Theatre Arts (THEA)
See Course Description Symbols and Terms for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units.
THEA 110 Introduction to Theatre Arts 3 Units GE
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
A survey of all aspects of theatre arts, including history, production styles and techniques, acting, directing, and stagecraft. Supplemental reading and examination of theatre literature. 3 hours lecture. (009211)
General Education: Arts (C1)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Lower Division
THEA 112 Introduction to Acting 3 Units GE
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
An introduction to the aesthetic principles and practical methods actors use to bring life to characters in plays. Special attention is given to themes of healthy vs. unhealthy personal, family, and social relationships and their critical examination through the active inquiry of rehearsal. 3 hours lecture. (009210)
General Education: Arts (C1)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Lower Division
THEA 150 Foundations of Drama 3 Units
Prerequisite: Declared Theatre or Musical Theatre major or minor.
Typically Offered: Fall only
This course introduces students to the field of theatre as both art and business. Students engage with inspirational readings about the nature of theatre as well as learning about trends within the industry for jobs and training beyond the BA level. Students develop tools for job seeking as well as engaging with critical explorations on what the nature of theater in the 21st century is. 3 hours lecture. (015862)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Lower Division
THEA 160 Foundations of Acting 3 Units
Prerequisite: Declared Theatre or Musical Theatre major or minor.
Typically Offered: Fall only
This studio course introduces the basic principles and practices of acting craft in the areas of script analysis, movement, voice/speech, acting technique, and rehearsal methods. 2 hours activity, 2 hours lecture. (015858)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Lower Division
THEA 170 Foundations of Design 3 Units
Prerequisite: Declared Theatre or Musical Theatre major or minor.
Typically Offered: Spring only
This studio course introduces the basic principles and practices of theatre design in the areas of script analysis, scenery, costumes, lighting, and sound. 2 hours activity, 2 hours lecture. (015860)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Lower Division
THEA 180 Social Justice in Theatre 3 Units
Prerequisite: THEA 150.
Typically Offered: Fall only
This course introduces students to an anti-racist theatre lens, and strategies for harm-reduction, harm-prevention and relationship-repair. Self-advocacy, healthy negotiation, conflict management, and social justice in the professional theatre world, are studied, discussed and developed. 3 hours discussion. (022299)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Lower Division
THEA 201 Theatre Rehearsal I 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Audition or faculty permission.
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
Applied study and practice of script analysis, acting techniques, and other theatre performance skills through preparation and performance of a smaller role in a department production or other approved activity. 2 hours activity. (009229)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units
Course Attributes: Lower Division
THEA 204 Costume Practice I 1 Unit
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
Applied study of costume and makeup practices through participaton in costume construction and on wardrobe and makeup crews for department productions or other approved activities. 2 hours activity. (009230)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units
Course Attributes: Lower Division
THEA 205 Scene/Light Practice I 1 Unit
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
Applied study of scenic, lighting, and other technical theatre practices through participation in scenery construction and painting, and on lighting, sound, and stage crews for department productions or other approved activities. 2 hours activity. (009238)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units
Course Attributes: Lower Division
THEA 206 Production Assistant I 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Audition or faculty permission.
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
Applied study of theatre production practices through participation in a department production as an assistant stage manager or as an assistant to the director or designer or other approved activity. 2 hours activity. (009546)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units
Course Attributes: Lower Division
THEA 220 Stagecraft for Theatre and Film 3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall only odd years
An introduction to technical theatre production in the areas of scenery, property construction, and painting, with theory and practice relevant to film. 2 hours activity, 2 hours discussion. (009213)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Lower Division
THEA 223 Make-Up for Theatre and Film 3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall only
An introduction to make-up application techniques used for film and theatre production. This course explores history, gender issues, aging, and a host of other interdisciplinary studies that inform make-up design and contribute depth of character. 2 hours activity, 2 hours discussion. (009215)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Lower Division
THEA 230 Movement for Actors 3 Units
Prerequisite: Musical Theatre major or department permission.
Typically Offered: Fall only
Development of movement techniques for performance. A course for majors in Theatre and Music. Open to interested non-majors. 2 hours activity, 2 hours lecture. (009225)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Lower Division
THEA 240 Voice for the Actor 3 Units
Prerequisite: Musical Theatre major or department permission.
