Design & Technical Production Emphasis

What Do You Like About Your Major?

The show can’t go on without design and technical production! Behind the scenes, experts in stage design, lighting, sound, and production are needed for a performance to be a success. Theatre majors who choose the design and technical production emphasis will study theatrical design, costume design, period styles of design, and the design of lighting and sound for stage productions.

Students will be trained to work in professional theatre. However, the knowledge of design principles, historical research, lighting and sound, and artistic skills gained from an emphasis in Theatre Design and Technical Production forms a valuable career foundation for multiple career options.

With a degree in Theatre: Design and Technical Production, you will be provided with the skills necessary to work in a variety of careers, such as:

Lighting technician
Stage technician
Community arts promotion
Arts education
Event planning & production
Scenic artist
Stage Manager

Curriculum

Theatre Core
27 Units

THR 251: Introduction to Theatre
3

This course will provide an overview of the various conventions, forms, styles, and genres of the theatre, including principles of play analysis and exploration of theatre criticism from dramaturgical, literary, and cultural perspectives through the thematic discussions of representative contemporary plays. Field trips required.

THR 261: Acting 1
3

As an introduction to basic acting techniques, students will examine ways to construct the interior, physical, and vocal life of a character, learn warm-up procedures, and staging principles, including experiences in scene analysis, performance of monologues, and improvisations. Field trips may be included. Prerequisite: THR 251 or consent of instructor.

THR 311: Introduction to Technical Production
3

Through hands-on experiences, this course will introduce the practical application of theatrical design principles including techniques and practices of technical organization, set construction, lighting preparation, costume construction, makeup application, and sound preparation. Field trips and participation in on-campus production work required. A lab fee of $50 is required for this course. Prerequisite: THR 251 or consent of instructor.

THR 321: Introduction to Theatrical Design
3

As an introduction to the theories and principles of theatrical design, this course will emphasize the holistic and scenographic approach, while exploring set, lighting, costume, makeup, and sound design with director/designer collaboration. Field trips and participation in on-campus production work required. A lab fee of $50 is required. Prerequisite: THR 251 or consent of instructor.

THR 351: Play Direction 1
3

This course will introduce students to the following techniques: play selection and analysis, auditioning, scene design and staging, actor coaching, rehearsal strategies, and production management, including both the principles for proscenium and the open stage. Workshop scenes are presented and evaluated. Prerequisites: THR 251, 261 and 262, or consent of instructor.

THR 390: Practicum: Theatre
2

A practical, hands-on learning experience where students will work on one or more theatre department productions. Earned in one-unit increments.

THR 489: Senior Capstone
1

This course will explore the skills and materials needed for the professional theatre artist beyond graduation. Students will create a professional portfolio, résumé, and other necessary items to prepare for a career in the arts. Lab fee required.

Choose two of the following courses:

THR 441: Theatre and Culture 1
3

Through the study of representative plays, this course will examine the various theatre cultures from the Classical period through the Renaissance, giving consideration to the theatrical conventions, visual art, music, and significant historical events of the periods. Field trips are required. Prerequisite: THR 251 or consent of the instructor.

THR 442: Theatre and Culture 2
3

As a continuation of Theatre and Culture 1, this course will examine the theatre of various cultures from the Renaissance to the present day. Prerequisite: THR 251 or consent of instructor.

THR 443: Contemporary Theatre & Culture
3

This course will examine various theatre cultures, concentrating on theatrical texts and performances written and produced within the past sixty years including contemporary trends and styles. Offered in alternate years.

Choose one of the following courses:

ENG 387: Modern and Contemporary Drama
3

This course will read, critically analyze, discuss, and evaluate selected plays from 1890 through the 21st century, including such dramatists as Ibsen, O'Neill, Pirandello, Lorca, Miller, Williams, and Albee. Attending a performance may be required. Prerequisite: ENG 201, or CENG 201 or 202.

ENG 466: Shakespeare
3

Critical reading and analysis of selected examples of Shakespeare's histories, comedies, and tragedies is the focus of this course. Prerequisite: ENG 201, or CENG 201 or 202, ENG 271.

Design & Technical Production Emphasis
24 Units

THR 211: Computer Aided Design
3

This course will introduce students to the application of computer hardware and software for the theatre including instruction and practice in computer aided design (CAD), computer rendering, and 3D modeling. A lab fee of $50 is required.

