Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts: Musical Theatre

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. 

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. 

An introductory study of the technical aspects of theatre, including lectures and labs. (GE) 

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) 

The study of theatre history continued from the seventeenth century to the present. (PS, RM, WI) 

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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)

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. 

A practical class studying voice, movement, and acting. Students will have the opportunity to work on developing individual, small group and full ensemble beginning level repertoire. 

A practical class for developing the dance techniques, combinations, and styles of the 20th century. (GE) 

A practical class for developing the contemporary dance techniques, combinations, and styles. Prerequisite: THEA 227.

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. 

A practical class for developing the performer’s craft in musical theater, specifically the stamina needed to physically and vocally perform production numbers.

An advanced class in singing voice, dance, and acting. Students will work on individual, group, and ensemble repertoire. Prerequisite: THEA 224. 

Participation in Theatre Program productions. May be repeated when cast in main stage productions. A maximum of four units may be counted toward graduation requirements. If taken in partial fulfillment of fine arts general education requirements, must be taken for at least 1 unit credit with a letter grade. (GE)

Students enrolled will receive one hour of private instruction per week. Lessons will not be made up if they fall on legal or special holidays. Lessons otherwise missed will not be made up unless the instructor is notified 24 hours in advance of the scheduled time. The first four semesters of private instruction will be taken at the 100 level. Students who have completed four semesters of private instruction may register for the 300-level section. Successful completion of MUS 211 is the prerequisite for 100-level private composition lessons. Composition students who have completed one semester of 100-level private composition instruction may register for the 300-level section. A course fee is charged for all applied music courses. This fee is nonrefundable after add/drop. Taken concurrently with MUS 103L. 

Students pursuing degrees in performance and composition are required to enroll in this lab (studio class) concurrently with the appropriate private lessons. Studio classes will meet one hour per week. Taken concurrently with MUS 103. 

Students enrolled will receive one hour of private instruction per week. Lessons will not be made up if they fall on legal or special holidays. Lessons otherwise missed will not be made up unless the instructor is notified 24 hours in advance of the scheduled time. The first four semesters of private instruction will be taken at the 100 level. Students who have completed four semesters of private instruction may register for the 300-level section. Successful completion of MUS 211 is the pre-requisite for 100-level private composition lessons. Composition students who have completed one semester of 100-level private composition instruction may register for the 300-level section. A course fee is charged for all applied music courses. This fee is nonrefundable after add/drop/. Taken concurrently with MUS 303L. 

Students pursuing degrees in performance and composition are required to enroll in this lab (studio class) concurrently with the appropriate private lessons. Studio classes will meet one hour per week. Taken concurrently with MUS 303. 

Music Theory I and II are to be taken in sequence. Students study and analyze melodies, intervals, rhythm, meter, primary chords and their inversions, seventh chords, non-chord tones, harmonic progressions, sequences, species counterpoint and part writing procedures in four voices. Students learn to analyze and realize harmonic progressions with Roman numerals, figured bass and lead sheet chord symbols. Composition assignments allow synthesis of theory work. Theory concepts are reinforced at the piano keyboard. MUS 113 must be taken concurrently with MUS 111. Prerequisites: MUS 101 or satisfactory performance on the Music Theory Placement Exam. 

This course focuses on developing aural recognition of the basic elements of music (e.g., intervals, chords, and rhythm) through a variety of exercises in music dictation and sight singing. MUS 113 must be taken concurrently with MUS 111. 

Required of all music majors each semester of residence. The course provides an opportunity for music students to perform for each other and to increase exposure to varied music literature. This weekly performance and the series of required concerts and recitals are designed to provide this experience. The weekly meeting also affords a platform for the appearance of guest artists and lecturers, and a convenient time for the dissemination of current pertinent information from the music faculty. Attendance at off-campus concerts may be required to make up for missed on-campus events. Cr/NC grading.

A continuation of THEA 220, 221 explores further the topics of THEA 220 and delves deeper into voice exercises designed to strengthen the actor’s breath, to expand the actor’s vocal, physical, and emotional range, and to increase vocal flexibility and spontaneity. The course may include movement approaches, such as Trisha Arnold’s Swings and Michael Chekhov technique, that will broaden the student’s understanding of concepts such as physical ease and body imagination. Text and characterization will be explored, with the goal of uniting body, breath, voice, and speech. If time permits, dialects may also be investigated. Prerequisite: THEA 220. 

A practical class studying a particular style of dance for music theatre. (GE) 

A practical dance class in contemporary musical theatre choreography. This course exposes students to current dance trends and helps prepare them for national theatre dance auditions. Prerequisite: THEA 227