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 2021 semester.
If you have any questions, send an email to Associate Professor of Theatre Arts Robert Cucuzza at .
INTRODUCTION TO THEATER
TH100
3 UNITS • CSU • No prerequisite • GE COURSE
Fully online | Aug 30-Oct 24 | Section 10768
Fully online | Oct 25-Dec 19 | Section 15775
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
In-person! • 3 UNITS • CSU • No prerequisite • GE COURSE
Aug 30-Dec 19 | Tuesdays 8:50 am-12:00 pm | Section 24556
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
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.
Click here for information on how to participate in our Fall 2021 production of Life is a Dream.