A total of four semesters of THEA 215, at 0 units per semester, is required of all
theatre arts majors:
A total of five semesters of play production, at one unit per semester, is required
of all theatre arts majors:
THEA 100 Concepts in Theatrical Design (3)
A survey course of the ideas and practices of theatrical designers. In this course
students examine the influence of design elements on the overall theatrical production,
while learning the vocabulary of design terminology. The course touches on design
principles inherent in the areas of costumes, lighting, sound, scenery, media and
new technologies, and stage management and explores how these principles impact the
creative process. Required for all Theatre Arts Majors.
THEA 201 Introduction to Theatre Research (3)
An introduction to scholarly and artistic methods of research integral to theatrical
practice, to include dramaturgy, script analysis, visual research, and the formation
of directorial concepts.
THEA 240 Stagecraft I (4)
An introductory study of the technical aspects of theatre, including lectures and
labs. (GE)
THEA 311 History of the Theatre I (3)
The development of theatre from the ancient Egyptians through the Renaissance. Includes
representative plays and playwrights of the various periods and countries, as well
as the development of the physical theatre and the roles of the actors and directors
in theatre history. (PS, RM, WI)
THEA 312 History of the Theatre II (3)
The study of theatre history continued from the seventeenth century to the present.
(PS, RM, WI)
THEA 313 Theatre As Social Action: Class, Race, Gender and Sexuality in Drama and
Performance (3)
Theatre as Social Action investigates historical and contemporary plays, theatrical
movements, and drama theories from the perspective of class, race, gender and sexuality.
It will look closely at theatre movements that have disturbed society’s status quo
and brought social ills to light. Though the course may examine drama from other continents,
there will be a particular focus on the American theatre. This course draws connections
between play analysis, performance theory, and theatre and social history while discussing
specific dramatic texts and performances. It encourages discussion of the role of
drama in a healthy society, and the degree to which theatre makers can highlight social
ills in order to make meaningful change within society. Prerequisite: THEA 201.
THEA 493 Senior Thesis/Seminar (2)
Designed as a capstone experience in each of the three sequences, this class concludes
a major project in the student’s field of interest carried on in consultation with
an advisor during the last two terms before graduation. Written application must be
submitted at the beginning of the semester preceding the last two semesters prior
to graduation. Application requires faculty recommendation and approval. At least
two years’ work in the production/design sequence should be completed as a basis for
work in this course. Open only to seniors. Prerequisite: consent of instructor and
divisional dean.
THEA 495 Theatre Internship (0–4)
A supervised internship for seniors in the student’s major area of interest. Placement
is with a theatre-related company where the student will be expected to develop a
regular schedule of on-duty hours each week, with frequent reporting to the instructor
on campus. The student is expected to work at least three hours per week off campus
for each unit of credit. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
THEA 215 Career Skills for the Theatre Practitioner (0)
Required of all theatre majors, including Theatre and Screen Arts majors, for a minimum
of four semesters. The course provides a weekly opportunity for students to discuss,
practice, or engage in career activities appropriate to their area of study (performing
audition monologues, preparing for meetings with agents, assembling design portfolios,
preparing self-employment tax returns, etc.) Cr/NC grading only. Prerequisite: Theatre
Arts major, Theatre and Screen Arts major, or consent of instructor.
THEA 250 Play Production (1)
A laboratory-format technical theatre course offered in conjunction with the major
theatrical productions. Crew heads for departmental productions may be chosen from
this class. Open to theatre majors and non-theatre majors with fewer than forty units.
Prerequisite: THEA 240 or consent of instructor.
THEA 450 Play Production (1)
A laboratory-format technical theatre course in conjunction with the major theatrical
productions. Crew heads for departmental productions may be chosen from this class.
Prerequisite: THEA 240 or consent of instructor.
THEA 101 Theatre Rendering Techniques (2)
This survey course introduces students to the various media that can be used to communicate
theatrical design concepts and ideas. Techniques covered may include painting, sketching,
model-building, and digital illustration.
THEA 210 Acting I: Introduction to Acting (2)
A studio-style course in the craft of acting for the stage designed to introduce the
beginning actor to the use of imagination and the skills of collaboration and communication.
Focuses on basic terminology and the development of the inner creative state of the
actor. Lecture two hours per week, laboratory, tutorial and related work two hours
per week. (GE)
THEA 211 Acting 1: Introduction to Acting, Part 2 (2)
The continued study of the fundamental principles of acting for the stage with an
introduction to text analysis and scene work. Basic techniques in building a character
will be explored. The style of acting taught is primarily based upon the Stanislavsky
system. Lecture two hours per week, laboratory, tutorial, and related work two hours
per week. Prerequisite: THEA 210 or consent of instructor.
THEA 220 Voice and Movement I (2)
A practical class in speaking voice and movement study for the actor. The course will
utilize a rigorous voice technique such as the Linklater Voice method to present the
actor with a series of physical and creative exercises that are designed to awaken
expressivity and truth in the actor’s instrument. Topics explored include physical
alignment, physical release, breath, vibration, strengthening and expansion. Problems
such as vocal strain, physical pushing, and inauthenticity in the body and voice are
addressed and worked on. Students learn a physical and vocal warm-up that can apply
to any life-setting, including auditions, rehearsals and performances. Text-work is
included. Fine Arts Division 213 Prerequisites: THEA 211, or 210 with special permission
from the instructor. Priority given to theatre arts majors.
