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Course Descriptions

103 Acting for Non-majors
3 hours lecture, 3 units
Grade Only
Advisory: English 51 and English 56, each with a grade
of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill
Levels W5 and R5.
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, 3 units
Letter Grade or Credit/No Credit Option
Advisory: English 51 and 56, each with a grade of "C" or
better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels W5 and
R5.
This course is an introductory study of the art and
literature of the Theatre. 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 pursuing a Liberal Arts degree with an
emphasis in drama performance. (FT) Associate Degree
Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and
universities. UC Transfer Course List. (CAN DRAM 18)

106 Acting for Radio/Voice-Over
2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 3 units
Letter Grade or Credit/No Credit Option
Advisory: English 56 with a grade of "C" or better, or
equivalent, or Assessment Skill Level R5; and Radio and
Television 105 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 106 or 265
or Drama 265, Acting for Radio/Voice-Over. (Same as
Radio and Television 106.)
This is an introductory course to train actors in the
fundamentals of voice technique, dialects and voiceover.
Emphasis in the voice-over component includes
microphone technique, character voices and cartoon
voices for commercial use as well as cold reading audiotaped
audition skills. Other components include cold
reading techniques, fundamental acting techniques
required for voice-over work, and the production of a
vo8ice-over demo tape. This course provides a
comprehensive introduction to students intending to
enter a career in dramatic arts and radio/television.
(FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or
private colleges and universities.

Dramatic Arts 107
Course Title: Study of Filmed Plays - Units (3)
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 theatre criticism. This course is designed for Drama majors and any student interested in the Humanities.

119 Acting for Film and Television
2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 3 units
Letter Grade or Credit/No Credit Option
Advisory: English 56 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.

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 Theatre 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. (CAN DRAM 14)

123 Beginning Stagecraft
2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 3 units
Letter Grade or Credit/No Credit Option
Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to
students with credit for Dramatic Arts 125.
This is a lecture and laboratory that emphasizes student
involvement in all phases of technical scene
production. Class material 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 associate degrees in performance and
technical Theatre and may be repeated one time.
Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or
private colleges and universities. (CAN DRAM 12)

126 Advanced Stagecraft
1.5 hours lecture, 4.5 hours lab, 3 units
Letter Grade or Credit/No Credit 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 Theatre 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 Credit/No Credit Option
Advisory: English 56 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 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 learn 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. (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 51 and English 56 with a grade of "C"
or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels W5
and R5.
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, Theatre games, scenes,
monologues, stage movement, and an introduction to
the lexicon of acting for Theatre. 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. (CAN DRAM 8)

133 Intermediate Acting
2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 3 units
Letter Grade or Credit/No Credit Option
Prerequisite: Drama 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. (CAN DRAM 22)

134 Beginning Voice for Actors
3 hours, 3 units
Letter Grade or Credit/No Credit Option
Advisory: English 51 and 56, each with a grade of "C" or
better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Level W5 and
R5.
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. (CAN DRAM 6)

136 History of Canonized Theatre- Ancient
Greece to the Restoration
3 hours, 3 units
Grade Only
Advisory: English 51 and 56, each with a grade of "C" or
better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels W5 and
R5.
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, 3 units
Grade Only
Advisory: English 51 and 56, each with a grade of "C" or
better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels W5 and
R5.
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.

Drama 143 Beginning Costuming
2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 3 units
Letter Grade or Credit/No Credit Option
Advisory:  English 51 and English 56 and Mathematics 32,
each with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent, or
Assessment Skill levels W5, R5 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 costume 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, 3 units
Letter Grade or Credit/No Credit Option
Advisory: English 51 and 56, each with a grade of "C" or
better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels W5 and
R5.
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.
Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or
private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course
List. (CAN DRAM 20)

172 Beginning Musical Theatre Audition
1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, 2 units
Letter Grade or Credit/No Credit Option
This course is a beginning-level study and
demonstration of the skills needed to competitively
audition for musical Theatre 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
Theatre 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 Theatre Workshop
1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, 2 units
Letter Grade or Credit/No Credit 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 Theatre in a competitive way. Emphasis is
placed on student participation in the selection,
rehearsal, and weekly performance of ballads and uptempo
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 and audition and apply professional conduct
and standards toward the goal of Theatre as
employment. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to
CSU and/or private colleges and universities.

174 Advanced Musical Theatre Workshop
1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, 2 units
Letter Grade or Credit/No Credit Option
Limitation on Enrollment: By audition only.
This course is an advanced level study and
demonstration of the skills needed to integrate acting,
singing, and movement in Musical Theatre. Emphasis is
placed on student participation in the selection,
rehearsal and class performance of a song and scene
from a musical. Topics explored through the course
include interpretation, characterization, professional
conduct and Theatre as employment in addition to an
overview of major musicals, roles, songs, authors and
composers. By the end of the course, students are able
to arrange auditions and apply professional conduct and
standards as they seek employment in the Theatre.
Participation in a musical revue open to the public is
required. This course may be repeated one time with
different content. (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 Credit/No Credit 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 Credit/No Credit 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. UC transfer
limitations. See a counselor.
This discipline may offer specialized instruction in
one or more of the following areas: Supervised
Tutoring (044), Special Topics (265), Independent
Study (290), Individualized Instruction (296),
Service Learning (277), Applied Applications and
Software Skills (045L), or Work Experience (270).
Detailed course descriptions are listed on page 96.
Please refer to the class schedule and/or see the dean
or department chair for availability.