Theatre Course Descriptions

SEMESTER COURSES

Course descriptions from the Quarter System can be found below (Courses with three-digit numbers are from the quarter system and are no longer offered)

Lower Division

THTR 1008 Beginning Acting (3)

Introduction to the study and practice of acting and how it is a reflection of the human experience. Through reading, viewing and analyzing plays, students will gain insight into the art of theatre and apply this insight in frequent performance opportunities. Students will develop and reflect upon their vocal, physical, and creative skills as they apply to acting and develop a plan to integrate these skills into their own lives.

THTR 1009 The Art of Presentation (3)

This course will prepare students for a variety of situations requiring skills in oral communication. Acting exercises will be used to develop attributes useful in public speaking such as confidence, focused listening, vocal clarity and expression, and the ability to improvise. Students will get practical experience in writing and delivering speeches and making presentations in front of others. Satisfies general education requirement Area A1.

THTR 1019 Dynamic Leadership through Improvisation (3)

The study of the art of improvisation and performance to understand expressions of the human experience. Practice in improvisation techniques to develop a lifelong commitment to personal growth with a specific focus on communication in the workplace. The study of emotional intelligence and its application to leadership and self-enrichment.

THTR 1109 Introduction to Theatre (3)

Study of the aesthetic principles of theatre to provide a foundation for attending, enjoying, analyzing, and participating in the live theatrical experience. Focus placed on theatre history; the role of theatre in society; the specific roles of the playwright, director, actor, designers, and audience; and critical skills and vocabulary to better appreciate and evaluate theatre.

THTR 1400 Theatre Company (1)

Class meets periodically during the semester for information sessions, guest artists, production strike and other program related activities that prepare students for careers in the theatre. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only. May be repeated for credit.

THTR 2000 Intermediate Acting: Foundations (3)

Development of material introduced in Beginning Acting with an emphasis on movement in stage performance. Study and application of the acting theories, principles, and disciplines developed by Stanislavski, Hagen, Adler and others. Pre-requisite: THTR 1008/232 or consent of instructor.

THTR 2010 Intermediate Acting: Techniques (3)

Development of material introduced in Beginning Acting with an emphasis on vocal technique in stage performance and the preparation of audition monologues. Pre-requisite: THTR 1008/232 or consent of instructor.

THTR 2020 Improvisation (1)

Study and practice of techniques in comedy improvisation with an emphasis on the development of performance skills. May be repeated for credit. Pre-requisite: THTR 1008/232 or consent of instructor.

THTR 2030 ACTF Preparation (1)

Preparation for and participation in the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship auditions and the regional American College Theatre Festival (ACTF). Students rehearse scenes and monologues for competition and attend festival workshops and performances. By instructor consent only.

THTR 2100 Script Analysis (3)

An introductory level course intended as a foundation for all other courses in the theatre curriculum. Includes a study of methodologies for reading, analyzing, and understanding scripts intended for production.

THTR 2200 Stagecraft (3)

The methods, materials and techniques required to undertake the basic operation of a theatrical event from a technical standpoint. Techniques in construction of stage scenery, including use of hand and power tools, working with wood, metal and paint, and reading technical drawings. Use of theatrical sound and lighting equipment. Combination of lecture and laboratory.

THTR 2210 Principles of Design (3)

Study of the design process from research and initial conceptualization through development and final rendering. Practical application of the fundamental elements of design and principles of composition. Combination of lecture and laboratory. Pre-requisite: THTR 2200/241 or consent of instructor.

THTR 2220 Stage Makeup (1)

Practical work in theatrical makeup and mask-making. Covers basic skills, specialty makeups and design.

THTR 2230 Stage Management (1)

Lecture/discussion course that enhances the student's ability to appreciate and understand the discipline of Stage Management. Students gain a working knowledge of the skills required to perform as a production stage manager for educational, community and professional theatre.

THTR 2400 Theatre Company (1)

THTR 2410 Rehearsal and Performance (1)

Acting in major departmental stage productions. Entrance by audition: auditions open to all students. May be repeated for credit.

