Primarily for non-majors interested in acquiring a background of information in theatre. Plays, history, acting theories, technical methods and people in the theatre. Lectures, demonstrations and discussions will characterize the greater portion of the course.

Investigates the relationship between the development of theatre styles, structures and institutions, and philosophical, political, and cultural practices after 1660. Considers plays, production styles, theatre as an institution, and issues of representation of gender, race and class.

Examination of the art of acting, including a review of actors and acting - past and present. Basic exercises in voice and diction, movement, and character will be utilized.

An introduction to, and a solid working foundation of, the basic building blocks of the acting craft. Through ensemble building, personal reflection, physical commitment, and vocal awareness exercises, students have the opportunity to improve and grow as an actor in both individual and partnered performance. Key learning goals include the ability to understand, interpret and execute the foundational elements of drama (plot, character, thought, and language).

Prerequisite: Theatre and Dance Majors or Minors or instructor permission.

This course provides a comprehensive look at the technical side of stage makeup and stage costumes, with an emphasis on makeup application and costume construction. Students learn use of materials, equipment, theatre terminology, and the practical aspects of costume and stage makeup realization. Students work on costume and makeup projects from start to finish in the makeup lab and costume shop.

Note: Enrollment restricted to Theatre Majors/Minors, Dance Majors/Minors; non-majors enrolled with Department approval only; Instructor permission required to enroll concurrently with THEA 16 or 20.

Principles of scenic and stage prop construction, techniques of mounting and shifting stage scenery, and the study of ground plans and construction drawings for theatrical production. Lecture/lab activity.

Note: May not be taken concurrently with THEA 14 or THEA 20 without instructor permission.

Principles of stage lighting, fixtures, control and color. Introduction to basic concepts and practices of lighting design. Lecture/lab activity.

Note: May not be taken concurrently with THEA 14 or THEA 16 without instructor permission.

Explores the relationship between stage and production management, including the preparation of prompt scripts, pre- and post-production planning and organization, as well as the management of actors, technical rehearsals, and performances. This course focuses on historical and global perspectives, communication tools, and strategies used in the creation and organization of a theatrical production. May count as an elective for the major with advisor approval.

Through lecture and discussion, students explore the foundational elements of play scripts. The class investigates the structure of a play as well as its use of character, thought, plot, diction, song, and spectacle to analyze how a play's social and cultural elements inform potential productions.

Prerequisite: THEA 2, THEA 3

Corequisite: THEA 3

Introduction to the basic fundamentals of voice production and movement for the actor. Basic anatomy and physiology, relaxation, alignment, and breath work and its connection to movement. Feldenkrais, the Alexander Technique, and physical strengthening exercises are used in combination with vocal exercises to develop the actor's voice and body. Vocal and physical improvisation are introduced through various voice and movement exercises.

Prerequisite: THEA 11.

Strengthening and enhancing the vocal work developed in Voice and Movement I is continued with an in depth study of the International Phonetic Alphabet and its importance when performing heightened language plays. Solo presentation and a devised final ensemble project round out the course requirements.

Prerequisite: THEA 11, THEA 102A or instructor permission.

To further develop the basic concepts of acting through scene work from the American modern repertoire. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of a play's given circumstances, and the commitment required to make bold, active tactic choices when developing a character. Further investigation of the actor's process in analyzing text and incorporating research through character analysis, as it ties into performance, are explored.

Prerequisite: THEA 11, THEA 102A or instructor permission.

Practical study in singer-actor performance techniques. Major consideration is given to coordination of gesture and/or choreography, dialogue, melody, and lyric.

Prerequisite: THEA 11

Multicultural puppetry was developed to introduce the student to the techniques and construction of puppetry and its use in a multicultural setting. Puppetry has been found to be an excellent tool for the teaching of multiculturalism to children. Emphasizes the methodology in the development of multicultural/multilingual scripts and their use in the implementation of curriculum. The ability to speak a second language is not a prerequisite.

Study of special problems and techniques in the production of formal and improvisational drama for children; a consideration of techniques, methods and materials for use in the classroom to support and supplement curricular goals.

Practical experience in handling technical stagecraft problems, stage management, and crew management. Activity and participation in major productions. Four hours per week minimum required in workshop.

Note: THEA 120A requires students to work on one departmental production a semester for a minimum of 4 hours/week; may be repeated for credit.

Participation in the preparation, rehearsal and performance of a departmental production. Approximately 50 hours of participation (including rehearsal and performance time) for one unit of credit. Admission by audition. A total of six undergraduate units may be taken.

Study of costume history, design elements, play and character analysis, rendering and presentation techniques, and production procedures. Practical experience in the basics of costume construction with a focus on character interpretation and collaboration with other theatre artists.

Survey of the contributions of theatre artists in the African Diaspora. The reading list includes dramas from Africa, the Caribbean and United Stats and focuses on how social, cultural, and political climates influence Black Drama.

Survey and performance course that focuses on identity theories and the contributions of contemporary female theatre artists.

Lecture two hours; lab two hours.

Cross Listed: WOMS 144; only one may be counted for credit.

A historical review of the development of major international film styles and themes. Theoretical and critical concepts derived from this study of international film and then used as the basis to analyze contemporary films of South America, Europe, India, East Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Emphasis is on both the development of formal film techniques and a comparison of the unique cultural values that shape the film narrative style.

Crosslisted: FILM 155

Study of contemporary Chicano/Latino, Chicana/Latina theatre and drama from 1965 to the present, and its approaches toward performance. The course focuses on new trends, influences and new developments in playwriting, directing, performance styles, and its impact on the movie industry.

Study of the historical and artistic contributions of Native Americans, Chicano/Latinos, African-Americans and Asian-Americans to American Theatre. Focuses on a range of plays from various ethnic and racial groups, forming a multicultural classroom experience; specifically study groups, from 1965 to the present, and examine the cultural, sociological and political climate in which these plays were created.

This capstone course provides practical experience in theatrical production by focusing on the foundational elements of play production and the collaborative page-to-page production process.

Prerequisite: THEA 2, THEA 3, THEA 11, THEA 14, THEA 16, THEA 20, THEA 100, THEA 120A, THEA 104, THEA 107, THEA 120 (3 units), THEA 121 and THEA 123 or THEA 131.

Corequisite: THEA 120 (3 units) may be taken concurrently if needed

Individual project or directed reading.

Note: Departmental petition required.

Prerequisite: Instructor permission.