Theatre Arts
Theatre Arts
Program Purpose: Students who complete academic or skills based Theatre Arts classes will demonstrate a basic understanding and appreciation of theatre history, performance and the technical requirements of production.
Theatre Arts is a diverse discipline that embraces cultural competency, creativity and collaboration through theoretical and hands-on instruction for students concentrating on transfer and direct career preparation. Interested students may pursue careers in acting, directing, playwriting, as well as stage management, lighting, set, sound, costume, and makeup application and design.
Theatre Arts Courses
Focuses on the relationship of theatre to various cultures throughout history, and on the contributions of significant individual artists. Introduces elements of the production process including playwriting, acting, directing, design, and criticism. Surveys different periods, styles and genres of theatre through play reading, discussion, films and viewing and critiquing live theatre, including required attendance of theatre productions. Course Credit limitation: Students cannot complete both THA M01 and THA M01H. Credit will be awarded only for the first course completed with a grade of “C” or better or "P". MC Honors Program requires a letter grade.
Focuses on the relationship of theatre to various cultures throughout history, and on the contributions of significant individual artists. Introduces elements of the production process including playwriting, acting, directing, design, and criticism. Surveys different periods, styles and genres of theatre through play reading, discussion, films and viewing and critiquing live theatre, including required attendance of theatre productions. Honors work challenges students to be more analytical and creative through expanded assignments, real-world applications and enrichment opportunities. Course Credit limitation: Students cannot complete both THA M01 and THA M01H. Credit will be awarded only for the first course completed with a grade of “C” or better or "P". MC Honors Program requires a letter grade.
Introduces basic acting theories leading to classroom performance. Emphasizes exercises that develop memorization, improvisation, focus, concentration, stage movement, vocal production, and interpretation of text.
Emphasizes intermediate level theories, techniques and skills in character analysis, monologue and scene presentation. Includes an introduction to classical material, performance in various styles and genres, and continues work in vocal projection and stage movement.
Introduces the vocal and physical requirements utilized in classical acting techniques. Features exercises which will include psychological characterizations, use of props and costumes, and classical text analysis.
Explores further studies in characterization, emphasizing timing, vocal styles, movement and sense memory. Focuses on performance of classical material and a variety of scenes from plays of contrasting styles and genres.
Introduces the study of speech production, designed to enhance vocal quality and improve diction. Emphasizes specific areas of speech production including proper posture and breath control, vocal flexibility and expressiveness, energy, volume, tone and articulation.
Develops intermediate skills and furthers the study of speech production to enhance vocal quality and improve diction. Emphasizes specific areas of speech production and how they are utilized in different mediums and venues.
Explores the major innovations, trends, works, and playwrights in historical theatrical movements from classical Greek and Roman theatre through the 17th century. Examines the social and political context of specific dramatic movements and the influences of theatre on society. Course Credit Limitation: Students cannot complete both THA M04 and THA M04H. Credit will be awarded only for the first course completed with a grade of “C” or better or "P". MC Honors Program requires a letter grade.
Explores the major innovations, trends, works, and playwrights in historical theatrical movements from classical Greek and Roman theatre through the 17th century. Examines the social and political context of specific dramatic movements and the influences of theatre on society. Honors work challenges students to be more analytical and creative through expanded assignments, real-word applications and enrichment opportunities.
Explores the reading, analyzing and understanding of play scripts in a variety of genres and styles. Develops skills in how to read a play to discover its structure, the playwright's methods of creating plot, character and imagery, and an understanding of how theatrical texts are distinct from other forms of literature.
Introduces techniques required in acting before the camera (blocking, movement, rapid line learning, etc.) as it pertains to the Internet, film and television and varies from work on the stage. Emphasizes elementary techniques for working with microphones and cameras in preparation for performing in student films and television productions.
Provides intermediate level techniques required in acting before the camera (blocking, movement, rapid line learning, etc.) as it pertains to film and television versus work on the stage. Emphasizes introductory to intermediate techniques for working with microphones and cameras in preparation for performing in student films and television productions.
Explores further intermediate to advanced level techniques required in acting before the camera (blocking, movement, rapid line learning, etc.) as it pertains to film and television versus from work on the stage. Emphasizes intermediate techniques for working with microphones and cameras in preparation for performing in student films and television productions.
Provides advanced level techniques required in acting before the camera (blocking, movement, rapid line learning, etc.) as pertains to film and television versus work on the stage. Emphasizes advanced techniques for working with microphones and cameras in preparation for performing in student films and television productions.
Allows students to rehearse and perform as actors utilizing introductory level skills in a college production staged for public performance. Involves the use of varying content each semester with production schedules and will range from classical to contemporary, published comedic, dramatic and/or musical theatre material.
Allows students to rehearse and perform as actors utilizing introductory to intermediate level skills in a college production staged for public performance. Involves the use of varying content each semester with production schedules and will range from classical to contemporary, published comedic, dramatic and/or musical theatre material.
