Theater Arts

Focuses on the relationship of theater to various cultures throughout history, and on the contributions of significant individual artists. Introduces students to elements of the production process including playwriting, acting, directing, design, and criticism. Students will also survey different periods, styles and genres of theater through play reading, discussion, films, and viewing and critiquing live theater, including required attendance at theater productions.

This course provides direct experience in exploring basic drawing concepts, including the expressive use of contour, value, perspective and composition while using a variety of media. Assigned projects may include still life, landscape, portraiture and figure. Focus on perceptually based drawing, observational skills, technical abilities, and creative responses to materials and subject matter. Counts as a Humanities general ed course and Technical Theater required core course

This course focuses on going to see live plays in the Bay Area. Through analysis of plays, discussions with theater artists and going to see productions, students will get a close up look at the thriving Bay Area theater scene as well as learn about current trends in theater nationally. Culturally enriching - great for the curious, for theater fans and for theater artists alike. There will be some cost for the purchase of theater tickets and transportation to attend performances, up to but no more than $100 for the semester. Part of the learning experience of the course will be identifying inexpensive opportunities for viewing live theater. Some costs may be supplemented by the Theater program.

This course provides techniques for reading a script in preparation for production. Focus is on principles of structural dynamics, how scripts reflect cultural and social norms and values and how to apply differing theories as actors, directors and designers for their respective contributions to projects. The first job of any theater artist is to understand the script they are working on. This course builds the ability to perceive the writer's intention in writing a script, giving students skills for bringing scripts to life in productions.

This course involves the study and execution of stage lighting with emphasis on equipment, control, color and their relationship to design.

Students will be offered a survey of scenery, lighting, sound, costumes, makeup, properties, and special design needs, through demonstration, and laboratory experience.

This course introduces the responsibilities, techniques, and tools of a modern stage manager for live events. Areas covered will include creating schedules, prompt books, and other paperwork; organizing and managing crew; managing production meetings; managing the rehearsal process; running performances.

Students will study costume history, design, and basic construction techniques as an introduction to basic theatrical costuming. There will also be attention paid to makeup for theatrical purposes.

This course offers an introduction to the technology and applications of intelligent lighting systems for the entertainment industry. Students will learn the theory and vocabulary specific to moving light technology while developing skills through hands on use of industry standard equipment.

Students will work on skills specific to jobs that require the position of a Stage Hand. Skills specific to rigging, audio set up and lighting set ups for events will be covered. Best practices will be taught through hands on work, including working live events.

This course provides direct experience in exploring basic drawing concepts, including the expressive use of contour, value, perspective and composition while using a variety of media. Assigned projects may include still life, landscape, portraiture and figure. Focus on perceptually based drawing, observational skills, technical abilities, and creative responses to materials and subject matter.

Sound design and amplification management for live music events. Management and manipulation of audio signal flow, interconnected amplification hardware, stage monitoring, and real-time audio signal processing for live audio events. Hands-on participation in on-campus live audio events.

Theoretical and practical applications of welding blueprints on welded assemblies and subassemblies. Welding power source identification and classification, welding processes identification and selection, assessment of welding joint discontinuities and defects identified by the AWS standards and codes, techniques of stress and distortion control such as proper use of jigs, fixtures and holding devices, the use of welding sequences techniques to control welding distortion and the implementation of the correct methods of straightening and dimension restoration of finished products. Laboratory includes the use of the following welding processes: SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW and plasma and fuel cutting practice.

This course follows THTR 1 and continues the exploration of theories and techniques used in preparation for the interpretation of drama through acting. The emphasis will be placed on deepening the understanding of the acting process through character analysis, monologues, and scenes. The course will help students better prepare for participation in full scale theater productions as well as continue with other training and education options.

Work with a variety of physical techniques to help with the development of character, improve stage presence, command focus, be in control of the story when on stage and be more specific in your work as an actor or improvisor. Techniques include use of mask, improvisation and stage combat. Students work together to create their own scenes and performance pieces based on the work in class. May not receive credit if THTR 6 has been completed.

Development of the awareness of and access to the natural voice for use in theatrical production, and in life. Increase emotional availability and ability to communicate text clearly through breath control and articulation.

This course builds upon skills developed through study in THTR 1 and THTR 2A. Strong emphasis will be put on developing specific three dimensional characters, strengthening acting choices and clear use of language through use of scene and monologue study and presentation. Students will work on greater emotional depth and authenticity.

Introduction to the techniques and theories of improvisation and its various uses in theater. Development of the ability to think quickly, develop characters, work in an ensemble, and create spontaneously through various exercises. This course is helpful for learning acting, but also for just having fun and learning to play and be spontaneous. Recommended for non-theater as well as theater majors.

