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THEA Courses - Upper Division

310A,B. Theatre Arts Activity — Cast (1,1)

Participation in acting projects; open to students cast in University-sponsored productions.
Letter grade only (A-F). (60 hours minimum participation time or major crew assignment)

312. Applied Voice and Speech for the Actor (3)

Prerequisite: THEA 112 or equivalent and Admission into the Performance Option by adjudicated audition or consent of instructor.
Further study of vocal techniques for theatre, including variety of quality, force, tempo and pitch, scansion, and imagery. Application of basics learned in 112 to more complicated dramatic texts.
Letter grade only (A-F). (2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity)

316. Rehearsal and Performance (3)

Prerequisites: THEA 114A and THEA 114B.
Performance based class focusing on interrelationship of actor and director. Working with director on creative process, interpreting demands of director and combining these with actor's creative process.
Letter grade only (A-F). (2 hour Lecture, 2 hour activity)

318A. Advanced Actor's Process (3)

Prerequisites: THEA 214, THEA 316 and Admission into the Performance Option by adjudicated audition or consent of instructor.
Playing Action: Intensive scene study in late 19th century dramatic texts.
Letter grade only (A-F). (6 hours lab)

318B. Advanced Actor's Process (3)

Prerequisites: THEA 318A or consent of instructor.
Character in action: Process of actor role development through Michael Chekhov acting technique and 20th century dramatic texts.
Letter grade only. (A-F). (6 hours lab.)

323. The Integration of Design and Performance (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of GE Foundation.
Online course will explore the symbiotic and synergetic effects of design and performance. Analyze how visual and aural environments enhance and influence the storytelling of the actors and the engagement of the audience.
Letter Grade only (A-F).

324. Theatre Today (3)

Prerequisites: GE Foundation requirements, one or more Explorations courses, and upper-division standing.
Examines current trends, achievements and problems in contemporary western theatre and dramatic literature. Particular attention will be paid to multicultural expression in the theatre.
Same course as CWL 324. Not open for credit to students with credit in CWL 324.

327. Theatre, Protest, and Social Change (3)

Prerequisite: G.E. foundation and upper-division status, Students must have scored an 11 or higher on the GWAR Placement Examination or completed the necessary portfolio course that is a prerequisite for a GWAR Writing Intensive Capstone.
The study of Theatre's role as a medium of protest and social change in United States history, with emphasis on analysis of individual works.
Letter grade only (A-F).

340. Theatre Arts Activity — Crew (1)

Participation in technical play production projects; specific assignment determined through consultation with faculty or staff supervisors of Scenery, Lighting, Costume, Makeup, Sound, Tech Production, or Management areas.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated for a maximum of 3 units. (60 hours minimum participation time or major crew assignment.)

341. Presentation Techniques for Theatre (3)

Develop understanding of form, shape, line, and tone through exercises with various media. Explore approach to visualization and presentation techniques for theatre design.
Letter grade only (A-F). (2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity)

342. Advanced Technical Theatre (3)

Prerequisite: THEA 142 or consent of instructor.
Investigation of tools, materials, and procedures used in scenic construction and rigging. Supervised practical application of the techniques through scenic drafting and work on University sponsored productions.
(2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity)

344. Theatrical Makeup Design (3)

Corequisite: THEA 440
Exploration of theatrical make-up design techniques and their application.
Letter grade only (A-F).

352. Foundations of Visual Expression (3)

Introduction to basics of visual composition stressing a link to Theatre Design. Emphasizes development of visual discipline, creative skills and poetic and artistic nature of theatre design.
Letter grade only (A-F). (2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity)

364. Stage Combat (3)

Prerequisite: THEA 262 and Admission into the Performance Option by adjudicated audition or consent of instructor.
Practical study of unarmed combat for stage. Covers technique, safety, and application of combat skills for acting process.
Letter grade only (A-F). (2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity).

