Theatre Arts Course Offerings
Please see the section on “Course
Description Symbols and Terms” in The University Catalog
for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols,
the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses
are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise
stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission.
Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.
THEA 010
Theatre Forum 1.0 Fall
This course is an introduction and orientation to the Theatre
Department and to the profession of the theatre in all its many
manifestations. The main focus of the course, which is team-taught
by several faculty and staff, is to provide students with information
they need to take fullest advantage of their education at the university.
3.0 hours performance. Special fee required; see The
Class Schedule.
THEA 020
Literature in Performance 3.0 Fa/Spr
Development of (1) intellectual and emotional responsiveness to
literature for increased understanding and appreciation, and (2)
expressional skills of voice and body for effective oral interpretation
of literature. This is an approved General Education course.
THEA 024
Children’s Literature in Performance 3.0
Fa/Spr
Development of the skills for effective dramatization of literature
in the elementary classroom or children’s theatre, including
creative dramatics, storytelling, oral interpretation and group
readings.
This course is the same as THEA 124 which may be substituted.
THEA 041
Ballet for Musical Theatre 2.0 Fall
This course is designed for the dance student who is interested
in learning the basic traditional techniques of ballet in musical
theatre, with the possibility of advancing into an intermediate
level. This course may be repeated in order to achieve a technical
level which warrants promotion to the next level, though credit
may only be earned once. 4.0 hours activity.
THEA 042
Modern Dance for Musical Theatre 2.0
Spring
This course is designed for the dance student who is interested
in learning basic traditional forms of modern dance in musical theatre.
4.0 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for
a maximum of 4.0 units.
THEA 043
Jazz Dance for Musical Theatre 2.0 Spring
This course is designed for the dance student who is interested
in learning the basic traditional forms of jazz dance in musical
theatre, with the possibility of advancing into an intermediate
level of technique. This class may be repeated in order to achieve
a technical level which warrants promotion to the next level, though
credit may only be earned once. 4.0 hours activity.
THEA 044
Tap Dance for Musical Theatre 2.0 Fall
This course is designed for the student who is interested in learning
the basic traditional forms of tap dance in musical theatre. 4.0
hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum
of 4.0 units.
THEA 047
Mime I 3.0 Spring
Students are introduced to basic techniques of French Mime, beginning
with body control in a state of relaxed tension and the clic; these
techniques are applied to the creation of simple Mime pieces, using
specific characters, environments, and situations. 2.0 hours lecture,
2.0 hours activity.
THEA 049
Musical Theatre Dance Survey 2.0 Spring
This course is designed for the theatre or dance student interested
in studying representative dance techniques which are used in musical
theatre productions. Because musical theatre dance incorporates
a wide range of purposes and styles, the dances studied will reflect
that diversity. 1.0 hour discussion, 3.0 hours performance.
THEA 060
Acting 3.0 Fa/Spr
An exploration of human intention, as revealed in behavior, to
be accomplished through a study of the techniques of acting, the
interpretation of scripts, and the analysis of character. This is
an approved General Education course. CAN DRAM 8.
THEA 060H
Acting-Honors 3.0 Fall
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Honors
Program.
A special section of acting open only to students with demonstrated
academic talent. Interested students should consult with the Theatre
Arts Department. This is an approved General Education course.
THEA 061
Introduction to the Theatre 3.0 Fa/Spr
A survey of all aspects of theatre arts, including history, production
styles and techniques, acting, directing, and stagecraft. Supplemental
reading and examination of theatre literature. This is an approved
General Education course.
THEA 065
Textual Analysis for Production 3.0
Fall
A foundation course in the principles and methods employed by
directors, designers, and actors to comprehend dramatic literature
as scripts for theatrical performance.
THEA 070
Stagecraft 2.0 Fa/Spr
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in THEA
173.
An introduction to technical theatre production, including scenery
and property construction, painting, lighting, and stage management.
