INTRODUCTION TO THEATER

TH100

3 UNITS • CSU • No prerequisite • GE COURSE
Fully online | TK | Section TK
In-person | TK | Section TK
Instructor: Robert Cucuzza

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

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
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

Acting principles are expanded and applied in staged scenes. The emphasis of scenes is on comprehension, translation into meaningful dramatic action, and creation. The actor's self-awareness is explored and developed before a classroom audience.

INTRODUCTION TO THEATRICAL LIGHTING

TH310

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

In-person! • 3 UNITS • CSU • No prerequisite • GE COURSE
Sep 13-Dec 19 | Wednesdays and Fridays (see Schedule of Classes for details)
Section 25479 and 25480 or 25482
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 Fall 2021 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

A survey of historical periods and their application to the stage; an intensive study of costuming design for the stage; introduction to shop procedures; 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

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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Click here for information on how to participate in our Fall 2021 production of Life is a Dream.