Typically Offered: Spring only
A beginning course in voice and diction, the principal aim of which is to increase the clarity and expressiveness of each student's "natural" speaking voice. An essential program of study and practice for performers, but equally valuable to anyone whose career aspirations require effective vocal communication. 2 hours activity, 2 hours discussion. (009217)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Lower Division
THEA 250 Textual Analysis for Production 3 Units
Prerequisite: THEA 110 (for Theatre minors and all others); THEA 150 (for Theatre and Musical Theatre majors only).
Typically Offered: Spring only
A course in the principles and methods employed by directors, designers, and actors to comprehend dramatic literature as scripts for theatrical performance. 3 hours lecture. (009513)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Lower Division
THEA 251 World Theatre 3 Units GC, GE
Typically Offered: Spring, summer, fall
This is a survey course examining theatrical performance throughout the world focusing primarily on non-western forms. It examines representative examples of theatrical performance within specific cultures or geographic locations and explores the social and cultural connections between performance and society. 3 hours lecture. (021114)
General Education: Arts (C1)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Lower Division; Global Cultures
THEA 254 History of the American Musical: Oklahoma! to Hamilton 3 Units GE, USD
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
This course examines the uniquely-American art form of Musical Theatre, and the evolution of the Broadway Musical. Students explore the predecessors that paved the way to the creation of Musical Theatre and study how the genre has changed since its inception. This course also observes the unique relationship between the American Musical and activism for equity and policy progress. Key figures in Musical Theatre history are discussed, as well as the "game-changing" Broadway Musicals that serve as the landmark moments which shape the musicals that follow. 3 hours lecture. (022513)
General Education: Arts (C1)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Lower Division; US Diversity
THEA 260 Intermediate Acting 3 Units
Prerequisite: THEA 160, THEA 230 (may be taken concurrently), THEA 240 (may be taken concurrently), or faculty permission.
Typically Offered: Spring only
An extension of the work begun in THEA 160 to enhance students' understanding and skill in the areas of analysis, creative imagination and believable theatrical behavior. Through exercises, guided improvisations, discussions, journal writing and scene work, students develop a personal methodology of approach to the problems of acting. 2 hours activity, 2 hours discussion. (009227)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Lower Division
THEA 298 Special Topics 1-4 Units
Prerequisite: Department permission.
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
This course is for special topics. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for specific topics being offered. 0 hours supervision. (021456)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course more than once
Course Attributes: Lower Division
THEA 301 Theatre Rehearsal II 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Audition or faculty permission.
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
Applied study and practice of script analysis, acting techniques and other theatre performance skills through preparation and performance of a larger role in a department production or other approved activity. 3 hours activity. (009516)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 302 Musical Theatre Rehearsal 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Audition or faculty permission.
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
Applied study and practice of script analysis, acting, singing, and other musical theatre performance skills through preparation and performance of a larger role in a department production or other approved activity. 3 hours activity. (009517)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 306 Production Assistant II 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Audition or faculty permission.
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
Applied study of theatre production practices through participation in a department production as a stage manager or as an assistant director or assistant designer or other approved activity. 3 hours activity. (009547)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 309 Musical Theatre Ensemble 2 Units
Prerequisite: Declared Theatre or Musical Theatre major or minor.
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
Students spend classroom time learning and rehearsing solo, duet, and ensemble pieces from the musical theatre canon. With rotating topics, this course focuses on the rehearsal and performances of musical theatre song and dance numbers in cabaret and showcase formats. 4 hours activity. (009524)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 4 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 311 Children's Lit in Performance 3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
Development of the skills for effective dramatization of literature in the elementary classroom or children's theatre, including creative dramatics, storytelling, oral interpretation and group readings. 3 hours discussion. (009224)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 315 Performance of Identity 3 Units GE, USD
Prerequisite: GE Oral Communication (A1); GE Written Communication (A2); GE Critical Thinking (A3); GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (B4) requirements, or consent of the instructor.
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
A study of identity as expressed through performance in theatre and other media. The course focuses on issues of race, gender, and sexuality. Students see live performances, read classic and contemporary performance texts, and gain exposure to key figures who engage with identity politics in performance in the contemporary consciousness. 3 hours lecture. (009520)
General Education: Upper-Division Arts/Humanities (UDC); Gender and Sexuality Pathway; Innovation, Design, and the Arts Pathway
Cross listing(s): MCGS 315
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division; US Diversity
THEA 322 Costume Crafts/Stage Properties 3 Units
Prerequisite: THEA 170.