THTR 2420 Young Audiences Touring Play (1)

Students will rehearse and perform a play for young audiences at both public and school venues. Experience will be gained in the areas of live performance, the youth audience, theatrical tours, and professional discipline. Entrance by audition: auditions open to all students. May be repeated for credit.

THTR 2430 Showcase (1)

Practical application of classroom instruction in acting, directing, and/or music performance in a production devised by the participants. Each semester the course meets will create a unique performance, showcasing the talents and interests of enrolled students. Under faculty supervision, students will be responsible for technical and front-of-house elements and promoting a night of theatre. May be repeated for credit.

THTR 2460 Technical Theatre Laboratory (1)

Practical work in the various areas of technical theatre production (scenery, properties, costumes, makeup, lighting, and sound) during the pre-production period. Assignments made according to needs of the production. May be repeated for credit.

THTR 2470 Run of Show (1)

Practical work in the various areas of technical theatre production during the run of the show from technical rehearsals through strike. Assignments made according to needs of the production. Permission of instructor required. May be repeated for credit.

THTR 2480 Stage Management Practicum (1)

Practical work in stage management of a major departmental production. Permission of instructor required. May be repeated for credit.

THTR 2770 Special Topics in Theatre (1-3)

Classes, individual research and/or group investigation of selected topics in theatre. Topics to be studied in any particular semester will be designated before registration. May be repeated for different course content.

THTR 2990 Individual Study (1-3)

Special projects developed by the individual student in consultation with the designated instructor. Admission with consent of department chair. [By petition only]

Upper Division

THTR 3000 Movement for the Actor (3)

Intensive study of techniques in movement in terms of characterization and interaction in performance. Particular attention will be paid to the development and understanding of the actor's body. Pre-requisite: THTR 2000/233 or 2010/234 or consent of instructor

THTR 3010 Voice and Speech for the Actor (3)

Intensive study of techniques in vocal production and diction as well as the interpretation of dramatic dialogue. An introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet and its application to the study and acquisition of dialects and accents. Pre-requisite: THTR 2000/233 or 2010/234 or consent of instructor

THTR 3020 Auditioning for the Theatre (1)

Preparation for theatre and graduate school auditions. Topics include selecting appropriate audition material, assembling a résumé, choosing a headshot, and writing cover letters. Students will present audition packages and incorporate suggestions into their performances. Pre-requisite: THTR 1008/232 or consent of instructor

THTR 3030 Acting Shakespeare (1)

Analyzing and understanding Shakespearean text for the purpose of enhancing performance. Focus on verse techniques and the First Folio and how they aid the actor. Application of basic acting skills to bring truthfulness to heightened text. Scenes and/or monologues will be studied and performed. Pre-requisite: THTR 1008/232 or consent of instructor

THTR 3040 Scene Study (3)

Advanced work in the preparation, rehearsal, and performance of scenes. Emphasis is placed on the actor's process of role development. Genre of scenes may vary. May be repeated for credit. Pre-requisite: THTR 2000/233 or 2010/234, or consent of instructor

THTR 3050 Directing (3)

The fundamentals of directing plays for the stage. Focus on script analysis and interpretation, casting, stage composition, rehearsal techniques and other elements of the director's craft. Prerequisite: THTR 2100/221 or consent of instructor

THTR 3060 Playwriting (3)

An introduction to the craft of playwriting. Discussion of the basic elements of play structure, plot, character and dialogue. Practical experience in writing, rewriting, and giving and receiving constructive criticism. May be repeated once for credit.

THTR 3108 Antiquity to Rebirth (3)

This course will examine the fundamentals of the history of world theatre and drama by examining performance traditions and theatre practices from their earliest ritual beginnings to the European Renaissance. The student will read major dramatic texts representative of these periods that are key to the development of world drama. Although there is an emphasis placed on the western canon, significant class time will be devoted to non-western theatre.

