productions as crew members and/or constructing its technical elements. Development of skills in the various technical areas involved in the presentation of a theatrical production.

Participation in scheduled productions as crew members and/or constructing its technical elements. Application of skills in the various technical areas involved in the presentation of a theatrical production learned in preceding course.

Participation in scheduled productions as crew members and/or constructing its technical elements. Application of leadership skills in the various technical areas involved in the presentation of a theatrical production.