TH-THEATRE -- 2003-05 Catalog
Theatre & Dance Department

TH 210  Introduction to Theatre (4)          GE C3

Principles of theatre and production process, including theatrical terminol-ogy, methods, dramatic literature, aesthetics, and technology. 4 lectures.

TH 227  Theatre History: Classical (4)     GE C3

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.

TH 228  Theatre History: 18th Century to Contemporary (4)         GE C3

Highlights of European and American theatrical history from the 18th to 20th century. Production methods, acting styles, playwriting theories and representative plays. 4 lectures.

TH 240  Improvisational Theatre (4)

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.

TH 250  Costume and Craft Construction (4)

Basic costume and craft construction techniques used in the entertainment industry. Building of all costumes and special craft projects for main stage theatre productions. Total credit limited to12 units. Major credit limited to 4 units; repeated units are free electives. 4 laboratories.

TH 260  Voice and Diction for the Stage (4)

Theory and practice in developing command of oral techniques for the stage including breath support, resonance and articulation. 4 lectures.

TH 270  Make-Up for Theatre and Film (4)

Introduction to the art of theatrical and film make-up design and application. Techniques for producing character, old age, fantasy and special effects make-up. Demonstration and discussion of various design and application styles. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

TH 310  Women's Theatre (4)                   GE C4

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 a variety of classic and contemporary playscripts emphasizing evolving visions of women. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area A; TH 210, TH 227, or TH 228. Theatre Arts majors will not receive GE C4 credit.

TH 320  Black Theatre (4)           GE C4    USCP

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: Completion of GE Area A; TH 210, TH 227, or TH 228. Theatre Arts majors will not receive GE C4 credit.

TH 330  Stagecraft (4)

Basic stagecraft technique 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. Major credit limited to 4 units; repeated units are free electives. 4 laboratories. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

TH 340  Fundamentals of Acting (4)

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.

TH 342  Directing (4)

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.

TH 345  Rehearsal and Performance (4)

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. Major credit limited to 4 units; repeated units are free electives. 4 laboratories. Prerequisite: By audition only.

TH 350  Seminar in Playwriting (4)

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, completion of GE Area A.

TH 370  Costume History (4)

Dress worn in Western society from Ancient Egypt through AD 2000. Silhouette; how, when, and why particular garments were worn; emphasis on social, political, and economic context. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: TH 210 or consent of instructor.

TH 380  Children's Drama (4)

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.

TH 400  Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates (1–2)

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.

TH 430  Introduction to Stage Design: Scenery (4)

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.

TH 432  Introduction to Stage Design: Costume (4)

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.

TH 434  Introduction to Stage Design: Lighting and Sound (4)

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.

TH 440  Advanced Acting (4)

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.

TH 460  Senior Project (4)

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.

TH 470  Selected Advanced Topics (1–4)

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 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

TH 471  Selected Advanced Laboratory (1–4)

Directed group laboratory study of selected topics for theatre students. Class Schedule will list topics selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. 1–4 laboratories. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

TH 480  Internship (4) (CR/NC)

Part-time work experience in the entertainment industry. Ability to work independently; strong verbal and written skills. Faculty approval of job position required. Evaluations by job supervisor and written reports by student required. 120 hours of work experience. Credit/No Credit grading. Prerequisite: Junior standing with a minimum 3.0 GPA.