THTR 3118 Restoration to Experimentation (3)

This course examines the fundamentals of the history of world theatre and drama by examining performance traditions and theatre practices from the Restoration through the advent of modern realist drama in the 19th century including several avant-garde movements of the 20th century and contemporary postmodern thought. The student will read major dramatic texts representative of these periods, which are key to the development of world drama. Although there is an emphasis placed on the western canon, significant class time will be devoted to non-western theatre.

THTR 3128 Contemporary Latina/o Dramatic Literature (3)

This course examines Latina/o theatre and performance in the United States from the 1960s to the present. Students will read plays from the emerging Latina/o canon while integrating supplementary texts including reviews, critical analyses, essays, and theoretical studies examining plays, playwrights, and performances. Plays will be analyzed and discussed as a means of expanding students' knowledge and understanding of contemporary American theatre and how and why Latina/o voices add to the diversity of American theatre.

THTR 3138 Women Playwrights (3)

An examination of the contributions to dramatic literature by post-19th century women playwrights. Representative scripts by universally recognized playwrights will be read and discussed. Plays will be analyzed for their social point of view, as well as stylistic innovations.

THTR 3200 Theatrical Design (3)

Fundamentals of design as applied to a specific theatrical discipline (scenery, lighting or costumes). History, theory of design, research methods, techniques, and rendering. Combination of discussion and analysis, practical application, and laboratory experience. Content varies per term. May be repeated for credit for different course content. Pre-requisite: THTR 2210/251 or consent of instructor

THTR 3210 Computer-Aided Drafting for Theatre (3)

Introduction to the use of computer-aided drafting programs for the stage including procedures for the creation of technical drawings related to theatrical use. Drafting software such as AutoCAD will be used. Hands-on experience in launching and setting up drawings, and using drafting and dimensioning tools within the computer environment. Basic techniques covered may be applied to other fields such as architecture and engineering.

THTR 3300 Dramatic Literature and Performance for Youth (3)

Study of the genre of Theatre for Young Audiences through reading and analyzing its plays; researching its history, playwrights, and major professional companies; viewing productions; and designing and producing lesson activities that reinforce the literature while also meeting the state standards for English Language Arts. Particular focus will be placed upon the audience dynamics of different grade levels, the challenges of taking a play from the page to the stage, and the unique aspects of appreciating dramatic literature.

THTR 3310 Dramatic Activity for the Classroom (3)

Dramatic activities including creative drama, children's dance and simple theatrical staging for students pursuing a career in Education. Through participation, presentation and observation students will be exposed to the areas of pantomime, improvisation, creative movement, dance drama, story drama, puppets and masks. Includes historical information on the origins of the various dramatic activities as well as practice in how to create and lead dramatic activities that meet the state standards for Visual and Performing Arts.

THTR 3320 Applied Dramatic Activity for the Classroom (3)

This course builds upon skills gained in Dramatic Activity for the Classroom and provides a practical atmosphere in which students gain experience using dramatic activity with young students. Students will also gain experience in the process of planning a theatrical production for young actors from the choice of text through rehearsal, with special emphasis on the unique needs of different age groups, program goals, and special populations participating in a theatrical performance. Pre-requisite: THTR 3310 or consent of instructor

THTR 3400 Theatre Company (1)

THTR 4020 Improvisation (1)

Study and practice of techniques in comedy improvisation with an emphasis on the development of performance skills. May be repeated for credit. Pre-requisite: THTR 1008/232 or consent of instructor.

THTR 4400 Theatre Company (1)

THTR 4410 Rehearsal and Performance (1)

Acting in major departmental stage productions. Entrance by audition: auditions open to all students. May be repeated for credit.

THTR 4420 Young Audiences Touring Play (1)

THTR 4430 Showcase (1)

THTR 4460 Technical Theatre Laboratory (1)

THTR 4470 Run of Show (1)

THTR 4480 Stage Management Practicum (1)

Practical work in stage management of a major departmental production. Permission of instructor required. May be repeated for credit.

