Theatre Arts
College of Liberal Arts
Division of Performing, Visual and Digital Arts
Bachelor of Arts
Minor
Subject Matter
Preparation Program
(for requirements, refer to the English section in this catalog)
Faculty
Bill DeLuca, Coordinator
Rex Heuschkel, Donis Leonard, Peter Rodney, Sydell Weiner
Anneke Deluca, Secretary
Program Office: UTC A-101, (310) 243-3588
Emeritus Faculty
Jack Vaughn
Program Description
The Theatre Arts Program
offers courses in the fields of acting and directing, design and technical
theatre, theatre history, dramatic literature, speech, and drama for the
classroom. Course requirements for both the major and the minor programs
provide for flexibility and allow students considerable choice in planning
their academic careers.
The Major is a generalist
Liberal Arts degree, preparing the student in all areas of theatre practice
(Performance, Design/tech, and Literature/History). The Performance Minor focuses on acting and
directing, while the Theatre Education Minor doubles as both a general program
and a preparation for future teachers.
Theatre Arts Majors are also permitted to take their minor requirement
in our Speech Minor, which prepares students for a variety of speaking
opportunities, and includes a semester of work with our highly successful
Forensics Team.
The area of Theatre Arts is
closely affiliated with the Division of Performing, Visual and Digital Arts at
CSU Dominguez Hills. Students often collaborate with others in Music,
Dance, TV Studies, and Audio Recording.
Features
All Theatre Arts Majors and
Minors participate in the department’s ambitious production program through
acting, scenery design and construction, lighting, stage management, box office
operations, and the student-directed one-act program. Students receive
academic credit for such participation, and individual attention from faculty
to a degree seldom possible in larger universities. Also, the ability of
a freshman or sophomore Theatre Arts major to secure a leading role in a major
production assignment is far more likely than at a larger university.
Approximately five major
productions are presented each season, including contemporary plays, musicals,
works from the classic repertory, and children’s theatre productions.
Plays are staged in the award-winning University Theatre, a proscenium facility
with modern lighting and sound systems, scene shop, costume lab, dressing
rooms, offices and rehearsal studio, as well as in the newly renovated Edison
Studio Theatre, a space in which experimental and student-written and directed
productions are performed.
The Theatre Arts program is
accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST). NAST
is located at 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Ste. 21, Reston, VA 22090.
Academic Advisement
The Theatre Arts Program
places great importance on the advisement process. We request that
students, upon completion of 60 semester hours, meet with their respective
advisors for consultation concerning the remainder of their time at the
University. Advisement is far more than simply answering the question,
“Which course shall I take?” Advisors serve as career counselors,
concerned friends, and professionals who help bridge the gap between the world
of the university and the world of the working artist. Advisors are
resources to be cultivated and used for the betterment of the student.
Preparation
The Theatre Arts Program
strongly suggests that students wishing to major in theatre arts be able to
deal effectively with the English language. Six to eight courses of
college preparatory English are advised.
In addition, students should
have a strong background in vocal skills and basic movement capabilities.
Since the theatre affects and makes use of the whole person, awareness and
development of the human body and voice are equally as important as the
development of the human mind. Therefore, students are urged to take courses in
speech, diction, singing, dance, fencing and physical education.
Career Possibilities
Recent projections from the
U.S. Department of Labor indicate that opportunities in the field of acting are
expanding, as a result of the establishment of year-round professional acting
companies in cities, the growth of summer and winter stock companies, outdoor
and regional theatre, repertory companies and dinner theatres. A large
number of actors and actresses, as well as other talented personnel, are
employed by Commercial television, the Public Broadcasting System (PBS), UHF
stations and Cable Television companies.
Also, opportunities exist in university theatre and community recreation
programs.
Many
graduates of the Theatre Arts program find secondary careers in the field of
education. Our Majors, and especially
our Theatre Education Minors, learn how to adapt theatre games, improvisation,
pantomime and storytelling, to help their students in primary and secondary
classrooms to develop social, communication, creative and problem solving skills.
Our graduates are also prepared to direct, design, and write full-length
productions for high schools.
Related careers available to
graduates of the CSU Dominguez Hills Department of Theatre Arts include the
following occupations: actor, actress, costumer, playwright, fashion
designer, set designer, lighting designer, director, producer, theatre
historian, technician, theatre manager, makeup artist, drama coach, announcer,
recreation director, dancer, musician, entertainer, public relations person, sales
representative, model, merchandising person, lawyer, critic, carpenter, press
agent, dramatic agent, and governor of California.
Student Organizations
Toro Forensics is an award-winning Speech
team that competes annually in Public Speaking, Debate, and Oral Interpretation
tournaments held throughout Southern California. Students acquire excellent training in speech
support, articulation, organization, and non-verbal delivery skills.