Production crew participation is required. 1.0 hour discussion,
3.0 hours performance.
CAN DRAM 12.
THEA 071
Theatre Graphics 2.0 Fall
An introduction to the basic techniques used in scene design.
Emphasis is given to sketching, drafting, rendering, and model-building.
4.0 hours activity.
THEA 072
Make-Up 2.0 Fa/Spr
Art of transforming the appearance of the actor by means of paint
and plastic application to meet the requirements of theatrical production.
1.0 hour discussion, 2.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see
The Class Schedule.
CAN DRAM 14.
THEA 073
Costume Crafts 2.0 Spring
A study of the skills and techniques used by the theatrical costumer
in the construction of stage costumes, accessories, and masks. 1.0
hour discussion, 2.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see The
Class Schedule.
THEA 076
Lighting for Stage and Television 3.0
Fall
The fundamentals of lighting for stage and television, including
light measurement, electrical theory, color application, lighting
graphics, and design procedures. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours
activity.
This course is the same as CDES 076 which may be substituted.
THEA 090
Voice for Performance 2.0 Fa/Spr
A beginning course in voice and diction, the principal aim of
which is to increase the clarity and expressiveness of each student’s
“natural” speaking voice. An essential program of study
and practice for performers, but equally valuable to anyone whose
career aspirations require effective vocal communication. 1.0 hour
discussion, 2.0 hours activity. CAN DRAM 6.
THEA 095
Movement for Actors 2.0 Fall
Development of movement techniques for performance. A course for
majors in Theatre and Music. Open to interested non-majors. 4.0
hours activity.
THEA 096
Acting for Television 3.0 Spring
To introduce the actor to the technicalities of the TV studio
and production process, and to the specifics and scope of TV performance.
Areas covered will include movement, make-up, character development,
vocal techniques, script study, as well as professional actualities
such as casting and cold reading. 6.0 hours activity.
This course is the same as CDES 096 which may be substituted.
THEA 101
Theatre Workshop 2.0 Fa/Spr
Supervised theatre activities in performance, design, directing,
and production. Projects vary individually and involve a specific
commitment to a key position in a department production. 4.0 hours
activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum
of 6.0 units.
THEA 102
Musical Theatre Workshop 2.0 Fa/Spr
Supervised activities in musical theatre performance, design,
directing, choreography, and production. Projects vary individually
and involve a specific commitment to a key position in a department
musical theatre production. 4.0 hours activity. You may take this
course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
THEA 124
Children’s Literature in Performance 3.0
Fa/Spr
Development of the skills for effective dramatization of literature
in the elementary classroom or children’s theatre, including
creative dramatics, storytelling, oral interpretation and group
readings.
This course is the same as THEA 024 which may be substituted.
THEA 141
Intermediate Ballet for Musical Theatre 2.0
Spring
Prerequisites: THEA 041 or consent of instructor.
This course is designed for the serious musical theatre dance
student who has achieved an intermediate level of technique in ballet
and is interested in maintaining a more advanced level. 4.0 hours
activity.
THEA 143
Intermediate Jazz Dance for Musical Theatre 2.0
Fall
Prerequisites: THEA 043 or consent of instructor.
This course is designed for the serious musical theatre dance
student who has achieved an intermediate level of technique in jazz
dance and is interested in maintaining a more advanced level. 4.0
hours activity.
THEA 147
Mime II 3.0 Spring
Prerequisites: THEA 047.
The physical and analytical techniques introduced in THEA 047
are refined and expanded; students create solo, duet, and group
mime pieces that demonstrate their mastery of mime techiques. 6.0
hours activity.
THEA 150
Gender and the Stage 3.0 Fall
A study of gender issues as they have been dealt with in plays
and productions throughout the history of the theatre. The course
will focus on the portrayal of women and men on stage as well as
key figures who broke barriers in the areas of playwriting, acting,
designing, and production. This is an approved General Education
course.
