103 Acting for Non-majors - 3 hours lecture, 3 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: English 48 and English 49, each with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels R5 and W5.
Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for Dramatic Arts 130.
This course introduces students to improvisational acting. The first phase of the course treats acting as process-centered. The instructor leads the participants using a variety of exercises to imagine, enact and reflect upon human experiences. The second phase of the course emphasizes problem-solving skills in group improvisational work. The group improvises action and dialogue appropriate to the content it is exploring, using elements of drama to give form and meaning to the experience. This course is designed for students who are interested in studying acting. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities.
105 Introduction to Dramatic Arts - 3 hours lecture, 3 units (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass Option)
Advisory: English 101 with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent or Assessment Skill Level R6 and W6.
This course is an introductory study of the art and literature of the theater. Emphasis is placed on the examination and evaluation of dramatic texts in terms of genre, historical context, aesthetics and reception. In addition, this course introduces students to the technical aspects of the theatrical industry including production and personnel through campus drama productions and field trips. This course is designed for students majoring in dramatic arts and anyone interested in theatre. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course List.
106 Acting for Radio/Voice-Over - 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 3 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: English 48 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Level R5; Radio and Television 105 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent.
Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for Dramatic Arts 106, 265 (Acting for Radio/Voice-Over) or Radio and Television 265 (Acting for Radio/Voice-Over). This course is a practical study of the voice-over industry. Emphasis is placed on voice-over acting techniques for radio and television commercials, multimedia and other audio and video presentations. Students are expected to read aloud extensively as well as to record their voice for critique and self evaluation. Topics also include an overview of the voice-over business, marketing, current technology, and professional work and studio etiquette. This course is intended for students majoring in drama or radio and television as well as for anyone interested in the voice-over business. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities.
107 Study of Filmed Plays - 3 hours lecture, 3 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: English 101 with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent or Assessment Skill Levels R6 and W6.
This course is a study of cinematic adaptations of plays, comparing stage and screen versions in the areas of form and structure, writing, and production. Emphasis is placed on developing students’ appreciation for dramatic art and providing practice in the art of theater criticism. This course is designed for Drama majors and any student interested in the Humanities. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course List.
108 Playwriting - 3 hours lecture, 3 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: English 101 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels R6 and W6.
This course gives students an opportunity to write effective material for the theatre. Topics and exercises explore dialogue, monologue, exposition, autobiography, writing for the opposite gender and prismatic structure. Students are required to write scenes that explore issues of structure that facilitate the development of a technique that is both individual and based on traditional dramaturgical ideas. This class is designed for students majoring in theatre and those students interested in the Humanities. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities.
109 Theatre and Social Issues - 3 hours lecture, 3 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: English 101 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels W6 and R6.
This course is a study of the role of theatre in society within its cultural, aesthetic, economic, and political manifestations. Emphasis is placed on increasing students' understanding of politics in theatrical representation and theatre as a tool for social change. Topics include the nature and function of theatrical representation, moving to historical and contemporary issues in American and World cultures. This class is designed for students majoring in theatre and those students interested in the Humanities and/ or social and theoretical issues. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course List.
119 Acting for Film and Television - 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 3 units (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass Option)
Advisory: English 48 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Level R5; and Dramatic Arts 132 with a grade of “C’ or better, or equivalent.
Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with credit for Radio and Television 119 or 265 or Dramatic Arts 265, Acting for Film and Television. (Same as Radio and Television 119.)
This course introduces students to the skills required for on-camera performing techniques as used in the motion picture and television industry. Students participate in the selection, rehearsal, and on-camera performance of material from television and motion picture scripts including drama, sitcoms, soaps and commercials. Emphasis is placed on cold reading taped audition skills, improvisational and interview techniques, and the fundamental acting techniques required for camera, scene, and monologue studies. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to students intending to enter a career in the dramatic arts and radio/television. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities.
122 Makeup for the Stage - 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, 2 units (Grade Only)
This course is an introductory hands-on study of the materials and techniques used in stage makeup design and application. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of a lexicon pertinent to the history and use of makeup in the theater as well as on the actual application of stage makeup in the classroom as a member of the makeup crew for a theatrical production. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course List.
123 Beginning Stagecraft - 1.5 hours lecture, 4.5 hours lab, 3 units (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass Option)
Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for Dramatic Arts 125.