THTR 4770 Special Topics in Theatre (1-3)

THTR 4908 Senior Project: Research (1)

In consultation with the instructor, research and preparation for a project in theatrical performance, writing, design, playwriting, stage management, marketing, dramaturgy, history or criticism to be completed under THTR 4910. Pre-requisite: Senior standing and instructor consent

THTR 4910 Senior Project: Culmination (1)

Under the supervision of the instructor, realization of a project in theatrical performance, writing, design, playwriting, stage management, marketing, dramaturgy, history or criticism that shows to best advantage the skills of the individual as a Theatre major. Prerequisite: THTR 4908

THTR 4990 Individual Study (1-3)

Special projects developed by the individual student in consultation with the designated instructor. Admission with consent of department chair. [By petition only]

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QUARTER COURSES, NO LONGER OFFERED STARTING FALL 2016

Lower Division

THTR 101 Introduction to the Study of Theatre (5)

Study of the aesthetic process by which plays of various types, styles, and periods are translated into theatrical terms and are projected from a stage to an audience and the relevance of that process to the world of which it is a part. GE C1

THTR 195 Theatre Company (1)

Students meet periodically during the quarter for information sessions, guest artists, production strike and other department related activities that promote collaboration in the theatre. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.

THTR 200 Stage Management Practicum (2)

Practical work in stage management of a major departmental production.

THTR 201 Rehearsal and Performance (2)

Acting in major departmental stage productions. Entrance by audition: auditions open to all students.

THTR 202 Technical Theatre Production Laboratory (1)

Practical work in the various areas of technical theatre production (scenery, properties, costumes, makeup, lighting, sound, and marketing) during the pre-production period. Assignments made according to needs of the production.

THTR 203 Run of Show (1)

Practical work in the various areas of technical theatre production (stage management, scenery, properties, costumes, makeup, lighting, sound,) during the run of the show from technical rehearsals through strike. Assignments made according to needs of the production. Permission of instructor required.

THTR 206 Theatre for Youth Practicum (2)

Rehearsal, preparation and performance of a play for young audiences. Entrance by audition: auditions open to all students. Assignments made according to the needs of the production.

THTR 207 Touring Show (2)

Touring of the play for young audiences that were staged during the previous winter quarter. Performances will be at elementary schools throughout Kern County. Entrance by audition: auditions open to all students. Assignments made according to the needs of the production.

THTR 208 Improvisation (2)

Study and practice of techniques in comedy improvisation with an emphasis on the development of performance skills. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: THTR 232 or consent of instructor.

THTR 209 Theatre Festival (1)

Practical work in the running of a theatre festival for Kern County high school students. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.

THTR 210 ACTF Preparation (2)

Preparation for and participation in the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Auditions at the regional American College Theatre Festival. Students rehearse scenes and monologues for competition and attend festival workshops and performances. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

THTR 221 Script Analysis (5)

The examination of dramatic literature as it relates to the work of the director, the actor and the designer.

THTR 232 Acting I (5)

Introduction and development of the actor as the physical, vocal, and creative tool of his/her work. Introduction of improvisation techniques, text analysis, and psychophysical techniques in scene study. GE A1

THTR 233 Acting II (5)

Development of material introduced in Acting I with an emphasis on movement in stage performance. Study and application of the acting theories, principles, and disciplines developed by Stanislavski, Hagen, Adler and others. Prerequisite: THTR 232.

THTR 234 Acting III (5)

Development of material introduced in Acting I and II with an emphasis on vocal technique in stage performance and the preparation of audition monologues. Prerequisite: THTR 232.

THTR 241 Stagecraft (5)

Techniques in construction of stage scenery and properties, including use of hand and power tools, working with wood, metal, plastic and paint, and reading technical drawings. Use of theatrical sound and lighting equipment. Combination of lecture and laboratory.

THTR 242 Stage Makeup (2)

Practical work in all types of theatrical makeup and mask-making.

THTR 251 Introduction to Technical Theatre and Design (5)

Survey of technical theatre production with emphasis on fundamentals of theatrical design, including projects in scenery, costumes and lighting. Prerequisite THTR 241 or permission of instructor.