THEA 151
Musical Theatre I 3.0 Fall
Prerequisites: ENGL 001 (or its equivalent)
with a grade of C- or higher.
An introduction to all aspects of musical theatre, including history
and development, major works, and production elements. Assignments
will include reading, listening to, viewing, and critiquing musicals.
This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better
certifies writing proficiency for majors.
THEA 152
Musical Theatre II 3.0 Spring
An examination of the development of musical theatre from the
“Golden Age of the American Musical” to the present day.
A specific view of current trends and practices, including the rock
musical, the British Invasion, the return of “through-sung
opera,” the Corporate Musical, and Off-Broadway chamber musicals.
Assignments include reading, listening to, viewing, and critiquing
musicals.
THEA 160
Intermediate Acting I 3.0 Fa/Spr
Prerequisites: THEA 060 required; THEA 090
and THEA 095 recommended.
An extension of the work begun in THEA 060 to enhance students’
understanding and skill in the areas of analysis, creative imagination
and believable theatrical behavior. Through exercises, guided improvisations,
discussions, journal writing and scene work, students develop a
personal methodology of approach to the problems of acting. 2.0
hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity.
THEA 161
Intermediate Acting II: Characterization 3.0
Spring
Prerequisites: THEA 160.
Students investigate a variety of techniques for creating believable
characters. Performance assignments, classroom exercises, and written
work explore physical, emotional, biographical, historical, and
intellectual approaches to character. Classwork emphasizes the use
of the creative imagination, of analytical skills, and of physical
improvisation. May be repeated for credit two times. 2.0 hours discussion,
2.0 hours activity.
THEA 162
Acting Theatre Performance 1.0 Fa/Spr
Acting activities include participation in productions or in directing
class scenes. 3.0 hours performance. You may take this course more
than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
THEA 163
Costume Theatre Performance 1.0 Fa/Spr
Costume and makeup activities including participation in costume
construction and on wardrobe and makeup crews for department productions.
3.0 hours performance. You may take this course more than once for
a maximum of 6.0 units.
THEA 165
History of Theatre I 3.0 Fall
The development of physical theatres, scenery, costuming, acting,
directing, playwriting, and business procedures from the Greek to
the French neo-classical theatre.
THEA 166
History of Theatre II 3.0 Spring
The development of physical theatres’ scenery, costuming,
acting, directing, playwriting, and business procedures from the
English Restoration to the present.
THEA 167
Musical Theatre Ensemble 2.0 Fa/Spr
Prerequisites: Audition or permission of
instructor.
Students will spend classroom time learning and rehearsing pieces
from the musical theatre canon. In addition, students will be directly
involved in a touring company presenting musical theatre selections
for interested groups off and on campus. Tour dates will be scheduled
as requested, with a concentraton on the spring semester. 4.0 hours
activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum
of 6.0 units.
THEA 168
Dance Theatre Workshop 1.0 Fa/Spr
Dance activities which include participation in productions, class
techniques and critique sessions, and rehearsals of original choreography.
3.0 hours performance. You may take this course more than once for
a maximum of 8.0 units.
THEA 170
Stage Lighting 3.0 Spring
Prerequisites: THEA 071; THEA 076. Concurrent
enrollment in THEA 173 is recommended.
An introduction to the basic techniques of stage lighting and
lighting design. This course includes color and light theory, handling
and operating lighting equipment, basic electricity, and lighting
graphics. Lighting crew participation is required. 1.0 hour discussion,
4.0 hours activity.
THEA 171A
Theatre Costume I 3.0 Fall
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in THEA
163.
An introduction to the design and history of costumes for theatrical
productions.
THEA 171B
Theatre Costume II 3.0 Spring
Further study of the design and history of costumes for theatrical
productions. Individual projects will include designing and rendering
original costumes.
THEA 172
Advanced Make-Up 2.0 Spring
Prerequisites: THEA 072.
