All sections are ZERO TEXTBOOK COST

3 units | Meets IGETC 3A; CSU C1
Instructor: ROBERT CUCUZZA

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Lecture | Feb 10-Jun 9 | Mon/Wed 10:35-12:00 pm | Section 10952
Fully online DE | Feb 10-Apr 6 | 8-week Course | Section 18295​

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.

Run more like a creative lab than a traditional academic script analysis course, this class is sixteen weeks of imaginative exploration. It’s custom-made for students who have interests in anything from writing and directing, to all design disciplines in film, TV, and theatre. The focus is on world-building, so it’s also great for future game developers, fiction writers, and storytellers in any medium. I teach the mechanics of storytelling and script analysis, then put those tools in your hands and everyone writes a script. Then, you use those scripts to imagine worlds for them, involving scenery, lights, costumes, or entire universes. 

Robert Cucuzza returns to teach this fun and physical introduction to the craft of acting. Cucuzza combines games and exercises from decades of experience and training with time-tested techniques from his work as an acting teacher in New York City, CalArts, and the Strasburg Institute. This class is as appropriate for newcomers as it is for those with experience. If you’re interested in acting as a career, trying something new, of getting out of your shell, this class is for you. Cucuzza creates a supportive community where all are welcome, regardless of who you are, where you’re coming from, or what you want to be. 

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.

Taught by Adjunct Instructor Bri Pattillo, this course 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.

ZERO TEXTBOOK COST

3 units | UC/CSU transferable
Instructor: Lena Sands

Last offered: Feb 24-Jun 9 | Thu 8:50 am-12:25 pm | Section 22724

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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.

We added this advanced level class for students who want to take their craft more deeply into the level of acting for performance. Associate Professor Robert Cucuzza will coach and direct actors in the classroom production of short plays in a variety of styles and genres, focusing excusively on acting technique. These plays will then be presented during class time for an audience in our acting studio, AMP120, with minimal props and costumes.

Conducted more like a workshop than a class, this exciting long-form class moves our program deeper into the practical application of skills.

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.

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.