Course Descriptions

ENG 387: Modern and Contemporary Drama (3 units)

Reading, critical analysis, discussion and evaluation of selected plays from 1890 through the twenty-first century. Dramatists may include Ibsen, O’Neill, Pirandello, Lorca, Miller, Williams and Albee. Attending a performance may be required. Prerequisite: Eng 201.

ENG 466: Shakespeare (3 units)

Critical reading and analysis of selected examples of Shakespeare’s histories, comedies and tragedies. Prerequisite: Eng 201.

ENG 471: Literary Theory (3 units)

An advanced study of primary texts from the history of literary criticism and the major critical schools of the twentieth century, including formalism, deconstruction, psychoanalysis, feminism, new historicism and post-colonialism. Reading will focus on essays and criticism from Plato to Plotinus to Foucault and Stanley Fish. Prerequisite: Eng 201.

THR 141: Voice for the Actor (1.5 units)

Intensive training in the integral use of the voice for the actor; developing skills for vocal relaxation, flexibility and strength. The development of the voice as a tool for communicating character and subtext.

THR 151: Movement for the Actor (1.5 units)

Intensive training in the integral use of the body for the actor; developing skills for physical relaxation, flexibility and strength. The development of the body as a tool for communicating character and subtext.

THR 201: Drafting and Color Media* (3 units)

The use of drafting and drawing media as a communication tool in the theatre. A hands on class based upon projects and presentations.

THR 211: Computer Aided Design* (3 units)

An introduction to the application of computer hardware and software to design for the theatre including instruction and practice in computer aided design (CAD), computer rendering and 3D modeling.

THR 251: Introduction to Theatre (3 units)

An overview of the various conventions, forms, styles and genres of the theatre. Principles of play analysis. Explorations in theatre criticism from dramaturgical, literary and cultural perspectives. Thematic discussions of representative contemporary plays. Field trips.

THR 261: Acting 1 (3 units)

An introduction to basic acting technique. Students examine ways to construct the interior, physical and vocal life of a character and learn warm-up procedures and staging principles. Experiences in scene and character analysis; performance of monologues and improvisations; introduction to scene study. Field trips. Prerequisite: Thr 251 or consent of instructor.

THR 262: Acting 2 (3 units)

An intermediate experiential course covering performance techniques and principles through in-class scene study. Exploration of the following theatrical styles: contemporary realism, Greek tragedy and Comedy of Manners. Exercises, analytical skills, research of theatrical styles and rehearsal procedures are also considered. Field trips. Prerequisites: Thr 251 and 261 or consent of instructor.

THR 311: Introduction to Technical Production* (3 units)

Introduction to the practical application of theatrical design principles. Techniques and practices of technical organization, set construction, lighting preparation, costume construction, makeup application and sound preparation, with emphasis on hands on experience. Field trips and participation in on-campus production work required. Prerequisite: Thr 251 or consent of instructor.

THR 321: Introduction to Theatrical Design* (3 units)

Introduction to theories and principles of theatrical design, with emphasis upon a wholistic, scenographic approach. Exploration of set, lighting, costume, makeup and sound design, with consideration of director/designer collaboration. Field trips and participation in on-campus production work required. Prerequisite: Thr 251 or consent of instructor.

THR 323: Period Styles of Design* (3 units)

A survey of historical periods and design styles as they are applied to the theatre. Includes an examination of architecture, costumes, furniture, interiors, lighting, ornament and stage scenery.

THR 325: Scenic Design* (3 units)

Scenography covering the design of stage settings and properties and including further development of skills in drafting for the theatre.

THR 327: Lighting and Sound Design* (3 units)

The design of theatrical lighting and sound and the practical application of those designs to the stage.

THR 329: Costume Design* (3 units)

The design of theatrical costumes and accessories expressed through color rendering, including an overview of the history of costume.