365. Improvisation and Comedy (3)

Prerequisite(s): Admission into the Performance Option by adjudicated audition or consent of instructor.
Survey of basic improvisation techniques and laboratory for short-form improvisation, long-form improvisation and self-generated material.
Letter grade only (A-F). (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.)

371. Intermediate Stage Management (3)

Prerequisites: THEA 271. Corequisites: Theatre Activity Unit.
In-depth study of Actor's Equity Association contract and legalities, advanced rehearsal, technical rehearsal and performance scheduling and management: including dance, opera, musical theatre and touring theatre. Students will be expected to Lead Assistant Stage Manage a Cal Rep/Studio Heavy production, or Stage Manage a Player's Light production.
Letter grade only (A-F). Requires a 30-hour lab and a 60-hour activity unit.

374. Fundamentals of Directing (3)

Prerequisites: THEA 101 and THEA 114A or consent of instructor.
Introduction to script analysis, rehearsal techniques, director's prompt book and organization of stage space and time. Using contemporary realistic plays to develop actor/director communication skills. Intensive scene work.
Letter grade only (A-F). (2 hour Lecture, 2 hour activity)

375. Intermediate Directing (3)

Prerequisite: THEA 374 and consent of instructor.
Intensive work using nonrealistic plays to develop director's concept, advanced script analysis and approach to challenges of style. Introduction to collaboration with set, lighting, costume, sound, and make up designers. Intensive scene work with student actors focusing on rehearsal techniques.
Letter grade only (A-F). (2 hour Lecture, 2 hour activity)

380. Playwriting (3)

Creative writing for the stage. Study of character, concept, theme, dialogue and structure.
Letter grade only (A-F).

390. Selected Topics in Theatre Arts (1-3)

Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor
Topics of current interest in Theatre Arts selected for intensive study.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be taken to a maximum of 9 units. Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes. (Lecture 1-3 hours)

410A,B. Theatre Arts Activity — Cast (1,1)

Participation in acting projects; open to students cast in University-sponsored productions.
Letter grade only (A-F). (60 hours minimum participation time or major crew assignment).

413. Film/Video Acting (3)

Prerequisite: THEA 318A and consent of Instructor
Acting techniques required for stylistic range and variety of film and television scripts. Video recording and playback of scenes and filmic acting exercises to adjust acting skills to these media.
Letter grade only (A-F). (6 hours activity)

414. Period Scene Study (3)

Prerequisite: THEA 318A and/or consent of instructor.
Scenes from period plays including Greek, Shakespeare, Comedy of Manners. Analysis of play's structure in terms of language, background, human behavior.
Letter grade only (A-F). (6 hours activity)

415. Preparing for the Profession (3)

Prerequisite: THEA 318A or consent of instructor.
Designed to acquaint actor with auditioning skills and practical business information necessary for acting professionally. Topics include: picture, resume, interview, audition, agent, casting, director, unions, contracts, job market and career strategies.
Letter grade only (A-F). (2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity).

418. Theatre of Community Engagement (3)

Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor
Interactive community-based collaboration utilizing applied theatre practices, culminating in an original devised theatre piece.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units in different semesters (2 hours Lecture, 2 hours Activity)

425. Theatre and Cinema (3)

Prerequisites: Completion of G.E. foundation, one or more Explorations courses, and upper-division standing.
Examines relationships between theatre and cinema both historically and concerning problems of realism, comedy and melodrama.
Letter grade only (A-F).

426./526. Dramatic Theory and Criticism (3)

A study of the theories of dramatic literature and performance. Analysis of dramatic works in relationship to theory, cultural context, and critical methodologies.
Letter grade only (A-F).

427. Dramatic Construction (3)

Prerequisites: GE Foundation requirements; at least one Exploration course in Theatre Arts or in literature (an English literature course, comparative world literature course, foreign language literature course, or other literature course); and upper division standing. Students must have scored 11 or higher on the GWAR Placement Examination or completed the necessary portfolio course that is a prerequisite for a GWAR Writing Intensive Capstone.
Writing-intensive exploration ofdramatic and literary theories that focus on narrative construction as applied to drama, film, storytelling and screenwriting.
Letter grade only (A-F).