Advanced techniques of make-up application for the theatre, including
the use of three-dimensional materials; basic techniques of mask
construction; special problems of characterization. 1.0 hour discussion,
2.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see The
Class Schedule.
THEA 173
Technical Theatre Performance 1.0 Fa/Spr
Technical theatre activities include participation in scenery
construction and painting, and on lighting, sound, and stage crews
for department productions. 3.0 hours performance. You may take
this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
THEA 174
Computer-Aided Design for Theatre 3.0
Spring
Prerequisites: THEA 070; THEA 071.
The application of computer-aided drafting and graphics to technical
theatre production. Emphasis on computer skills needed to create
conceptual scene and lighting drawings for theatre and related performing
arts. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity.
THEA 176
Lighting for Interior Design 3.0 Fall
Prerequisites: One of the following: ART
041, CM 091, or THEA 071.
An introduction to the theory and application of interior design
in residential and commercial environments. This course includes
the nature of light, the human perception of light, available light
sources and luminaries, color theory as applied to light, control
and manipulation of light, and design tools of architectural lighting.
2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity.
THEA 180
Directing I: Principles of Directing 3.0
Fall
Prerequisites: THEA 060; THEA 070.
A theoretic and applied study of the basic elements of directing,
including script analysis, blocking, composition, dramatic focus,
and actor coaching. A series of staged scenes using outside actors
are a central
part of the course activities. 2.0 hours lecture, 2.0 hours activity.
THEA 189
Theatre Arts Internship 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr
Prerequisites: Audition and faculty permission.
This course is offered as 189A-C for 1.0-3.0 units respectively.
THEA 189 may be offered as Touring Troupe for Musical Theatre; interested
students must audition and register directly with the supervising
faculty member. Credit/no credit grading only.
THEA 190
Advanced Voice for Performance: 3.0
Spring
Acting Heightened Text
Prerequisites: THEA 060, THEA 090, and THEA
160.
The aim of this course is to help advanced acting students develop
the knowledge, sensitivities, and skills needed to act in plays
in which dramatic action and thematic content must be carried primarily
through an active and richly textured speaking of the text. Classroom
and out-of-class activities will include analysis, voice language
exercises, and the preparation of scenes and soliloquies from Shakespeare
and other classic, as well as modern, poet-dramatists. 1.0 hour
discussion, 4.0 hours activity.
THEA 199
Special Problems 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr
This course is an independent study of special problems offered
as 199A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units respectively. You must register directly
with a supervising faculty member. Credit/no credit grading only.
THEA 220
Shakespeare in Performance 3.0 Spring
Prerequisites: THEA 020 or faculty permission.
An intensive study of selected plays and poems through oral interpretation
in order to communicate the dramatic content.
THEA 260
Creative Drama 3.0 Fall
Study of the principles, theories, and objectives of creative
drama. Investigation of the methods and techniques of creative drama
that aid the effective artistic, social, mental, and emotional growth
of children. For teachers and recreation directors. 2.0 hours lecture,
2.0 hours activity.
THEA 261A
Advanced Acting: Audition and Improvisation 3.0
Spring
Prerequisites: THEA 060; THEA 160.
Students learn audition skills while developing a portfolio of
audition pieces, a professional resume, and head shots. Concurrently,
students work in class on a series of improvisational techniques,
including Polish, American, character development, and comedy. 2.0
hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity. You may take this course more
than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
THEA 261B
Advanced Acting: Styles Musical Theatre 3.0
Fall
Prerequisites: THEA 060; THEA 160.
An advanced study in styles of acting and the development of a
character. Emphasis will be placed on special work in musical theatre
styles from traditional to modern eclectic, including scenes and
songs from musical theatre texts. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours
activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum
of 6.0 units.
THEA 261C
Advanced Acting 3.0 Spring
Prerequisites: THEA 060; THEA 160.