THEA 241 Drafting for The Theatre (4)
Studies in technical drawing for the theatre designer and technician. Through instruction
and laboratory exercises, the student designer should attain a basic understanding
of technical drawing and graphic skills necessary to communicate design ideas for
production. Prerequisite: THEA 240 or consent of instructor.
THEA 300 Assistant Directing Practicum (0)
This course provides an in-depth, practical exploration of the issues and challenges
related to directing a mainstage theatre production. Prerequisite: consent of department.
Cr/NC grading only.
THEA 310 Stage Management (3)
A study of the duties, responsibilities, and roles of a stage manager. Work includes
organization, communication, rehearsal procedures, and performance pattern. Prerequisite:
THEA 240 or consent of instructor.
THEA 320 Acting II: Role Development Part 1 (2)
In this intensive scene study course the contribution of Stanislavsky’s system of
role development will be covered as well as more in-depth written character and scene
analyses in preparation for developing the characters found in the plays of Anton
Chekhov and other playwrights. The complexity of each role will be explored through
the given circumstances of the play, the physical, internal and personal world of
the character and the truthful emotional experience of the actor. Lecture two hours
per week, laboratory, tutorial and related work two hours per week. Prerequisite:
THEA 221 or consent of instructor.
THEA 330 Stage Directing I (4)
A study of the basic techniques employed by a director to stage a play. The major
portion of the course will be the public presentation of a class project. Two class
meetings and one 2-hour laboratory per week. Additional lab periods may be scheduled
as needed. Prerequisite: THEA 240 or consent of instructor.
THEA 430 Stage Directing II (4)
An in-depth study of special directing problems and the directorial techniques of
recognized artists of the theatre. The major project for the course will be the public
presentation of a one-act play, not to exceed forty- five minutes in length. Two class
meetings and one 2-hour laboratory period per week. Additional lab periods may be
scheduled as needed. Prerequisite: THEA 330 or consent of instructor.
THEA 323 Sound Design and Technology (2)
This course investigates the artistic and technical principles that support the practice
of theatrical sound design, including but not limited to script analysis, cue techniques,
creative design processes, and aesthetics. Prerequisite: THEA 241 or consent of instructor.
THEA 340 Scenic Design (4)
A study of the elements of stage design and styles of scenery. Exercises and practical
experiences in scenic design, drafting, perspective renderings, and model building.
Prerequisite: THEA 240, THEA 241, or consent of instructor.
THEA 341 Lighting Design and Technology (2)
The art and practice of stage lighting. Includes lighting instruments, principles
of light, electricity, color, and artistic control; principles of design execution
and use of lighting as a scenic element; instruction in analysis, layout, and design
of lighting plots and their execution in production. Prerequisites: THEA 101, THEA
240 or consent of instructor.
THEA 342 Costume Design and Technology (4)
A study of historical dress and the relationship of period style with theatrical presentation.
Emphasis is on script and character analysis as it relates to design. Work in rendering
style, construction techniques, and methods of presentation. Prerequisite: THEA 100
or consent of instructor.
THEA 322 Improvisation (3)
This course provides an introduction to improvisational concepts through in-class,
ensemble-based exercises. The course explores topics and practices integral to group
creation, including but not limited to impulse, status, physical and oral narrative
skills, and active play. Prerequisite: THEA 210 or consent of instructor.
THEA 329 Comedic Styles (3)
An examination of key principles and practices used to create comedy on stage. Students
will explore comedic acting techniques, including misunderstanding, incongruity, physical
comedy, language skills such as banter and wit, characterization, and status. Through
rehearsing and performing scenes from Shakespeare, Moliere, Neil Simon, Christopher
Durang, Monty Python, and others, students will learn to execute comic builds and
employ rhythmic scene beats. Prerequisite: THEA 210.
CRWR 440 Topics in Creative Writing (4)
An advanced creative writing course that examines a literary movement, a specific
group of authors, a literary theme, or a question. Creative writing projects will
be derived from this course topic. Assignments will also include critical writing.
May be repeated once when topics vary. Prerequisites: CRWR 305, 306, or 310.
THEA 420 Acting III: Period Styles (4)
A performance course focusing on the problems of period styles of acting in the Greek,
commedia dell’arte, Elizabethan, or Restoration periods. An examination of the cultures
which produced these acting styles. Emphasis is Fine Arts Division 217 on problems
of language, poetry, and movement. Prerequisite: THEA 320 or consent of instructor.
ARTH 200 World Art History I (4)
A survey of world art and architecture from prehistoric times through the fifteenth
century. Satisfies the Fine Arts GE requirement. (GE)
ARTH 300 World Art History II (4)
A survey of world art and architecture from the fifteenth century through the present.
Satisfies the World Civilizations GE requirement. (GE)