Learn approaches for preparing, rehearsing and performing on camera that can be used for commercials, film and television work. Students will prepare and perform scenes and monologues that will be shot on camera in studio and on-location settings. May not receive credit if THTR 4 has been completed.

Students will build on skills developed in THTR 6A. Specific areas of development will include relaxation while on stage, physical and emotional connection to characters being played, use of psychological gestures, improvisation with masks, and stage combat techniques.

This course will give students an understanding of what is required in order to be a professional actor, as well as what it takes to pursue advanced acting degrees. The main focus will be on the audition process for theater, commercials and film. Students will receive coaching on contemporary and classical monologues, and learning techniques for cold-reads during a call-back. Other topics will include resumes, headshots and the basics of actor promotions. May not receive credit if THTR 8 has been completed.

The history, representation and contributions of various ethnic groups in American theater and the study of theater as an instrument for expressing and understanding cultural identity. The focus will be on at least three of the following cultural groups: African Americans, Asian Americans, European Americans, Latin Americans and Native Americans.

Learn the basics of directing actors working on dramatic writing for live performance. Focus will be given to blocking, text analysis, structuring rehearsal, leading a group in artistic collaboration.

Introduction to the basic concepts of dramatic writing, including playwriting, screenwriting, radio plays, and electronic media scripts. This course focus on character development, the qualities of believability and dialogue.

This course supports students who are either writing or directing material that is in the process of being rehearsed and performed in other courses. Student writers will learn basics of story structure and dialogue. Student directors will learn basics of analyzing a text for production. This course will typically accompany THTR 30A and THTR 61A, or any other course where the focus is producing original student writing and directing. Students writing and directing in these other courses will be asked to enroll in THTR 32A as a way of giving more direct instruction and support to those students.

This course supports students who are either writing or directing material that is in the process of being rehearsed and performed in other courses. The course builds on the skills developed in THTR 32A. Student writers will improve abilities with creating story structure and dialogue, as well as create multi-dimensional characters. Student directors will focus on how to prepare for and manage a rehearsal. This course will typically accompany THTR 30A and THTR 61A, or any other course where the focus is producing original student writing and directing. Students writing and directing in these other courses will be asked to enroll in THTR 32B as a way of giving more direct instruction and support to those students.

This course supports students who are either writing or directing material that is in the process of being rehearsed and performed in other courses. THTR 32 C builds on the skills developed in THTR 32 A and B. Student writers will focus on clear and effective communication with a director and working with notes given during a rehearsal process. Student directors will focus on how to communicate and problem solve with writers and actors taking into account the differences of each script and each person they are working with. This course will typically accompany THTR 30A and THTR 61A, or any other course where the focus is producing original student writing and directing. Students writing and directing in these other courses will be asked to enroll in THTR 32C as a way of giving more direct instruction and support to those students.

This course supports students who are either writing or directing material that is in the process of being rehearsed and performed in other courses. Student writers will focus on using all skills developed in previous levels and applying them to re-writing material quickly and effectively during a rehearsal process. Student directors will focus on how to communicate with writers and designers to effectively bring to life a play with fully realized technical elements. This course will typically accompany THTR 30A and THTR 61A, or any other course where the focus is producing original student writing and directing. Students writing and directing in these other courses will be asked to enroll in THTR 32D as a way of giving more direct instruction and support to those students.

Students will be offered a survey of scenery, lighting, sound, costumes, makeup, properties, and special design needs, through demonstration, and laboratory experience.

Students will study costume history, design, and basic construction techniques as an introduction to basic theatrical costuming. There will also be attention paid to makeup for theatrical purposes.

This course involves the study and execution of stage lighting with emphasis on equipment, control, color and their relationship to design.

Development of new plays for staged readings and/or productions. This class will develop and perform plays for an audience, with an emphasis on the evolution of the dramatic texts. Special projects, such as specific textural challenges, may be included.

Participate in a theater production to be performed for local K-12 students. Plays will be cast by audition, however, everyone who enrolls will be a part of the production.

This course gives students the opportunity to participate in a stage play or podcast of a play that focuses on themes appropriate to holiday festivities. Students of all levels of experience will be given the opportunity to participate.

This course provides instruction and supervised participation in theater rehearsal and performance in main season production or project. Enrollment is for duration of the production. Enrollment by audition only.

Students will create, develop, and perform an original theater piece based on social issues relevant to a local group or organization. The project will be based on community meetings and discussions to understand community issues of concern that will inform and drive the script and production.