This lecture/laboratory course emphasizes student involvement in all phases of technical scene production. The course emphasizes construction, painting, rigging, placement, and manipulation of stage scenery, lighting equipment, sound and properties, and the organization and management of stage activity and stagecraft technology. Students study the aesthetics and practical application of set, sound and lighting design. This course is designed for students pursuing an Associates Degree in performance and technical theater and may be repeated one time. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities.
126 Advanced Stagecraft - 1.5 hours lecture, 4.5 hours lab, 3 units (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass Option)
Prerequisite: Dramatic Arts 123 with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent.
This course offers students an advanced study of technical stage production and scene technology with an emphasis on the methods and practices of technical theory and on practical, hands-on experience. Course content includes theater design, stage decor and lighting and the synthesis of all elements of stagecraft within an environment of actual stage production. Students develop crew leadership skills as they create and construct set designs and operate stage equipment for all Dramatic Arts production throughout the semester. This course is designed for students pursuing an associate degree in performance and technical theatre and may be repeated one time. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course List.
129 Beginning Scene Painting - 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 3 units (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass Option)
Advisory: English 48 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Level R5.
Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for Dramatic Arts 265: Introduction to Scene Painting and Decorative Arts.
This course introduces students to basic techniques and materials used in the painting of scenery for the stage. Students learn techniques in faux painting, murals, trompe l'oeil (trick the eye), and decorative motifs for theatre. Students experiment with color mixing, base, layout, ink, lay-in detail and the use of brushes and tools. Emphasis is placed on application of techniques for theatre settings. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to students pursuing a degree in Visual and Performing Arts or a Certificate in Technical Theatre. This course may be taken three times. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities.
132 Beginning Acting - 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 3 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: English 48 and English 49, each with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels R5 and W5.
Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for Dramatic Arts 131A.
This course is a beginning level study, practice and execution of the fundamentals of acting designed to develop a foundation in basic acting technique. Emphasis is placed on the effective communication of ideas and emotions by a dramatic character to audience. The course content includes staging techniques, improvisation, theater games, scenes, monologues, stage movement, and an introduction to the lexicon of acting for theater. This course is intended for students who are interested in developing basic acting techniques. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course List.
133 Intermediate Acting - 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 3 units (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass Option)
Prerequisite: Dramatic Arts 132 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent.
Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for Dramatic Arts 131B.
This course is designed to build upon the acting and scene work skills developed in Dramatic Arts 132. Emphasis is placed on character analysis through lecture, demonstration and exercises as well as on scene rehearsal and presentation. This course is intended for students who are interested in preparing for a major in drama. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course List.
134 Beginning Voice for Actors - 3 hours lecture, 3 units (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass Option)
Advisory: English 48 and English 49, each with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Level R5 and W5.
This course is designed as an introduction to voice for actors. Students learn the mechanics of voice production and the various elements of theatre speech: quality, strength time and pitch. The students are introduced to the American Standard Pronunciation and International Phonetic Alphabet. Lecture and discussion, plus individual and group exercises, are combined to help the student acquire the basics of good voice, speech and articulation. This course is for students pursuing a degree in Visual and Performing Arts with an emphasis in Drama. Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course List.
136 History of Canonized Theatre- Ancient Greece to the Restoration - 3 hours lecture, 3 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: English 48 and English 49, each with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels R5 and W5.
This course is designed to introduce the student to a history theatre of the Western canon from ancient times to the Restoration in England. The student examines the physical theatre and methods of staging drama from the earliest records to the mid-17th Century. Emphasis is placed on text analysis of the works of the canonized playwrights and the relationship of the theatre to the historical, political and religious events of the times. This course is intended for students pursuing a degree in Visual and Performing Arts with an emphasis in Drama. Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course List.
137 History of Canonized Western Theatre-Restoration to the Present - 3 hours lecture, 3 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: English 48 and English 49, each with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels R5 and W5.
This course is designed to introduce students to a history of canonized Western theatrical experiences from the English Restoration to the present and includes examination of the physical theatre and methods of staging drama. Emphasis is placed on text analysis of the works of canonized playwrights and the relationship of theatre to the historical, political and religious events of the times. This course is intended for students pursuing a degree in Visual and Performing Arts with an emphasis in Drama. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course List.