Allows students to rehearse and perform as an actor utilizing intermediate to advanced level skills in a college production staged for public performance. Involves the use of varying content each semester with production schedules and will range from classical to contemporary, published comedic, dramatic and/or musical theatre material.
Allows students to rehearse and perform as an actor utilizing advanced level skills in a college production staged for public performance. Involves the use of varying content each semester with production schedules and will range from classical to contemporary, published comedic, dramatic and/or musical theatre material.
Provides introductory level instruction in improvisational and ensemble acting skills, as well as the development of solo and group comedic material from improvisation. Culminates with a public performance of the material developed in class.
Provides introductory to intermediate level instruction in improvisational and ensemble acting skills, as well as the development of solo and group comedic material from improvisation. Culminates with a public performance of the material developed in class.
Provides intermediate to advanced level instruction in improvisational and ensemble acting skills, as well as the development of solo and group comedic material from improvisation. Culminates with a public performance of the material developed in class.
Provides advanced level instruction in improvisational and ensemble acting skills, as well as the development of solo and group comedic material from improvisation. Culminates with a public performance of the material developed in class.
Introduces art and craft of stage direction, including analysis of material, coordinating technical elements and working with actors. Includes practical experience assistant directing or directing scenes by published and/or original playwrights.
Explores further the study in the art and craft of stage direction. Includes practical experience through directing one-act plays, comedy sketches and/or monologues for a live audience.
Provides training in various forms of audition for theatre, film, television and television commercials. Emphasizes exercises in cold reading and exercises that feature the improvised dramatization of interview situations. Includes instruction in the business aspects of being a working actor: preparing a resume, creating self promotional materials, seeking an agent, interviewing with industry professionals and interacting with other actors in audition situations.
Introduces the basic components of constructing a play. Focuses on creating characters, exploring themes, structuring plots and writing believable dialogue through the creation of dramatic monologues, scenes and a one-act play.
Develops, at the intermediate level, the components of constructing a play. Focuses on complex character creation, in-depth exploration of theme, structuring plot and writing complex dialogue through the creation of dramatic monologues and scenes.
Provides instruction in the creation of tabletop, hand, rod or string puppets using additive sculptural techniques. Includes the study of puppetry movement during a performance.
Introduces practical experience in the development, rehearsal and performance of plays to be presented with technical support for young audiences and the general community. Includes both dramatic and movement-based components.
Offers an intermediate level of practical experience in the development, rehearsal and performance of plays to be presented with technical support for young audiences and the general community. Includes both dramatic and movement- based components. Students may travel and perform at local grade schools.
Provides on-the-job learning to develop effective work habits, attitudes, and career awareness in paid or unpaid internships that are related to the discipline. Involves the development and documentation of learning objectives and the completion of an internship paper, presentation, or project. Includes both workplace supervisor and faculty adviser feedback and/or written evaluations.
Allows independent study for students who wish to extend their knowledge of a particular area of Theatre Arts through research and study. Utilizes an approved independent project. Includes one-on-one work with instructor. Interested students should contact a Theatre Arts instructor for assistance in developing a contract for learning about a specific topic.
Technical Theatre Arts Courses
Allows students to perform a range of introductory supervised technical theatre assignments in support of a college production staged for public performance. Includes such supervised duties as scenic and prop construction, maintaining and hanging lighting equipment, assisting in costume and make-up labs, assisting audio operations and/or supporting box office and house management staff. Course Credit Limitation: Completion of TTHA M11A is the equivalent of completing TTHA M12, TTHA M12B and TTHA M12C. Credit will only be given for either THA/TTHA M11A or TTHA M12ABC, but not both.
Allows students to perform a range of introductory to intermediate level supervised and/or assist to crew lead for technical theatre assignments in support of a college production staged for public performance. Includes such supervised duties as scenic and prop construction, maintaining and hanging lighting equipment, assisting in costume and make-up labs, assisting audio operations, supporting box office and house management staff, assistant director, assistant stage manager and/or assistant crew head.
Allows students to perform a range of intermediate to advanced level supervised technical theatre assignments in support of a college production staged for public performance. Includes such supervised duties as assist in the design of scenic elements, props, costumes, make-up and/or publicity materials, advanced scenic and prop construction, maintaining and hanging lighting equipment, assisting in costume and make-up labs, assisting audio operations, supporting box office and house management staff, assistant director, assistant stage manager and/or lead a crew head.
Allows students to perform a range of advanced level supervised technical theatre assignments in support of a college production staged for public performance. Includes performing duties as designer of scenic elements, props, costumes, make-up and/or publicity materials, advanced scenic and prop construction, designing, operating and supervision of hanging lighting equipment, supervising in costume and make-up labs, audio operations, box office operation and house management, assistant director, stage manager and/or lead a crew head.
Provides students introductory level training and experience in the various backstage areas of technical theatre support through participation as a crew member for a live theatrical production. Includes one or more of the following activities: stage management, scenic and prop construction, maintaining and hanging lighting equipment, assisting in costume and make-up labs, assisting audio operations and/or supporting box office and house management staff. Course Credit Limitation: Completion of TTHA M12A, TTHA M12B and TTHA M12C is the equivalent of completing THA/TTHA M11A. Credit will only be given for either THA/TTHA M11A or TTHA M12ABC, but not both.
