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Theatre
College of Humanities and Fine Arts
School of the Arts
Dean: Joel Zimbelman
Department of Theatre
Performing Arts Center 217A
530-898-6161
530-898-5283 (Fax)
e-mail:
thea@csuchico.edu
http://www.csuchico.edu/thea/
Chair: Joel P. Rogers
Academic Major Advisors:
Acting/Directing:
Acting/Voice:
Musical Theatre Performance:
Design / Technical Theatre:
Movement and Dance:
Musical Theatre Performance/Directing:
Design/Technical Theatre:
Design/General Studies/History:
Academic Advisor for Minors:
Theatre Arts and Musical Theatre Dance:
Program
Theatre 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.
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. 2.0 hours activity. Special fee required;
see the Class Schedule.
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.
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.
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.
An introduction to technical theatre production in the areas of scenery, property construction, and painting. 2.0 hours activity,
2.0 hours discussion. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
An introduction to technical theatre production in the areas of stage lighting practices and equipment operation. Class includes
lecture/discussion and practical assignments. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity. This course is also offered as CDES
121.
An introduction to technical theatre production in the construction of stage costumes, accessories, and masks. 2.0 hours discussion,
2.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
An introduction to technical theatre production by the transformation of the actor by means of paint and plastic application
to meet the requirements of theatrical production. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see the
Class Schedule.
Development of movement techniques for performance. A course for majors in Theatre and Music. Open to interested non-majors.
2.0 hours lecture, 2.0 hours activity.
This course is designed for the student who is interested in learning the basic traditional techniques of ballet in musical
theatre, with the possibility of advancing into an intermediate level. 4.0 hours activity.
This course is designed for the student who is interested in learning the basic traditional forms of tap dance in musical
theatre, with the possibility of advancing into an intermediate level. 4.0 hours activity.
This course is designed for the 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. 4.0 hours activity.
This course is designed for the 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.
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. 2.0 hours activity, 2.0 hours discussion.
Prerequisites: Declared Theatre or Musical Theatre major or minor.
Corequisites: THEA 150X.
This course provides an overview of the essential history, major dramatic forms, representative plays and fundamental aesthetic
principles of the theatre.
Corequisites: THEA 150.
Selected readings from major actors, directors, designers, critics, and other theatre artists provide additional context and
background for THEA 150, THEA 160, and THEA 170.
Prerequisites: Declared Theatre or Musical Theatre major or minor.
This studio course introduces the basic principles and practices of acting craft in the areas of script analysis, movement,
voice/speech, acting technique, and rehearsal methods. 2.0 hours activity, 2.0 hours lecture.
Prerequisites: Declared Theatre or Musical Theatre major or minor.
This studio course introduces the basic principles and practices of theatre design in the areas of script analysis, scenery,
costumes, lighting, and sound. 2.0 hours lecture, 2.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: Audition or permission of instructor.
Applied study and practice of script analysis, acting techniques, and other theatre performance skills through preparation
and performance of a smaller role in a department production or other approved activity. 3.0 hours activity. You may take
this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: Audition or permission of instructor.
Applied study and practice of script analysis, acting, singing, and other musical theatre performance skills through preparation
and performance of a smaller role in a department production or other approved activity. 3.0 hours activity. You may take
this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: Audition or permission of instructor.
Applied study and practice of dance techniques through preparation and performance of smaller ensemble roles or a single featured
role in original choreography for Chico Dance Theatre, department musical productions, or other approved activities. 3.0 hours
activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Applied study of costume and makeup practices through participation in costume construction and on wardrobe and makeup crews
for department productions or other approved activities. 3.0 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a
maximum of 6.0 units.
Applied study of scenic, lighting, and other technical theatre practices through participation in scenery construction and
painting, and on lighting, sound, and stage crews for department productions or other approved activities. 3.0 hours activity.
You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: Audition or permission of instructor.
Applied study of theatre production practices through participation in a department production as an assistant stage manager
or as an assistant to the director or designer or other approved activity. 1.0 hours activity. You may take this course more
than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: THEA 131 or THEA 133 (or equivalent course work or experience) or permission of instructor.
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 hours discussion, 4.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: For Theatre and Musical Theatre majors: THEA 150; for Theatre minors and all others: THEA 110.
A course in the principles and methods employed by directors, designers, and actors to comprehend dramatic literature as scripts
for theatrical performance.
Prerequisites: THEA 130, THEA 140, THEA 150, THEA 150X, either THEA 160 or THEA 112H, or permission of the instructor.
An extension of the work begun in THEA 160 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 activity, 2.0 hours discussion.
Prerequisites: THEA 120, THEA 170.
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.
Prerequisites: Audition or permission of instructor.
Applied study and practice of script analysis, acting techniques and other theatre performance skills through preparation
and performance of a larger role in a department production or other approved activity. 3.0 hours activity. You may take this
course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: Audition or permission of instructor.
Applied study and practice of script analysis, acting, singing, and other musical theatre performance skills through preparation
and performance of a larger role in a department production or other approved activity. 3.0 hours activity. You may take this
course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: Audition or permission of instructor.