Advanced study in special acting problems. When offered, the course
will focus on one area of advanced acting, for example, mask work,
new script techniques, gesture and physical impulse, Brechtian acting,
or collaborative improvisation. Subject areas are both explored
experimentally and placed within theoretical/historical contexts.
2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity. You may take this course
more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
THEA 264
Development of Drama 3.0 Spring
Prerequisites: ENGL 001 (or its equivalent)
with a grade of C- or higher.
Study of the principles of drama as it has evolved from classical
to postmodern times. Special emphasis is given to the relationship
between the structural and thematic elements of a play and their
realization in performance. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course;
a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.
THEA 264H
Development of Drama-Honors 3.0 Spring
Prerequisites: Admission to the Theatre Arts
Department Honors in the Major program with junior standing and
a GPA within the top 5% of theatre arts majors.
Study of the principles of drama as it has evolved from classical
to post-modern times. Special emphasis is given to the relationship
between the structural and thematic elements of a play and their
realization in performance. Students will also work on their Honors
in the Major project. A grade of B or higher is required for Honors
credit.
THEA 267
One Acts Production Seminar 2.0 Spring
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
Practical application of production, acting, and/or directing,
with emphasis on staged production. 1.0 hour seminar, 2.0 hours
activity.
THEA 268
Seminar in Choreography 2.0 Fa/Spr
Prerequisites: THEA 168.
Practical application of choreographic principles with emphasis
on staged production. 1.0 hour seminar, 2.0 hours activity. You
may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units.
THEA 270
Seminar in Technical Theatre 2.0 Fa/Spr
Prerequisites: THEA 070 or faculty permission.
Advanced problems in scene design, lighting design, or technical
production. Special attention is given to verbal and visual communication,
and folio presentation and presentation.
THEA 271
Costume Design 3.0 Fall
Prerequisites: THEA 171A or THEA 171B or
faculty permission.
A study of the design of costumes for various theatrical forms,
including plays, operas, musical theatre, and dance. Activity hours
to be arranged. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity.
THEA 272
Stage Design 3.0 Fall
Prerequisites: THEA 071 or faculty permission.
A study of the visual interpretation of plays of various theatrical
periods and styles through sketches, renderings, and models. 2.0
hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity.
THEA 273
Seminar in Costuming 2.0 Fall
Advanced studies of solving problems of costume construction for
theatrical productions. Activity hours to be arranged.
THEA 280
Directing II: Staging 3.0 Spring
Prerequisites: THEA 180.
Advanced studies in the principles and practice of directing.
Scene study and staging are a major portion of the course, with
special emphasis given to advanced techniques in composition, working
with actors, and design collaboration. 2.0 hours seminar, 2.0 hours
activity.
THEA 289
Internship in Theatre Arts 2.0-12.0
Fa/Spr
Prerequisites: Must be a major or minor in
Theatre Arts at no less than junior standing with at least a 2.5
GPA; faculty permission.
This course is an internship offered as 289A-D for 2.0 to 12.0
units respectively. You must register directly with a supervising
faculty member. Supervised out-of-classroom work experience in theatre-related
activities in university, community, or regional theatre companies
and/or theatre-related enterprises. No more than 3 units may be
applied to the major.
THEA 290
Senior Project Showcase 2.0 Spring
Prerequisites: Senior status and permission
of instructor.
This course provides senior-level theatre majors with a culminating
creative experience in the area of theatre production. Working with
a faculty mentor, students will apply the knowledge and skills of
their particular areas of specialization (acting, directing, design,
technical production, stage managing) to the collaborative creation
and production of an original theatre piece. 1.0 hour discussion,
3.0 hours performance.
THEA 299H
Honors Seminar in Theatre Arts 3.0 Fall
Prerequisites: Admission to the Theatre Arts
Department Honors in the Major program with junior standing and
a GPA in the top 5% of theatre arts majors.
Independent study for theatre arts Honors in the Major students
involving creative and scholarly activity. This activity will require
substantial research and a public presentation under the direction
of one or more theatre arts faculty members.
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