THR 323: Period Styles of Design
3

Through a survey of historical periods and design styles as they are applied to theatre, this course will include an examination of architecture, costumes, furniture, interiors, lighting, ornament, and stage scenery. A lab fee of $50 is required.

THR 325: Scenic Design
3

This course will study scenography, covering the design of stage settings and properties, including further development of drafting skills for the theatre. A lab fee of $50 is required.

THR 327: Lighting and Sound Design
3

This course will look at the designing of theatrical lighting and sound and the practical application of those designs to the stage. A lab fee of $50 is required.

THR 329: Costume Design
3

Through the design of theatrical costumes and accessories expressed through color rendering, this course will include overview of the history of costume. A lab fee of $50 is required.

Choose three courses not taken in the core.

ART 201: Drawing 1
3

In this course students will explore a variety of subjects such as landscape, still life, and natural and man-made objects through a variety of drawing media. A lab fee is required.

ART 301: Drawing 2
3

Students will be helped to establish a style and technique emphasizing discipline, craftsmanship, and imagination in this course as they use a variety of drawing materials and investigate perspective, composition, line, tone control, and a personal point of view. A lab fee is required. Prerequisite: Art 201 or consent of instructor.

ART 321: Painting 1
3

Students will explore the importance of composition, color, and value in this course by painting in oil and other media such as acrylic, watercolor, and tempera, with an emphasis on studying art history and learning from professional painters while also exploring the techniques of painting in relationship to specific content. A lab fee is required. Prerequisite: Art 201.

ENG 387: Modern and Contemporary Drama
3

In this course students will read, critically analyze, discuss, and evaluate selected plays from 1890 through the 21st century including Ibsen, O'Neill, Pirandello, Lorca, Miller, Williams, and Albee. Attending a performance may be required. Prerequisite: Eng 201 or CEng 201 or 202. Offered in alternate years.

ENG 466: Shakespeare
3

Critical reading and analysis of selected examples of Shakespeare's histories, comedies, and tragedies is the focus of this course. Prerequisites: ENG 201 or CENG 201 or 202; ENG 271.

THR 441: Theatre and Culture 1
3

Through the study of representative plays, this course will examine the various theatre cultures from the Classical period through the Renaissance, giving consideration to the theatrical conventions, visual art, music, and significant historical events of the periods. There may be an additional charge for required field trips. Prerequisite: Thr 251 or consent of the instructor. Offered in alternate years.

THR 442: Theatre and Culture 2
3

As a continuation of The 441, this course will examine theatre culture from the Renaissance to the present day. Prerequisite: Thr 251 or consent of instructor. Offered in alternate years.

THR 443: Contemporary Theatre and Culture
3

This course will examine various theatre cultures, concentrating on theatrical texts and performances written and produced within the past sixty years including contemporary trends and styles. Offered in alternate years.

THR 452: Advanced Script Analysis
3

As an advanced study of selected plays from the standpoint of the theatre artist (actor, director, designer), students will look at the process of translating a dramatic text to theatrical production. An emphasis will be placed upon the techniques of perception, imagination, and integration used in developing a concept and determining specific performance and design choices with the application of analysis through projects and presentations. Offered in alternate years.

THR 498: Theatre Showcase
3

An advanced, thesis-style course that requires intensive, hands-on activity at an advanced level under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisites: theatre major, senior status, and application approval by the theatre faculty (also see Theatre Showcase Guidelines available in the Theatre Office).

Current students, please note: The requirements listed here may not reflect the most current courses for this major and may not be the requirements for the catalog year you are following to complete your major. Please refer to the Academic Catalog for official requirements you must meet to qualify for a degree.

Alumni Success

Graduates from Concordia University Irvine’s Theatre program are putting their degrees to work and excelling in a wide range of professional callings.

Wesley Barnes '15

Theatrical Actor

Since graduating from Concordia University Irvine (CUI), the New York City resident's career has flourished, with appearances in Magic of the Dance in Germany and Taiwan, a production of In the Heights at Theatre Under the Stars in Houston, Texas, the play Choir Boy at the Briggs Opera House in Vermont, and The Scottsboro Boys at Phoenix Theatre in Arizona.

Read Story

Brock Powell '11

Voice Actor

The voice of the Kool Aid Man for Kraft foods and employed by Marvel Comics at Comikazee Conventions.

