3 UNITS • CSU • No prerequisite • GE COURSE • Instructor: Robert Cucuzza

TWO SECTIONS
• In-person | Mon/Wed 10:35-12:00pm | Section 23906
NOTE: Zero textbook cost for lecture section

• Fully online DE | Section 11180
 

CLICK FOR SYLLABUS AND COURSE OUTLINE

Students examine all elements of live theatre, its cultural and historical background, the contributions of various theatre artists, and its overall purpose and influence within our society. Students explore all aspects of play production: playwriting, directing, acting, criticism, theatre architecture, set design, costume design, lighting design, and the role of the audience. Fully online sections will be conducted entirely through Canvas and will not involve any mandatory Zoom or in-person meetings. Lecture sections will meet in in-person and involve the production of small in-class plays.

The study of the world history of theatre from its origins in Ancient Greece through the present day, across the globe. The history and development of theatre and drama are studied in relationship to geographical cultural, political and social conditions of the time. Plays are read for analysis of structure, plot, character and historical relevance.

Fully explore an in-depth methodology of reading, analyzing and understanding play scripts in a variety of genres and styles intended for production. Investigate techniques used to determine how to read a play for its structure, scrutinizing the playwright's methods of creating theatre through plot, character and imagery, and understanding what scripts 'mean' to the professional theatre artist and theatre-goer as distinct from other forms of literature.

Using an acting technique that he developed at revered drama schools like CalArts and the Lee Strasberg Institute, Associate Professor Robert Cucuzza returns to in-person instruction to teach the fundamentals of acting in this fun and engaging hands-on course. Students will learn all of the basic tools to break down a scene and then bring it to life with a scene partner. These techniques will culminate in the presentation of scene work and monologues on our theatre stage. Please note: This course is a requirement for all Theatre majors.

This course expands upon the fundamentals of Introduction to Acting and dive deeper into the actor’s craft. With units on improv, Shakespeare, character development, and contemporary scenes, this course will further prepare actors to take on challenging roles in more complex scenes. Actors will develop their instruments through rigorous vocal and physical work, engaging in exercises that focus on an expressive and effective use of the body and voice. 

Introduces the student to all aspects of lighting for television, film, and stage. Practical experience and problem solving are highlighted, including the study of color, procedures, control, and safe handling of lighting equipment.

Explores the training, practice, and problem solving skills of designing scenery for the stage. Includes concept design development, construction and painting techniques, sketching and rendering media skills, and model making.

Through lecture and demonstration, this course covers all aspects of scenic construction and painting, prop construction, and the stage management and running of live theatrical presentations and concerts. The course also covers the implementation and safe usage of sound and lighting equipment, stage props, and stage mechanics, including a fly system. Additional instruction is given in stage terminology and the organization and management  of all backstage activities and processes. This course is conducting in tandem with the design, production, and presentation of the Theatre Arts program's Spring 2023 show. Please note: This course is a requirement for all Theatre majors.

Instruction and practice in a lecture/laboratory setting in all phases of makeup specifically designed for theatrical use. Analysis of character, script and production in terms of makeup style and design. Make-up is performed by the student on their own face.

3 UNITS • CSU • No pre-requisite required • Tuesdays 12:10-3:20pm | Section 18946
Instructor: Lena Sands
NOTE: Zero textbook cost

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CalArts alum Lena Sands brings years of expertise and teaching experience directly into our classroom. This course will survey historical periods and their application to the stage and will offer an intensive study of costuming design for the stage. Sands will teach an introduction to shop procedures and beginning principles and techniques of costume design, including figure drawing, character analysis, and sewing.

Explores the conception, creation, and production of video design and its integration with live performance. Focus is on the practical application of video content in collaborative production scenarios, including on-campus theatrical productions and events.

Students are actively involved in the production of a play to be presented before a public audience. All areas of the production process are incorporated including acting, design, stage management, technical theatre and backstage crews, and house management.

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For information about our Spring 2023 production, Vamp, go directly to this page.