Provides students introductory to intermediate level training and experience in the various backstage areas of technical theatre support through participation as a crew member for a live theatrical production. Includes one or more of the following activities: stage management, scenic and prop construction, maintaining and hanging lighting equipment, assisting in costume and make-up labs, assisting audio operations and/or supporting box office and house management staff. Course Credit Limitation: Completion of TTHA M12A, TTHA M12B and TTHA M12C is the equivalent of completing THA/TTHA M11A. Credit will only be given for either THA/TTHA M11A or TTHA M12ABC, but not both.
Provides students intermediate level training and experience in the various backstage areas of technical theatre support through participation as a crew member for a live theatrical production. Includes one or more of the following activities: stage management, scenic and prop construction, maintaining and hanging lighting equipment, assisting in costume and make-up labs, assisting audio operations and/or supporting box office and house management staff. Course Credit Limitation: Completion of TTHA M12A, TTHA M12B and TTHA M12C is the equivalent of completing THA/TTHA M11A. Credit will only be given for either THA/TTHA M11A or TTHA M12ABC, but not both.
Introduces the theory and practice of basic set construction, lighting and audio operations, painting, costuming, makeup, prop construction, backstage organization, and career possibilities. Provides entry-level practical experience in all areas of performing arts production.
Introduces the study and execution of stage lighting practices with an emphasis on equipment, control, composition and color. Includes practical experience in the hanging, focusing, circuiting and operation of lighting equipment.
Focuses in greater depth on the design aspect of stage lighting with the primary emphasis being the development of a complete light plot and working schedule for a play in production. Places special emphasis on projections and special effects including the use of a computer for lighting design and light plots in practical application.
Explores stage scenery as an interpretive and collaborative art. Develops skills in designing floor plans, exercise drawing techniques, building a model, and learning traditional and computer-aided drafting conventions. Requires the construction and painting of scenery, as well as the development of painter's elevations and renderings.
Focuses on scenic design and construction in the dramatic arts at an advanced level. Explores concepts in the use of computer-aided design. Requires a full set of drawings, painter's elevations, floor plan, advanced painting techniques, and the creation of a full scale model.
Explores costume history, design, and basic construction techniques as an introduction to theatrical costuming. Includes the use of appropriate fabrics and materials for costume design.
Explores, at an intermediate-level, costume history, design, and basic construction. Includes the use of appropriate fabrics, materials, and sewing techniques for costume design.
Explores theatrical makeup design and application for stage and screen. Includes the study of age makeup, non-realistic makeup, makeup effects, three dimensional makeup techniques and applications. Covers design concepts for character development, application of basic types of makeups including historical and stylized, and demonstration of standard knowledge for makeup materials. Discusses vocabulary, safety procedures and skincare for application and removal of stage makeups.
Explores, at an intermediate level, the techniques of special effects makeup. Focuses on the basic construction of appliances, mold making, bald cap build and application. Culminates in the possibility of designing and/or crewing a production.
Introduces the marketing, promotion, and sales of theatrical, music, dance and all other performance events through social media and traditional practices. Studies the theories and practices of selecting a subscription season, creating marketing materials, operating the box office and interfacing with the public in the "front of the house." The practical lab component requires participation in various management and services activities throughout an entertainment venue.
Technical Theatre Arts NONCREDIT Courses
Offers practical experience in developing workforce employability skills for Technical Theatre, Film and Television. Covers communication skills, team building, leadership and workforce interview preparation, industry specific job searches, websites, unions and apprenticeships.
Offers practical experience in theatrical lighting. Covers design, hanging and focusing of instruments, programming lighting cues and executing cues during a live performance.
Offers practical experience in theatrical audio production. Covers design, creating, recording and mixing audio effects, running cabling for microphones and speakers, and operating multi-channel audio boards during a live production.
Offers methodologies for stage management of a theatrical production. Covers blocking notation, prompt book assembly, and best practices for universal communication in a theatrical production.
Presents material and practical experience in theatrical costuming. Covers design, stitching techniques, sewing from patterns, building costumes and managing a stock room, creating a costume plot and crewing or leading a costume crew for a live performance.
Offers practical experience in theatrical make-up. Covers design, corrective, age and non-realistic make-up techniques, hair styling and wig management, crewing or leading a make-up and/or hair crew for a live performance.
- Theatre Arts: Acting, Proficiency Award
- Theatre Arts: Audio, Proficiency Award
- Theatre Arts: Costumes, Proficiency Award
- Theatre Arts: Lighting, Proficiency Award
- Theatre Arts: Makeup, Proficiency Award
- Theatre Arts: Performing Arts Management, Proficiency Award
- Theatre Arts: Playwriting, Proficiency Award
- Theatre Arts: Technical Theatre - General, Proficiency Award