Read Story

Hannah Welter '10

Set & Costume Designer

Hannah Welter '10, a set and costume designer, has graced Disneyland park, online TV shows and CUI’s theatre productions. But until she came to Concordia, she didn’t realize she could create visual worlds for a living. “It was cool to see there was a way for the visual and artistic aspects of my life to influence the performing arts."

Read Story

Where our Alumni are Working

Our Theatre graduates are working in the industry. Here are some additional highlights.

Disneyland
Universal Studios
Disney World
Utah Shakespeare Festival
Pfinix Creative Studios
GoButton Productions
IGN
Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts
The Ned Show
Theatricum Botanicum

North Coast Repertory Theatre
New Village Arts
San Diego Fringe Festival
Hollywood Fringe Festival
Chance Theater
South Coast Repertory Theater
The Imagination Machine
Theatre Out
Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts

Netflix
CollegeHumor
Los Angeles Opera
Long Beach Opera
Opera Pacific
Culture Project (NY)
KCRA/KQCA TV
Sets Unlimited
Missoula Children’s Theatre

Opportunities for Theatre Majors

The Theatre department wants to provide a myriad of opportunities for our students to gain experience in the performing arts. Our University, Theatre Department, and relationships within our surrounding community afford you the chance to practice the performing arts outside the classroom.

Academic Opportunities

As a Theatre major, you can combine your degree with a related minor, or double major. Expand your worldview by studying abroad, or transition to graduate school.

Graduate Schools Attended

NYU - Tisch School of the Arts
NYU - Steinhardt School for Education in the Arts

Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman University
Southern Utah University - Utah Shakespeare Festival

Cal State San Bernardino

Extracurricular Activities

Theatre offers many opportunities for you to become involved with on-campus events, clubs, and organizations. Our students also regularly participate (and excel) in national competitions with performing arts students from other universities.

Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival
Concordia Dance Company

Improv-ceivable
Stage Door 141

ACTS (Acclaiming Christ in Theatre and Service)

Internships

Theatre majors can apply to do a senior project. Concordia enjoys good working relationships with a large number of organizations in Southern California. Below are just a few examples of where our students have interned.

The Chance Theatre
Actors Theatre of Louisville

La Jolla Playhouse
Disney Corporation

Utah Shakespeare Festival
Looseleaf Theatre Co.

Scholarships

Scholarships for majors AND non-majors participating in theatre range from $1000 up to half of the price of tuition.

Learn More

Past Productions

The Foolish Proposal

Video

The Fantasticks

Video

A Year with Frog and Toad

Video

2018-19 Productions

I and You

by Lauren Gunderson
directed by Jeremy Lewis

September 7, 8, 14, 15 at 7:30 pm
September 9 & 16 at 2:00 pm
Studio Theatre

$15 general admission | $12 seniors/students.
Free for CUI students, faculty, & staff

Anthony arrives unexpectedly at classmate Caroline’s door with a copy of Whitman’s Leaves of Grass and an urgent English assignment. Homebound due to illness, Caroline hasn’t been to school in months, but she is as quick and sardonic as Anthony is athletic, sensitive, and popular. As these two let down their guards and share their secrets, this poetry project unlocks a deeper mystery that binds them together. I and You is an ode to youth, life, love, and the beauty of human connectedness.

Produced by arrangement with Playscripts International

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She Stoops to Conquer

by Oliver Goldsmith
directed by Lori C. Siekmann

November 2, 3, 9, 10 at 7:30 pm
November 4 & 11 at 2:00 pm
Studio Theatre

$15 general admission | $12 seniors/students
Free for CUI students, faculty, & staff

Miss Hardcastle is intrigued by the young gentleman who has come to court her, but he’s terribly shy. He can hardly get a sentence out around her, yet he exudes confidence around her maid. So what if she poses as a servant to get to know him? Oliver Goldsmith’s timeless comedy has been entertaining audiences since 1773 and is still fresh and funny today. Mistaken identities, plot twists and turns, and a lot of heart make for a delightful romp that will keep you laughing through the chaos.

