LOS ANGELES MISSION COLLEGE THEATRE ARTS
Bringing professional theatre training and productions to Los Angeles's Northeast Valley since 2015
Taking theatre classes at LA Mission College
Theatre is the wellspring for all forms of live and filmed entertainment, so theatre classes can be as educational as they are enjoyable. LA Mission College Theatre offers revolving classes in many different aspects of theatre—whether you're interested in the work on-stage or behind-the-scenes, or as an audience member or a fan of TV and film.
The college website can be confusing to navigate and only presents the most basic information, so here's a list of all of the upcoming courses with descriptions. If you would like to enroll in one of them, just click the link and copy and paste or type "THEATER" where it says Subject. All of the theatre courses will come up.
All of the courses that are offered at LA Mission College are listed below.
Those with a blue background are open for enrollment in the Fall 2022 semester.
If you have any questions, send an email to Associate Professor of Theatre Arts Robert Cucuzza at cucuzzrj@laccd.edu.
INTRODUCTION TO THEATER
TH100
3 UNITS • CSU • No prerequisite • GE COURSE
- Fully online DE | Section 14952
- In-person | Mon/Wed 10:35-12:00pm | Section 10675
Instructor: Robert Cucuzza
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.
HISTORY OF THE WORLD THEATRE
TH110
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.
SCRIPT ANALYSIS
TH114
3 UNITS • CSU • No prerequisite
Thursdays 8:50-12:00pm | Section 24431
Instructor: Robert Cucuzza
CLICK FOR SYLLABUS AND COURSE OUTLINE
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.
INTRODUCTION TO ACTING
TH200
3 UNITS • CSU • No prerequisite • GE COURSE- Tuesdays 8:50-12:00pm | Section 20327
Instructor: Robert Cucuzza
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.
INTERMEDIATE ACTING
TH271
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.
INTRODUCTION TO THEATRICAL LIGHTING
TH310
3 UNITS • No prerequisite
Tuesdays 1:50-5:00pm | Section 24433
Instructor: Bri Pattillo
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.
INTRODUCTION TO THEATRICAL SCENIC DESIGN
TH315
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.
INTRODUCTION TO STAGE CRAFT
TH300
3 UNITS • CSU • No prerequisiteWednesdays and Fridays (see Schedule of Classes for details)
Instructor: Bri Pattillo
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 2022 show. Please note: This course is a requirement for all Theatre majors.
BEGINNING STAGE MAKEUP
TH450
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.
COSTUME DESIGN
TH405
3 UNITS • CSU • No pre-requisite required
In-person | Wednesdays 8:50-12:00pm | Section 23272
Instructor: Lena Sands
We are very excited to announce that a Costume Design course will be offered at LA Mission College. 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.
INTEGRATING VIDEO AND LIVE PERFORMANCE
TH330
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.
REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES
TH291, TH292, TH293
1,2, or 3 UNITS • CSU • No prerequisite
This course is by permission code only
Schedule is TBD
Instructors: Christian Barillas (director), Bri Pattillo (production manager), Lena Sands (costume designer), Robert Cucuzza (scenic designer and producer)
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.