142 Drawing for the Theatre: Costume Illustration - 1 hour lecture, 6 hours lab, 3 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: English 48 and English 49 and Mathematics 34A, each with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels R5, W5 and M20; Art-Fine Art 155A and 210A, each with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent.
This course is a comprehensive hands-on study of costume illustration techniques for the theatre. Emphasis is placed on the visual development process for costume design. Students develop and research a costuming concept based on the text of a play, draw design sketches, render a series of costume presentation boards and flat pattern costumes. Exposure to various media enhances personal style and expression. This course is designed for theatre majors and anyone interested in fashion design for the theatre. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course List.
143 Beginning Costuming - 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 3 units (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass Option)
Advisory: English 48 and English 49 and Mathematics 34A, each with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels R5, W5 and M20.
This is a lecture and laboratory course that emphasizes student involvement in the techniques and methodology of costume construction. Class material emphasizes practical experience in sewing, fabrics and their modification, costume craft techniques such as millinery, masks, footwear and accessories, and service on costumes crews. Students study costume production procedures in regards to time, budgets and labor. This course is designed for students pursuing an Associates Degree in performance and technical theater. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities.
165 Introduction to Stage Movement - 3 hours lecture, 3 units (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass Option)
Advisory: English 48 and English 49, each with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels R5 and W5.
Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for Dramatic Arts 165A.
This course serves as an introduction to basic techniques of movement for the stage. Stage movement focuses on the actor's body as an expressive instrument. Students acquire flexibility, strength, and physical repertoire of stage movement. The student is challenged to explore and utilize new areas of dramatic expression. Some examples of contemporary movement are Tai Chi, Suzuki, Alexander, and Feldenkrais. This course is intended for students pursuing a degree in Visual and Performing Arts with an emphasis in Drama. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course List.
172 Beginning Musical Theater Audition - 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, 2 units (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass Option)
This course is a beginning-level study and demonstration of the skills needed to competitively audition for musical theater productions. Emphasis is placed on selecting and rehearsing appropriate ballads and up-tempo songs, as well as on music preparation, song interpretation, lyric memorization techniques, audition performance, projection, appearance, and communication. Course content also includes an introduction to the process of auditioning for musical theater within a professional context. Students are required to participate in an audition recital. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities.
173 Intermediate Musical Theater Workshop -1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, 2 units (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass Option)
Prerequisite: Dramatic Arts 172 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent.
This course is an intermediate-level study and demonstration of the skills necessary to integrate singing and movement in performance and to audition for musical theater in a competitive way. Emphasis is placed on student participation in the selection, rehearsal, and weekly performance of ballad and up-tempo audition songs. Course content includes music preparation, lyric interpretation, musical terms and notation, and stage movement at the intermediate level. By the end of the course, students are able to arrange an audition and apply professional conduct and standards toward the goal of theater as employment. This course is designed for students pursuing an Associates Degree in performance. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities.
250 Rehearsal, Production and Performance - 3-12 hours lab, 1-4 units (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass Option)
This course is a study and application of the skills, responsibilities and commitment required for work in play production and performance. Throughout the course, students participate in the rehearsal, production and performance of an actual play. As part of this process, students research and provide written critiques of the background, style, historical conditions and artistic theory connected to the given play and apply these to an original interpretation of the production. This course may be repeated three times. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course List.
251 Musical Comedy Rehearsal, Production and Performance - 3-12 hours lab, 1-4 units (Grade Only)
This course is a study and application of the skills, responsibilities and commitment required for work in the production and performance of a musical. Throughout the course, students participate in rehearsal, production and performance as actors, singers, dancers, technicians, assistant directors, stage managers and production crew. As part of this process, students research and provide written critiques of the background, style, historical conditions and artistic theory connected to the given musical and apply these to an original interpretation of the production. This course may be repeated three times. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course List.
290 Independent Study - Hours by Arrangement, 1-3 units (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass Option)
Limitation on Enrollment: Must obtain an Add Code from instructor for registration.
Advanced special work in dramatic arts: acting, design, lighting, film, business, makeup, costumes, direction, or play production. This course may be taken four times with different content for a maximum of six units. Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. This discipline may offer specialized instruction in one or more of the following areas: Supervised Tutoring (044), Experimental Topics (265), Independent Study (290), Individualized Instruction (296), Service Learning (277), or Work Experience (270). Detailed course descriptions are listed on page page 120. Please refer to the class schedule and/or see the dean or department chair for availability.