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A Grand Night for Singing

Music by Richard Rogers
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein
Musical Arrangements by Fred Wells
Conceived by Walter Bobbie
Directed by Lori C. Siekmann

January 18, 19, 26 at 7:30 pm
January 19, 20 & 27 at 2:00 pm
Studio Theatre

$15 general admission | $12 seniors/students
Free for CUI students, faculty, & staff

Rodgers and Hammerstein have penned some of the most famous shows in American musical theatre: Oklahoma! The King and I, South Pacific, The Sound of Music, and the list goes on and on. Imagine getting to enjoy a whole evening of their iconic songs from a variety of their shows all in one musical! From Shall We Dance? to Some Enchanted Evening, this Tony® nominated musical revue celebrates their catalog of favorites in a fresh and fun way that will make you fall in love with them all over again.

Produced by special arrangement with the Rodgers and Hammerstein Foundation

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Antigone

By Sophocles
Translated by Don Taylor
Directed by Tony Vezner

March 16, 21, 22, 23 at 7:30 pm
March 17, 24 at 2:00 pm
Studio Theatre

$15 general admission | $12 seniors/students
Free for CUI students, faculty, & staff

The third of Sophocles’ Theban tragedies asks: Do one’s own personal beliefs outweigh one’s obedience to the state? When newly-crowned King Creon declares that the body of the rebellious son of Oedipus must be left unburied after a battle, his sister Antigone decides to risk a prospective marriage and her life by burying him. One fateful choice after another leads to destruction in this updated version of the Greek classic.

Produced by special arrangement with Micheline Steinberg Associates

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The Secret in the Wings

By Mary Zimmerman
Directed by Ciara Celine Elizondo ‘19

April 11, 12, 13 at 7:30 pm
April 14 at 2:00 pm
Studio Theatre

$15 general admission | $12 seniors/students
Free for CUI students, faculty, & staff

One night a child is left with a terrifying babysitter. As the babysitter reads the child fairy tales, the mysterious and magical characters of the book materialize on stage. A series of stories unfold - tales of kings and queens, families, and mystical beings. Journey through whimsical and captivating storytelling where the the line between dreams and nightmares becomes blurred.

Produced by special arrangement with Brett Adams, Ltd

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Dance Concert

Concordia Dance Company

Vanessa Gumerman, Artistic Director

April 26 at 7:30 pm
April 27 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm

The Dance Company's Annual Concert features pieces that the group has worked on over their Fall and Spring seasons, including many choreographed by its students. It will showcase a variety of dance styles ranging from musical theater to jazz and tap.

Meet your Professors

Professors in the Theatre Department are active participants in mentoring students and nurturing individual artistic growth. Our curriculum is developed and delivered by faculty who integrate classroom techniques with hands-on experience.

Lori Siekman

Theatre Chair

Professor Siekmann is the 2015 recipient of the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival's Gold Medallion of Excellence - the highest award the Kennedy Center gives to educators. Three of her productions have been invited to appear at the regional festival of KC/ACTF.

Tony Vezner

Theatre Professor

A recipient of the KC/ACTF Award for Excellence in Education, Professor Vezner collaborated with Prof. Lee from English to lead the 2016 Around-the-World Semester® which took a team of students to 10 countries over 20 weeks - studying and serving in each country. His previous work includes 14 years as a professional stage director in Chicago.

Andrew Sierszyn

Theatre Professor

Professor Sierszyn brings a wealth of experience and education to his work at Concordia. Andrew has served as a technical director for productions at Sunset Playhouse, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, and Illinois State University, as well as being a prolific designer for Wisconsin Lutheran College and Illinois State University. Additionally, his work as a scenic designer and charge artist includes professional summer stock at the Monomoy Theatre in Chatham, Massachusetts.

Get in Touch

For more information about the Theatre major at Concordia University Irvine, we invite you to contact us directly.

Professor Tony Vezner
Theatre Department
949) 214-3425
tony.vezner@cui.edu

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Theatre Major

School of Arts

What Do You Like About Your Major?

Alumni Success

Wesley Barnes '15

Brock Powell '11

Hannah Welter '10

Where our Alumni are Working

Opportunities for Theatre Majors

Academic Opportunities

Graduate Schools Attended

Extracurricular Activities

Internships

Scholarships

Past Productions

The Foolish Proposal

The Fantasticks

A Year with Frog and Toad

2018-19 Productions

I and You

She Stoops to Conquer

A Grand Night for Singing

Antigone

The Secret in the Wings

Dance Concert

Meet your Professors

Lori Siekman

Theatre Chair

Tony Vezner

Theatre Professor

Andrew Sierszyn

Theatre Professor

Get in Touch

Behind the Scenes

Get Started

Request Info

Schedule a Visit

Apply Now