Primarily for non-majors interested in acquiring a background of information in theatre. Plays, history, acting theories, technical methods and people in the theatre. Lectures, demonstrations and discussions will characterize the greater portion of the course.

Investigates the relationship between the development of theatre styles, structures and institutions, and philosophical, political, and cultural practices after 1660. Considers plays, production styles, theatre as an institution, and issues of representation of gender, race and class.

Understanding the structure of a play and the interrelationship of its many parts, enables the artist to translate a script into production. In lecture and discussion, and through individual and group projects, the class will investigate the structure of playscripts and portions of playscripts various styles from several points of view (as director, designer, actor for example), as well as different analytic approaches and methods which may offer possible production alternatives.

Examination of the art of acting, including a review of actors and acting - past and present. Basic exercises in voice and diction, movement, and character will be utilized.

The foundation course for the Actor Training Program, it provides a basic working knowledge of the craft of acting. This studio class focuses in the areas of physical awareness, relaxation, trust, discipline, and action/objective. This is accomplished through bodywork, theatre games, improvisation, and discussion.

Prerequisite: Theatre and Dance Majors or Minors or instructor permission.

Principles of scenic and stage prop construction, techniques of mounting and shifting stage scenery, and the study of ground plans and construction drawings for theatrical production. Required participation in one departmental production. Lecture/lab activity.

Note: MAY NOT be taken concurrently with THEA 20 without instructor permission.

Principles of stage lighting, fixtures, control and color. Introduction to basic concepts and practices of lighting design.

Building from the skills developed in Acting I and through scene and monologue work, provides a working knowledge of the craft of acting to include: the actor's process in analyzing a text, developing a role, and working in collaboration with others. Develops skills, confidence, mental agility, and trust through physical work, theatre games and improvisation.

Prerequisite: THEA 11 or instructor permission.

An in-depth study of the techniques of auditioning for professional theatre, film, voice over and musical theatre. Students prepare an audition repertoire that is appropriate to their age and type.

Prerequisite: THEA 101, THEA 114A, THEA 114B, and/or instructor permission.

De-mystifying approach to speaking Shakespeare's text. Acting Shakespeare begins with an in-depth study of the structure and meter of the verse. The language is explored through sound, sense, and imagery exercise. Scene and monologue work is detailed and extensive.

Prerequisite: THEA 101, THEA 114A, THEA 114B and instructor permission.

Introduction to the basic fundamentals of voice production and movement for the actor. Basic anatomy and physiology, relaxation, alignment, and breath work and its connection to movement. Feldenkrais, the Alexander Technique, and physical strengthening exercises are used in combination with vocal exercises to develop the actor's voice and body. Vocal and physical improvisation are introduced through various voice and movement exercises.

Prerequisite: THEA 11.

Multicultural puppetry was developed to introduce the student to the techniques and construction of puppetry and its use in a multicultural setting. Puppetry has been found to be an excellent tool for the teaching of multiculturalism to children. Emphasizes the methodology in the development of multicultural/multilingual scripts and their use in the implementation of curriculum. The ability to speak a second language is not a prerequisite.

Study of special problems and techniques in the production of formal drama for children; a consideration of techniques, methods and materials for use in improvised theatre.

Practical experience in handling technical stagecraft problems, stage management, and crew management. Activity and participation in major productions. Four hours a week minimum required in workshop. A total of six undergraduate units may be taken.

Participation in the preparation, rehearsal and performance of a departmental production. Approximately 50 hours of participation (including rehearsal and performance time) for one unit of credit. Admission by audition. A total of six undergraduate units may be taken.

A survey of the contributions of theatre artists in the African Diaspora. The reading list includes drama from Nigeria, Trinidad, and the U.S. Focuses on how this drama has been influenced by the response to the politics of colonialism and post-colonialism, examining the cultural, sociological and political climate in which the plays have been created and performed.

Survey of African-American theatre as a reflection of African-American culture and politics. Places particular emphasis on African-American drama and theatre after 1959.

Prerequisite: GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X.

Study of contemporary Chicano/Latino, Chicana/Latina theatre and drama from 1965 to the present, and its approaches toward performance. The course focuses on new trends, influences and new developments in playwriting, directing, performance styles, and its impact on the movie industry.

Study of the historical and artistic contributions of Native Americans, Chicano/Latinos, African-Americans and Asian-Americans to American Theatre. Focuses on a range of plays from various ethnic and racial groups, forming a multicultural classroom experience; specifically study groups, from 1965 to the present, and examine the cultural, sociological and political climate in which these plays were created.

Study of the historical and artistic contributions of Native American, Chicano/Latino, African-Americans and Asian American to the American cinema. The course will concentrate on a range of films with an emphasis on multicultural theoretical and critical writings and will examine the cultural and socio-political climate in which these films were crafted.

Directed observations and work experience with public agencies. Field work is offered to give students orientation in occupational specialties. Supervision is provided by both the instructional staff of the university and the cooperating agencies. Each student is required to maintain a record of activities and assignments with a faculty member for a work program prior to admittance to the course.

Individual project or directed reading.

Note: Departmental petition required.

Prerequisite: Instructor permission.