THR 330: Performance Studies and Readers Theatre (3 units)

In-depth work in solo and group oral interpretation, including selection, adaptation and presentation of reader’s theatre programs for adults and children. Topics include: intercultural issues in performance, performing for religious audiences and performance of non-fiction. Field trips required.

THR 351: Play Direction 1 (3 units)

Students are introduced to the following directing techniques: play selection and analysis, auditioning, scenic design and staging, actor coaching, rehearsal strategies and production management. Principles in directing for both the proscenium and the open stage are examined. Workshop scenes are presented and evaluated. Prerequisites: Thr 251, 261 and 262 or consent of instructor.

THR 371: Acting 3 (3 units)

Advanced study of techniques of theatrical performance through intensive in-class workshop experiences. Special emphasis on acting Shakespeare and other period styles. Exercises, analytical skills, rehearsal procedures and methods of artistic criticism are also considered. Field trips. Prerequisite: Thr 262 or consent of instructor.

THR 381: Acting in Musical Theatre (3 units)

Exploration of the voice, movement and acting skills necessary to performing in modern musical plays. Students participate in workshops, exercises, warm-ups, rehearsal procedures, solo and group in-class performances. Field trips. Prerequisite: Thr 261 or consent of instructor.

THR 390: Theatre Practicum (3 units - earned in one-unit increments)

Hands-on learning by working on one or more of the productions in the theatre department season.

THR 441: Theatre and Culture 1 (3 units)

An examination of the theatre of various cultures from the Classical period through the Renaissance. Intensive study of representative plays. Consideration of the theatrical conventions, visual art, music and significant historical events of various periods. Field trips. Prerequisite: Thr 251 or consent of the instructor.

THR 442: Acting in Musical Theatre (3 units)

A continuation of Thr 441. An examination of the theatre of various cultures from the Renaissance to 1945. Prerequisite: Thr 251 or consent of instructor.

THR 443: Contemporary Theatre and Culture (3 units)

An examination of theatre from various cultures, concentrating on theatrical text and performances written and produced within the past 60 years; study of contemporary trends and styles in theatre.

THR 445: Dramatic Theory and Criticism (3 units)

Reading and analysis of theoretical and critical approaches to theatre.

THR 451: Play Direction 2 (3 units)

A continuation of Play Direction I; students deepen their knowledge and skills in the theory and practice of stage directing. Topics covered include director/designer collaboration; analysis of period style and genre with application to directors’ choices; analysis of modern and contemporary theories of the stage; artistic direction and dramaturgy in the contemporary theatre. Workshop scenes are presented and evaluated. Field trips are required.

THR 452: Advanced Script Analysis (3 units)

Advanced study of selected plays from the standpoint of the theatre artist (actor, director, designer). The process of translating a dramatic text to theatrical production with an emphasis upon the techniques of perception, imagination and integration used by the theatrical artist in developing a concept and determining specific performance and design choices. Practical application of analysis through projects and presentations.

THR 461: Creative Drama and Improvisation (3 units)

Emphasis upon personal dramatic experience and drama as process instead of theatrical product. Principles and procedures for utilizing creative dramatics activities in educational and other settings, as expressed through individual and group movement, sound and improvisation. Practicum lab hours required.

THR 471: Acting 4 (3 units)

Extensive scene study with an opportunity for students to select several specific period styles, theatrical genres and/or acting techniques for in-depth analysis, rehearsal and performance.

THR 498: Theatre Showcase (3 units)

An advanced, thesis-style project open to students in the theatre major. Requires a written application describing the proposed project, typically in one of the following areas: acting, directing, design, play writing or theatre ministry. The Showcase requires intensive hands-on activity at an advanced level under the supervision of a faculty member; a written component is also required. Prerequisites: senior status and application approval by the theatre faculty. (Also see Theatre Showcase Guidelines available in the Theatre Office.)

WRT 337: Writing for the Stage and Screen (3 units)

An introduction to the art of writing dramatic works. Students will explore dramatic writing techniques through writing practice, close analysis of published works and student workshops. Prerequisites: Eng 201 and Wrt 102.