TH-THEATRE -- 2000-01 Catalog
Theatre & Dance Department

Play production process and approach to the theatre including theatrical terminology, methods, dramatic literature, aesthetics and technology. 4 lectures.

Objectives and techniques of improvisational theatre. Participation in a series of exercises designed to develop skills in dramatic structure formatting, interactive problem solving, spontaneous scripting, dynamic communications, and applied performance styles. 2 lectures, 2 activities.

Examination of a variety of female theatre artists from the Greeks to the present and the socio-political contexts from which they emerged. Analysis of variety of classic and contemporary playscripts, emphasizing evolving visions of women. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: TH 210.

Examination of African-American theatre artists from the 17th–20th century, and the socio-political contexts from which they emerged. Particular emphasis on 20th century African-American plays and playwrights: Hansberry, Baldwin, Shange, Baraka, Gordone and Wilson. 4 lectures Prerequisite: TH 210.

Highlights of European theatrical history – Greeks, Romans, Medieval, English and French theatre through the 17th century. Production methods, acting styles, playwriting theories and representative plays. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: TH 210 or consent of instructor.

Highlights of European and American theatrical history from the 18th to 20th century. Production methods, acting styles, playwriting theories and representative plays. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: TH 210 or consent of instructor.

Basic stagecraft techniques used in the entertainment industry. Students construct and paint scenery, build and gather properties, hang and focus lighting instruments, assist on costumes and act as running crew for department production each term. Total credit limited to 12 units. 4 laboratories. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Analysis of play, scene and character for the stage through the development of skills in movement, voice and rehearsal technique. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: TH 210.

Principles, philosophies, analytical methods, business practices, organizational techniques and interpersonal strategies of directing for the stage. Intensive rehearsals and performance of a one-act play (directed by each student) is expected outside of class hours. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: TH 210 and consent of instructor.

Preparation of a play for public presentation, including acting, stage management, publicity, or serving as a key member of the artistic team. Total credit limited to 12 units. 4 laboratories. Prerequisite: By audition only.

Examines dramatic structure, techniques of dialogue, and means of characterization in variety of plays. Relates dramatic writing to technical, design, directorial and acting demands. Compositions of monologues, scenes and one-act play; works read and critiqued in class. 4 seminars. Prerequisite: TH 210, ENGL 114 and ENGL 215 or ENGL 218.

Techniques for teaching theatre performance skills to children. Creation of small group seminar performance projects that are performed before an audience of elementary school children. 2 lectures, 2 seminars. Prerequisite: TH 210 or upper-division Liberal Studies or Human Development course.

Individual investigation, research, or project centering around theatre. Total credit limited to 4 units, with a maximum of 2 units per quarter. Prerequisite: Consent of department head.

Scenic design process used in the entertainment industry, including concept development, research, sketching, drafting, color rendering using a variety of media, 3D model building, and the presentation of design material. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: TH 210 or consent of instructor.

Costume design process used in the entertainment industry, including concept development, research, sketching, color rendering in a variety of media, and the presentation of design material. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: TH 210 or consent of instructor.

Lighting and sound design process used in the entertainment industry, including concept development, research, the functional aspects of lighting and sound equipment, drafting techniques, the development of production paperwork and the presentation of design material. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: TH 210 or consent of instructor.

Introduction to the technical aspects of nonrealistic acting through analysis and studio performance of scenes from a Shakespearian tragedy and a 17th century French farce. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: TH 340.

Selection and completion of a project under faculty supervision. Examples include: A formal report, an original play, producing a creative work, conceiving and completing a theatrical design, or a combination of these or similar assignments. Prerequisite: Consent of department head.

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 to 3 lectures. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Directed group laboratory study of selected topics for theatre students. Class Schedule will list topics selected. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1–3 laboratories. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.