General Theatre

Speech

Theatre Performance

 

Peter Rodney, Coordinator

Bill Deluca, Rex Heuschkel, Donis Leonard, Sydell Weiner

Anneke Deluca, Secretary

Program Office:  UTC A-101, (310) 243-3588

Jack Vaughn

 

The area of theatre arts is affiliated with the Division of Performing, Visual and Digital Arts at CSU Dominguez Hills. 

The Theatre Arts Program offers courses in the fields of acting and directing, design and technical theatre, theatre history, dramatic literature, speech, dance, and others.  Course requirements for both the major and the minor programs provide for flexibility and allow students considerable choice in planning their academic careers.

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, the student-directed, one-act program, and other areas.  Academic credit is provided for such participation.

 

Both majors and minors participate in an ambitious production program and receive 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.

 

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.

 

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.  Therefore, students are urged to take courses in speech, diction, dance, fencing and  physical education.  Awareness and development of the human body and voice are equally as important as the development of the human mind. The theatre affects and makes use of the whole person. 
Any and all courses that will promote this use are suggested.

 

The field of acting as a whole is expected to grow faster than the average of all occupations according to the most recent projections of the U.S. Department of Labor.  Future possibilities for growth lie in recent endowments to the arts and the establishment of year-round professional acting companies in cities.  The number of such acting groups is growing.  Recent growth of summer and winter stock companies, outdoor and regional theatre, repertory companies and dinner theatres also has increased employment opportunities.  Dinner theatres presently represent the fastest growing area of employment for actors and actresses in this country.  There may be increased employment prospects as a result of expansion of the Public Broadcasting System (PBS), UHF stations and cable TV.  Commercial television employs a large number of actors and actresses as well as other talented personnel in this relatively new industry. Opportunities also exist in university theatre and community recreation programs.

Related careers and occupations available to graduates of the CSU Dominguez Hills Department of Theatre Arts include:  actor, actress, costumer, playwright, fashion designer, set designer, lighting designer, director, producer, theatre historian, technician, theatre manager, makeup artist, drama coach, teacher, announcer, recreation director, dancer, musician, entertainer, public relations person, sales representative, model, merchandising person, lawyer, critic, carpenter, press agent, and dramatic agent among others.

 

Theatre Arts Student Club (TASC) established in 1983, fosters student interest and participation in the dramatic arts on campus.  TASC helps promote a closer relationship between theatre students and the theatre arts faculty.

Teatro Dominguez is designed for students (not necessarily future actors) who are interested in providing high quality theatrical programs that inform, delight, and promote social change.  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.

 

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.

 

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. 

 

Completion of elective courses (beyond the requirements listed below) to reach a total of a minimum of 120 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.

 

See the "United States History, Constitution, and American Ideals" requirements in the University Catalog.  Courses used to satisfy this requirement do not apply to General Education .

 

See the "Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement" in the University Catalog.

 

Student completing this major will need to complete a minor in another field.

 

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 I (3)

THE 357.        World Theatre II (3)

THE 364.        Acting II (3)

THE 374.        Directing and Stage Management (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 Theatre: Teatro Dominguez (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)

 

 

A.  Lower Division Required Courses  (6 units)

THE 160.      Acting for Non-Majors (3)

THE 264.      Acting I (3)

 

B.  Upper Division Requirements  (6-8 units)

1.   Required Courses   (4-5 units)

THE 346.        Theatre Workshop (1-2)

THE 364.        Acting II (3)

2.   Select one course in Theatre Arts (2-3 units).

 

A.  Lower Division Required Course  (3 units)

THE 251.      Play Analysis (3)

 

B.  Upper Division Required Courses  (10-11 units)

THE 346.      Theatre Workshop (1-2)

THE 353.      Playwriting (3)

THE 355.      World Theatre I (3)  

THE 357.      World Theatre II (3)

 

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)

 

The credit value for each course in semester units is indicated for each term by a number in parentheses following the title.  Departments may indicate the term in which they expect to offer the course by
the use of:  “F” (fall), “S” (spring) or “EOY” (every other year).

 

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 (2).

Basic oral communication skills, with practice in a variety of speech-oriented situations. One hour of lecture and two hours of activity per week.

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.

 

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).

Techniques of argumentation and their application to 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.  Two hours of lecture and two hours of activity per week.

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).

Creative dramatic activities, including theatre games, pantomime, and improvisation.  Of particular value to prospective teachers of young children.  Two hours of lecture and two hours of activity per week.

THE 339   Multicultural Theatre:  Teatro Dominguez (3)

Analysis of educational theatre, multicultural plays, and folktales, leading to practical application of social and creative skills with the creation of short, culturally-enriching productions performed at local schools.  Two hours of lecture and two hours of activity per week.

THE 342   Design/Tech:
Scenery and Lighting (3).

Theory and practice of designing scenery, sets, and lighting for television and stage productions.  (Design/tech courses can be taken in any order.)

THE 343   Design/Tech: Costume and Makeup (3).

Prerequisites:  THE 243.

Exploration and application of the stage design elements found in both costuming  and makeup, including conceptualization, historical and contemporary style, rendering, and costume construction/makeup application techniques.  (Design/Tech courses can be taken in any order.)

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 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 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   Directing and Stage Management (3).

Prerequisites:  THE 264  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 453   Contemporary Drama (3) F.

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.

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.

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.