THTR 253 Stage Management (2)

Lecture/discussion course that enhances the student’s ability to appreciate and understand the discipline of Stage Management. Students gain a working knowledge of the skills required to perform as a production stage manager for educational, community and professional theatre.

THTR 277 Special Studies in Theatre (1-5)

Classes, individual research, and/or group investigation of selected topics in theatre. Topics to be studied in any particular quarter will be designated before registration. May be repeated for different course content.

THTR 289 Experiential Prior Learning (variable units)

Evaluation and assessment of learning which has occurred as a result of prior off-campus experience relevant to the curriculum of the department. Requires complementary academic study and/or documentation. Available by petition only, on a credit, no-credit basis. Not open to post-graduate students. Interested students should contact the department office.

THTR 295 Theatre Company (1)

THTR 299 Individual Study (1-5)

Special projects developed by the individual student in consultation with the designated instructor. Prerequisite: 3.0 GPA and consent of department chair. [By petition only]

Upper Division

THTR 305 Creative Dramatics (5)

Introduction to the use of drama and creative play in the classroom and other social situations, including study of materials and methods. Combination of lecture, discussion, and projects.

THTR 307 Dramatic Literature for Children (5)

Introduction to plays and other literature suitable to be performed both by and for children; history and methods of interpretation, analysis and evaluation of material, and production practice.

THTR 311 Movement I (5)

Intensive study of techniques in movement and use of space in terms of characterization and interaction in performance. Prerequisite: THTR 234 or consent of instructor.

THTR 312 Movement II (5)

Advanced work in stage movement and physical characterization to include movement for period plays. Prerequisite: THTR 311 or consent of instructor.

THTR 321 Voice and Diction I (5)

Intensive study of techniques in vocal production and diction as well as the interpretation of dramatic dialogue. Emphasis is placed on the use of vocal technique in speaking Shakespeare’s plays. Prerequisite: THTR 234 or consent of instructor.

THTR 322 Voice and Diction II (5)

Advanced work in vocal production and diction. Emphasis is placed on the use of vocal technique in period plays. Prerequisite: THTR 321 or consent of instructor.

THTR 351 Lighting Design (5)

Fundamentals of stage lighting, including history, theory of design and electricity, drafting, and practical application. Combination of discussion and analysis, studio and production experience. Prerequisite: THTR 251 or permission of instructor.

THTR 352 Scenic Design (5)

Fundamentals of scenic design, including history, theory of design, drafting, rendering, modeling, and practical application. Combination of discussion and analysis, studio and production experience. Prerequisite: THTR 251 or permission of instructor.

THTR 353 Costume Design (5)

Fundamentals of theatrical costume design, including history of costume and fashion, theory of design, research methods, rendering, and practical application. Techniques in drawing the basic human form. Combination of discussion and analysis, studio and production experience. Prerequisites: THTR 251 or permission of instructor.

THTR 354 AutoCAD for the Theatre (5)

Introduction to the use of AutoCAD for the stage including procedures for the creation of technical drawings related to theatrical use. Hands-on experience in launching and setting up drawings, and using drafting and dimensioning tools within the computer environment. Basic techniques covered may be applied to other fields such as architecture and engineering.

THTR 361 Directing I (5)

The fundamentals of play direction. Elements of interpretation and the techniques used to transfer the directorial idea into practical terms of picturization, composition, movement and stage business. Prerequisite: THTR 221 or consent of instructor.