Teatro Dominguez is designed for students
(not necessarily future actors) who are interested in providing high quality
theatrical programs that inform, delight, and promote cross-cultural
understanding in the Dominguez communities. As actors, directors,
discussion leaders, stage managers, playwrights, and business managers, members
receive a full experience in developing life skills that will make them
effective leaders in tomorrow’s pluralistic society.
The New African Grove Black
Theatre Program (BTP)
provides courses, touring shows and workshops that illuminate the black
experience for people of all ages and ethnic groups. BTP also offers academic scholarships to
students interested in playing a leadership role in promoting African-American
arts on campus.
Graduation With
Honors
An undergraduate student may graduate with Honors in Theatre Arts provided that the following criteria are met:
1. A minimum of 36 units in residence at CSU Dominguez Hills;
2. A minimum grade point average of at least 3.5 in all courses used to satisfy the upper division requirements in Theatre Arts;
3. Recommendation by the faculty in the department or program in which the honors are to be awarded.
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts
Total Course
Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree
See the "Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree" in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.
Elective Requirements
Completion of elective courses (beyond the requirements listed below) to reach a total of a minimum of 120 units.
General Education Requirements (55-62
units)
See the "General Education" requirements in the University Catalog or the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education requirements and course offerings.
Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement
See the
"Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement" in the University
Catalog.
Minor Requirements
Student completing this major will need to complete a minor in another field.
Major Requirements (35 units)
The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this degree.
A. Lower Division Required Courses (9 units)
THE 243. Stagecraft (3)
THE 251. Script Analysis (3)
THE 264. Acting I (3)
B. Upper Division Required Courses (26 units)
1. Required Courses (20 units)
THE 342. Design/Tech: Scenery and Lighting (3)
THE 346. Theatre Workshop (1, 1, 1)
THE 355. World Theatre and Drama I (3)
THE 357. World Theatre and Drama II (3)
THE 364. Acting II (3)
THE 374. Stage Directing (3)
THE 499. Senior Project (2)
2. Elective Courses -
select two courses from the following
(6 units):
THE 322. Oral Interpretation of Literature (3)
THE 339. Multicultural Children's Theatre (3)
THE 343. Design/Tech II: Costume and Makeup (3)
THE 353. Playwriting (3)
THE 367. Acting for the Camera (3) [I]
THE 453. Contemporary Drama (3)
THE 464. Acting III (3)
THE 490. Seminar in Theatre Arts (3)
THE 495. Special Topics in Theatre (3)
Minor in Theatre Performance (17 units)
A. Lower Division Required Courses (6 units)
THE 251. Script Analysis (3)
THE 264. Acting I (3)
B. Upper Division Requirements (11 units)
1. Required Courses (4-5 units)
THE 346. Theatre Workshop (1-2)
THE 364. Acting II (3)
THE 374. Stage Directing (3)
THE 464. Acting III (3)
Minor in Theatre Education (16-17 units)
A. Upper Division Required Courses (16-17 units)
THE 337. Creative Dramatics (3)
THE 339. Multicultural Children's Theatre (3)
THE 342. Design/Tech: Scenery and Lighting (3)
THE 346. Theatre Workshop (1-2)
THE 355. World Theatre and Drama I (3) or
THE 357. World Theatre and Drama II (3)
THE 374. Stage Directing (3)
Minor in Speech (13 units)
A. Upper Division Required Courses (13 units)
THE 320. Speech Skills and Techniques (3)
THE 322. Oral Interpretation of Literature (3)
THE 326. Persuasion (3)
THE 329. Forensics Workshop (2,2)
B. Recommended Course
THE 323. Interpersonal Communication (3)
Course Offerings
The credit value for each course in semester units is indicated for each term by a number in parentheses following the title. For course availability, please see the list of tentative course offerings in the current Class Schedule.
Lower Division
THE 100 Television, Film and Theatre (3).
Appreciation of the
performing arts of television, film, and the live theatre through the viewing
of films and videotapes, as well as attendance at plays and musicals.
THE 120 Fundamentals of Speech (3).
Introduction to the
basic principles of speech communication.
Classes cover the use of organization and evidence in speech
preparation, and emphasize research and performance techniques. Students develop speeches for a variety of
topics and situations. A-C/NC grading.
THE 160 Acting for Nonmajors (3).
Introductory course
for non-majors who wish to develop awareness and control of the voice and body
while building self-confidence, and improving concentration and
imagination.
THE 243 Stagecraft (3).
Fundamentals of
technical theatre practice, including scenery, basic lighting, rigging, and
stage management.
THE 251 Script Analysis (3).
A study of classical
and contemporary dramas in terms of plot, character, theme, and language. Students analyze one script per week.
THE 264 Acting I (3).
An integrative
approach to the actor’s emotional, intellectual, physical, and vocal
tools. Exercises in characterization,
voice, and movement will be emphasized.
Upper Division
THE 320 Speech Skills and Techniques (3).
Effective and
persuasive oral communication in a variety of situations: formal address, group discussion interviews,
chairing of meetings, and others. Of
particular value for Liberal Studies majors, managers and business
persons.