Typically Offered: Fall only odd years
An advanced exploration in technical theatre production in the construction of stage costumes, accessories, masks, and stage properties. 2 hours activity, 2 hours discussion. (022030)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 325 Stage Management 3 Units
Typically Offered: Spring only odd years
This course provides an overview of the historical significance and contemporary practice of Stage Management. Included are script breakdowns and analysis for rehearsal, preparing the prompt book and other paperwork for technical rehearsals and productions, reading technical drawings, audition and rehearsal processes, scheduling and communications, managing equipment and personnel, working with actors, directors, and designers, as well as creating resumes and job hunting. 3 hours discussion. (009527)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 330 Movement for Actors II 3 Units
Typically Offered: Spring only odd years
The analytical and physical movement techniques for performance introduced in THEA 130 are refined and expanded; students create solo, duet, and group movement pieces. Rotating topics covered include mime, stage combat, commedia, or mask work. 2 hours activity, 2 hours discussion. (002498)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 340 Advanced Voice for Performance: Acting Heightened Text 3 Units
Typically Offered: Spring only even years
The aim of this course is to help advanced acting students develop the knowledge, sensitivities, and skills needed to act in plays in which dramatic action and thematic content must be carried primarily through an active and richly textured speaking of the text. Classroom and out-of-class activities will include analysis, voice language exercises, and the preparation of scenes and soliloquies. Rotating topics covered include Shakespeare and other classic styles, as well as modern poet-dramatists. 2 hours activity, 2 hours discussion. (009531)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 352 History of Theatre I 3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall only
This course is a survey of the theoretical and historical trends in world performance from the ancient world to the 19th century. Students discover key moments in theatre history as well as signature scripts that represent this time period. Students focus on the intersections of popular culture, political and social trends, and theatre. 3 hours lecture. (021169)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 353W History of Theatre II (W) 3 Units W, GW
Prerequisite: GE Written Communication (A2) requirement, THEA 250.
Typically Offered: Spring only
This course is a survey of the theoretical and historical trends in performance from the 19th century to the contemporary period. Students discover key moments in theatre history as well as signature scripts from this time frame. Students engage in critical written and oral discourse about the nature of theatres, dramaturgy, and history. 3 hours lecture. (009232)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division; Writing Course; Graduation Writing Assessment
THEA 354 The Literature of Musical Theatre 3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall only even years
Through careful reading and study of major works in the Musical Theatre canon, this course examines this unique art form and the cultural factors that influenced its creation and evolution as well as the aspects of our contemporary society that are influenced by it. Additional attention is paid to Musical Theatre's predecessors and what led to the creation of Musical Theatre. 3 hours lecture. (021170)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 360 Scene Study 3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall only even years
Further classroom study and practice of various approaches to the problems of acting in comedies and dramas. Special emphasis is given to the analysis and physical/vocal acting challenges of texts other than contemporary realism. Topics and focus of the course rotate in alternate years. 2 hours activity, 2 hours discussion. (009523)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 361 Acting in Musical Theatre 3 Units
Typically Offered: Spring only
Further classroom study and practice of various approaches to the problems of acting in musical theatre. Special emphasis is given to the analysis of music and lyrics and the challenges of acting the song. 2 hours activity, 2 hours discussion. (009259)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 363 Acting for the Camera 3 Units
Prerequisite: THEA 260.
Typically Offered: Fall only
Acting for the Camera is a mixture of learning film production skills, the study of an actor's process when working in front of a camera, and the creation of professional scenes that highlight all techniques and theories studied over the course of the semester. Students apply the fundamentals of theatre acting to a variety of styles of television and film and adapt their theatre technique to an on-camera format. 3 hours lecture. (022298)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 365 Styles in Acting 3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall only odd years
An intensive study of performance techniques for various kinds of plays that require specific manners, gestures, movement, and speech to fulfill the dramatic situation. 2 hours activity, 2 hours discussion. (009251)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 370 Scenic Design for Theatre and Film 3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall only odd years
A study of the visual interpretation of plays of various theatrical periods and styles through sketches, renderings, and models. 2 hours activity, 2 hours discussion. (009268)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 371 Lighting Design 3 Units
Corequisites: THEA 205 for lighting crew is required.