THTR 371 Ancient Passions (5)

Comprehensive survey of world theatre and drama from the classical period to the Middle Ages. Western and non-western plays, playwrights and performance traditions will be examined. Lecture/discussion. Prerequisite: Completion of General Education Areas A, B4, and C, and upper division status. GE T2

THTR 372 Renaissance and Beyond (5)

Comprehensive survey of world theatre and drama from the Renaissance to the 19th century. Western and non-western plays, playwrights and performance traditions will be examined. Lecture/discussion. Prerequisite: Completion of General Education Areas A, B4, and C, and upper division status. GE T2

THTR 381 Women Playwrights (5)

An examination of the contributions to dramatic literature by post 19thcentury women playwrights. Representative scripts by universally recognized playwrights will be read and discussed. Plays will be analyzed for their social point of view, as well as stylistic innovations. Prerequisite: ENGL 110 or equivalent. GRE

THTR 383 African American Playwrights (5)

This course will explore the development and contributions African American/Black American playwrights have achieved on the American stage, focusing on the twentieth century. Emphasis will be placed on the political, social, and artistic values of each play read. Prerequisite: ENG 110 or equivalent. GRE

THTR 385 Modern Drama (5)

Development of the theatre in the modern period, from the advent of naturalism to the contemporary mixture of realistic and nonrealistic styles. Prerequisite: Completion of General Education Areas A, B4, and C, and upper division status. GE T2

THTR 395 Theatre Company (1)

THTR 400 Stage Management Practicum (2)

Practical work in stage management of a major departmental production.

THTR 401 Rehearsal and Performance (2)

Acting in major departmental stage productions. Entrance by audition: auditions open to all students.

THTR 402 Technical Theatre Production Laboratory (1)

THTR 403 Run of Show (1)

THTR 404 Playwriting (5)

Experimental writing, investigation, and discussion of plays and the creative process, with individual and group analysis of student work. May be repeated for credit.

THTR 405 Theatre for Youth (5)

Theory and practice of producing theatre for children-both performing for young audiences and working with young performers in schools, churches and youth organizations. Includes selection and adaptation of material, auditioning, rehearsing, directing, technical support and promotion. Combination of lecture, discussion, and production.

THTR 406 Theatre for Youth Practicum (2)

Rehearsal, preparation and performance of a play for young audiences. Entrance by audition: auditions open to all students. Assignments made according to the needs of the production.

THTR 407 Touring Show (2)

THTR 408 Improvisation (2)

Study and practice of techniques in comedy improvisation with an emphasis on the development of performance skills. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: THTR 232 or consent of instructor.

THTR 409 Theatre Festival (1)

Practical work in the running of a theatre festival for Kern County high school students. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.

THTR 410 Auditioning for the Theatre (2)

Preparation for theatre and graduate school auditions. Topics include selecting appropriate audition material, assembling a resume, choosing a headshot, and writing cover letters. Students will present audition packages and incorporate suggestions into their performances. Prerequisite: THTR 232 or consent of instructor.

THTR 411 Dialects and the IPA (2)

An introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet and its application to the study and acquisition of dialects and accents. Students will perform dramatic text requiring a dialect or accent. Prerequisite: THTR 232 or consent of instructor.

THTR 421 Scene Study (5)

Advanced work in the preparation, rehearsal, and performance of scenes from modern and contemporary dramatic texts. Emphasis is placed on the actor’s process of role development. Prerequisite: THTR 311 or 321, or consent of the instructor.

THTR 461 Directing II (5)

Advanced study of the principles and techniques in directing plays of different types; directing and criticism of one-act plays. Production planning, technical rehearsals and working with actors. Prerequisite: THTR 361.

THTR 477 Special Studies (1-5)

Classes, individual research and/or group investigation of selected topics in theatre. Topics to be studied in any particular quarter will be designated before registration. May be repeated for different course content.

THTR 489 Experiential Prior Learning (variable units)

THTR 491 Senior Project: Research (2)

THTR 492 Senior Project: Production (2)

THTR 495 Theatre Company (1)

THTR 496 Internship (1-5)

Internships may be arranged by the department with various theatres. Placement, hours in the field and academic requirements (e.g., conferences, readings, reports) will be arranged in consultation with the work supervisor and the faculty liaison. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only. [By petition only]

THTR 499 Individual Study (1-5)

Special projects developed by the individual student in consultation with the designated instructor. Prerequisite: 3.0 GPA and consent of department chair. [By petition only]