THE 322 Oral Interpretation of Literature (3).
Principles and
practice in the effective delivery of readings in drama, poetry, and
prose.
THE 323 Interpersonal Communication (3).
Prerequisite: THE 120.
Introductory study of
interpersonal communication in face-to-face interaction; consideration of
interpersonal roles, needs, barriers, perceptions, and adaptation.
THE 326 Persuasion (3).
Discussion of
techniques in argumentation and debate; logic, reasoning, and fallacies of
reasoning; gathering and testing of evidence, construction of bases, and skills
of refutation; practical application through debates about current issues.
THE 329 Forensics Workshop (2).
Intercollegiate
competition in debate, persuasive speaking, oral interpretation, reader’s
theatre, and other competition events.
Independent projects in
specialized fields. (Only 4 units
may be used toward the minor.) Repeatable course. Six hours of production per week.
THE 337 Creative Dramatics (3).
Creating, planning
and assessing dramatic exercises, including theatre games, pantomime, and
improvisation. Of particular value to
prospective teachers of young children.
THE 339 Multicultural Children's Theatre (3).
Analysis of
educational theatre, multicultural plays, and folktales. Students discuss educational theatre
production and how to create culturally-enriching programs at K-12 schools.
THE 342 Design/Tech: Scenery and Lighting (3).
A seminar approach to
the theories of designing scenery, sets, and lighting for television and stage
productions.
THE 343 Design/Tech: Costume and Makeup (3).
Prerequisites: THE 243.
Exploration of the
stage design elements found in both costuming and makeup, including
conceptualization, historical and contemporary style, rendering, and costume
construction/makeup techniques.
THE 346 Theatre Workshop (1-2).
Participation in any
aspect of campus theatre or television production including (but not limited
to) acting, stage management, scenery, lighting, costume, construction, audio,
properties, box office, promotion, and running crews. This participation includes attendance at
Theatre Arts productions for the semester enrolled.
THE 353 Playwriting (3).
Theory and practice
in writing for the stage. Students
explore plotting, characterization, and dialogue; scenes and short plays are
submitted for discussion and evaluation.
THE 355 World Theatre and Drama I (3).
History and
literature of the theatre from its origins through the 16th century. Emphasis on production styles, cultural
background and literary trends.
THE 357 World Theatre and Drama II (3).
History and
literature of the theatre from the 16th century to the present with emphasis on
production styles, cultural background and literary trends.
THE 364 Acting II (3).
Prerequisites: THE 264 or consent of instructor.
The actor’s approach
to a role, including text and character analysis. Performance of scenes from plays. Vocal work on dialects with concentration on
melody, rhythm, and sound substitutions.
Beginning movement work in body alignment, centering and balance.
THE 374 Stage Directing (3).
Prerequisites: THE 264 is recommended.
Techniques of play
directing and stage management with practical application of both. Students direct and stage manage both scenes
and short plays. Emphasis is on the
interrelationship between these two theatrical disciplines. Attendance at plays required.
THE 464 Acting III (3).
Prerequisites: THE 264 and THE 364 or consent of instructor.
Study and performance
of period scenes involving methods of approaching various types of plays and
specific problems they present the actor.
Emphasis on the synthesis of analysis, action, characterization,
subtext, vocal problems posed by verse and exploration of advanced movement techniques.
THE 490 Seminar in Theatre Arts (3).
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Discussion and
exploration of advanced problems in Theatre Arts. Intensive study of one or more subjects
relating to the theatre and drama. Three
hours of seminar per week.
THE 494 Independent Study in Theatre Arts (1-3).
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and department chair.
Investigation of a
single topic, chosen in consultation with a faculty member, culminating in a
paper, presentation, or project.
Repeatable course.
THE 495 Special Topics in Theatre (1-3).
Study of a single
topic in drama and theatre, to be determined by the instructor. Topic varies
each offering. Repeatable course. One to three hours of lecture per week.
THE 496 Off-Campus Internship (1).
Prerequisites: THE 326 and THE 328.
Directed work
experience in the industries of local professional theatre, cable television,
broadcast stations and networks, production houses, or motion picture studios
under the supervision of a professionally-qualified mentor. CR/NC grading only. Repeatable course. Ten hours of work experience per week.
THE 499 Senior Project (2).
A capstone course
culminating in the production of a final, collaborative project. Selected in consultation with and evaluated
by a faculty panel.
Infrequently Offered
Courses
The following courses are scheduled on a "demand" basis. Students should consult the department office for information about the next schedule offering.
THE 367 Acting for the Camera (3).
Prerequisite: THE 160 or consent of instructor.
Techniques of
directing and performing before the camera.
Scenes and presentations will be videotaped both in the studio and on
location.
THE 453 Contemporary Drama (3).
A study of plays by
American and international writers from the last twenty-five years. Emphasis on the works of playwrights from
traditionally underrepresented groups.