433. Design for Theatre (3)

Prerequisites: THEA 142, THEA 146, THEA 148 or consent of instructor.
Integration of styles and methods of theatrical costume, makeup, sound, scenery, and lighting design.
Letter grade only (A-F).

440. Theatre Arts Activity — Crew (1)

Participation in technical play production projects; specific assignment determined through consultation with faculty or staff supervisors of Scenery, Lighting, Costume, Makeup, Sound, Tech Production, or Management areas.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated for a maximum of 3 units. (60 hours minimum participation time or major crew assignment).

441. Scenographic Techniques (3)

Prerequisite: THEA 142 or consent of instructor:.
Study of drafting techniques used to translate designer's vision to finished set on stage. Includes both traditional and computer aided design and drafting tools.
Letter grade only (A-F). (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)

442. Scenic Technical Skills (3)

Prerequisite: THEA 142 or consent of instructor.
Use of materials and construction methods in stage properties, set dressing and furniture. Painting techniques for scenery and properties. Supervision in practical application of these elements in University sponsored productions.
Letter grade only (A-F). (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)

443./543. Special Applications In Theatrical Makeup (3)

Prerequisite: THEA 344 or consent of instructor.
Corequisite: THEA 440.
Special effects and new trends in theatrical make-up design techniques for characterization and style. Design, preparation and application of theatrical makeup for University sponsored productions.
Letter grade only (A-F). (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)

444. Scenic Design (3)

Prerequisite: THEA 101, THEA 142, THEA 433.
Comprehensive study in techniques and art of scenic design. Course includes practical hands-on instruction in design conceptual development and two and three dimensional visual expressions of ideas.
Letter grade only (A-F). (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)

446. Costume Design (3)

Prerequisite: THEA 101, THEA 146 or consent of instructor.
Development of costume design through character and script analysis and understanding of line, space, color, and texture. Planning and presentation of costume rendering.
May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units in different semesters. (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)

447./547. Costume Technical Skills (3)

Prerequisite: THEA 101, THEA 146, or consent of instructor.
Analysis of structure of costumes and accessories. Advanced technical projects using materials, patterning and construction methods in costume and accessories. Supervision in practical application of these elements in University sponsored productions.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units in different semesters. (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)

448. Lighting Design (3)

Prerequisites: THEA 101, THEA 148 or consent of instructor.
Techniques of designing lighting for various stage forms; creative planning and projection of designs for specific productions.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units. (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)

449. Sound Design for the Theatre (3)

Introduction to scope, tools, materials and practices of sound in theatre today.
Letter grade only (A-F). (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)

462. Advanced Movement for the Actor (3)

Prerequisite: THEA 262 and Admission into the Performance option by adjudicated audition or consent of instructor.
Kinesthetic approaches to theatrically utilizing heightened physical language to explore character, relationship and truth.
Letter grade only (A-F). (2 hour lecture, 2 hour activity)

476. Theatre Management (3)

Examination of administration, management and promotion of a producing theatre organization. Practical application required in University-sponsored productions.
Letter grade only (A-F).

480. Advanced Playwriting (3)

Prerequisite: THEA 380 or consent of instructor
Exploration of advanced playwriting concepts including non-traditional approaches to narrative, stylistic innovation, theatricality and heightened poetic language.
Letter grade only (A-F). (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.)

490. Selected Topics in Theatre Arts (3)

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Topics of current interest in Theatre Arts selected for intensive study.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be taken to a maximum of 9 units. Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes. (Lecture 2 hours, activity 2 hours)

498. Selected Topics in Theatre Arts (3)

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Independent projects and research of advanced nature in areas of Theatre Arts under faculty supervision.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units of the same topic in the same area. Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes.

  • A. Acting
  • B. Directing
  • C. Costume
  • D. Scenery
  • E. Properties
  • K. Theatre criticism
  • L. Movement
  • M. Makeup
  • N. Lighting
  • O. Voice
  • P. Stage management
  • Q. Theatre management

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