Typically Offered: Fall only even years
A study of the visual interpretation and enhancement of plays through the use of light. 2 hours activity, 2 hours discussion. (009234)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 372 Costume Design for Theatre and Film 3 Units
Prerequisite: THEA 170.
Typically Offered: Spring only even years
A study of the visual interpretation and enhancement of plays through the study of the design and history of costumes for various theatrical forms, including plays, films, operas, musical theatre, and dance. 2 hours activity, 2 hours discussion. (009235)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 373 Scenic Painting/Art for Theatre and Film 3 Units
Prerequisite: THEA 170.
Typically Offered: Fall only even years
This course introduces students to a variety of basic techniques and skills used to produce painted scenery for the stage. These skills are used to create a series of projects that are designed to inform the students how to interpret and understand visual sources then translate these to the stage and screen. 2 hours activity, 2 hours discussion. (020855)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 380 Directing I: Principles of Directing 3 Units
Typically Offered: Spring only odd years
A theoretic and applied study of the basic elements of directing, including script analysis, blocking, composition, dramatic focus, and actor coaching. A series of staged scenes using outside actors are a central part of the course activities. 2 hours activity, 2 hours discussion. (009529)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 381 Directing 2: One Acts Production 2 Units
Typically Offered: Fall only odd years
Practical application of production, directing, with emphasis on staged production. 2 hours activity, 1 hour seminar. (009264)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 4 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 398 Special Topics 1-3 Units
Prerequisite: Department permission.
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
This course for special topics. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for specific topics being offered. 3 hours lecture. (009532)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course more than once
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 399 Special Problems 1-3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 9 hours supervision. (009247)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 399H Independent Study for Honors 3 Units
Prerequisite: Admission to the Theatre Arts Department Honors in the Major program with junior standing and a GPA in the top 5% of theatre arts majors.
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
First of two semesters of independent study for theatre arts Honors in the Major students involving creative and scholarly activity. This activity requires substantial research and a public presentation under the direction of one or more theatre arts faculty members. 9 hours supervision. (009543)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 460 Audition Techniques 3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall only
Advanced study in special acting problems such as auditioning and career prep. This course focuses on types of musical theatre auditions, including singing, acting and dancing. 2 hours activity, 2 hours discussion. (009260)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 461 Contemporary Musical Styles for Musical Theatre 3 Units
Prerequisite: THEA 361.
Typically Offered: Spring only
Since its inception, Musical Theatre has reflected trends in popular musical. With the increase of jukebox musicals, rock musicals, pop musicals, and the Lin-Manuel Miranda effect, Musical Theatre performers are expected to vacillate between contemporary styles at the drop of a hat. This course examines popular musical trends and challenges students to adapt to the stylistic demands while balancing the theatrical demands of a musical theatre performance. 2 hours activity, 2 hours discussion. (022412)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 470 Seminar in Design and Technical Theatre 3 Units
Typically Offered: Spring only odd years
Advanced problems in scene design, lighting design, or technical production. Special attention is given to verbal and visual communication, and folio presentation and presentation. 2 hours activity, 2 hours discussion. (009266)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 489 Internship in Theatre Arts 2-12 Units
Prerequisite: Must be a major or minor in Theatre Arts at no less than junior standing with at least a 2.5 GPA, faculty permission.
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
This course is an internship offered for 2.0 to 12.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Supervised out-of-classroom work experience in theatre-related activities approved professional theatre companies and/or theatre-related enterprises. No more than 3 units may be applied to the major. 9 hours supervision. (009539)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 15 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 498 Special Topics 1-4 Units
Prerequisite: Department permission.
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
This course is for special topics. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for specific topics being offered. 1 hour lecture. (009541)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course more than once
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 499 Special Problems 1-3 Units
Prerequisite: Department permission.
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
This course is an independent study for theatre and musical theatre majors. It involves creative and scholarly activity and requires substantial research and public presentation under the direction of one or more theatre arts faculty members. 3 hours supervision. (009542)
Grade Basis: Credit/No Credit
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
THEA 499H Independent Study for Honors 3 Units
Prerequisite: Admission to the Theatre Arts Department Honors in the Major program with junior standing and a GPA in the top 5% of theatre arts majors.
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
Second of two semesters of independent study for theatre arts Honors in the Major students involving creative and scholarly activity. This activity requires substantial research and a public presentation under the direction of one or more theatre arts faculty members. 9 hours supervision. (015906)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division