Applied study and practice of dance techniques through preparation and performance of larger ensemble roles or multiple featured
roles in original choreography for Chico Dance Theatre, department musical productions, or other approved activities. 3.0
hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: Audition or permission of instructor.
Applied study of theatre production practices through participation in a department production as a stage manager or as an
assistant director or assistant designer or other approved activity. 3.0 hours activity. You may take this course more than
once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
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 concentration on the spring semester. 4.0 hours activity. You may take this course
more than once for a maximum of 8.0 units.
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.
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. This course is also offered as MCGS 315.
Prerequisites: THEA 120, THEA 160; THEA 205 or THEA 206.
This course provides a basic background in the history and work of Theatrical Stage Managers. Included are script breakdowns
and analysis for rehearsal, preparing the prompt book and other paperwork for technical rehearsals and productions, reading
technical drawings, audition and rehearsal processes, scheduling and communications, managing equipment and personnel, working
with actors, directors, and designers, as well as creating resumes and job hunting.
Prerequisites: THEA 130, THEA 160, THEA 260.
The analytical and physical movement techniques for performance introduced in THEA 130 are refined and expanded; students
create solo, duet, and group movement pieces. Rotating topics covered include mime, stage combat, commedia, or mask work.
2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: THEA 131 or permission of instructor.
This course is designed for the musical theatre student who has achieved an intermediate level of technique in ballet and
is interested in maintaining a more advanced level. 4.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: THEA 132 or permission of instructor.
This course is for the musical theatre student who has achieved an intermediate level of technique in tap dance and is interested
in maintaining a more advanced level. 4.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: THEA 133 or permission of instructor.
This course is designed for the musical theatre 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.
Prerequisites: THEA 260.
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. Rotating topics covered include Shakespeare and other classic styles, as well as modern poet-dramatists.
2.0 hours activity, 2.0 hours discussion.
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher.
Corequisites: Concurrent enrollment in THEA 350X is required.
The development of physical theatres, scenery, costuming, acting, directing, playwriting, and business procedures from the
nineteenth century through today. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency
for majors.
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher.
Corequisites: Concurrent enrollment in THEA 350 is required.
Reading and discussion of selected plays compliment the study topics of Theatre History.
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher.
Corequisites: Concurrent enrollment in THEA 351X is required.
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.
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher.
Corequisites: Concurrent enrollment in THEA 351 is required.
Reading, listening and discussing selected plays and musical scores compliment the study topics of Musical Theatre History.
Prerequisites: THEA 250, THEA 260.
Further classroom study and practice of various approaches to the problems of acting in comedies and dramas. Special emphasis
is given to the analysis and physical/vocal acting challenges of texts other than contemporary realism. Topics and focus of
the course rotate in alternate years. 2.0 hours activity, 2.0 hours discussion. You may take this course more than once for
a maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: THEA 250, THEA 260.
Further classroom study and practice of various approaches to the problems of acting in musical theatre. Special emphasis
is given to the analysis of music and lyrics and the challenges of acting the song. Topics and focus of this course rotate
in alternate years. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0
units.
Prerequisites: THEA 360 or THEA 361.
An intensive study of performance techniques for various kinds of plays that require specific manners, gestures, movement,
and speech to fulfill the dramatic situation. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity. You may take this course more than
once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: THEA 120, THEA 170, THEA 250.
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.
Prerequisites: THEA 121, THEA 170, THEA 250.
Corequisites: Concurrent enrollment in THEA 205 for lighting crew is required.
A study of the visual interpretation and enhancement of plays through the use of light. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: THEA 122, THEA 170, THEA 250.
A study of the visual interpretation and enhancement of plays through the study of the design and history of costumes for
various theatrical forms, including plays, operas, musical theatre, and dance. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: THEA 120, THEA 170.
This course introduces students to a variety of basic techniques and skills used to produce painted scenery for the stage.
These skills are used to create a series of projects that are designed to inform the students how to interpret and understand
visual sources then translate these to the stage.
Prerequisites: THEA 170, THEA 250, THEA 260.
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 discussion, 2.0 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: THEA 120, THEA 250, THEA 380, and permission of instructor.
Practical application of production, acting, and/or directing, with emphasis on staged production. 1.0 hours seminar, 2.0
hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units.
Prerequisites: THEA 112 or THEA 160, THEA 203 or THEA 303, or instructor's permission.
A theoretic and applied study of the basic elements of choreography, including historical context, composition and dramatic
focus. Practical application of choreographic principles with emphasis on stage productions. 2.0 hours activity, 1.0 hours
seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units.
Prerequisites: THEA 382 and permission of instructor.
Development of a unique choreographic project for theatrical production, based on choreographic principles taught in THEA
362. This process goes beyond conception, creation, rehearsal, and performance of the dance project, to include new production
elements (such as lighting, costuming, and video). 2.0 hours activity, 1.0 hours seminar. You may take this course more than
once for a maximum of 4.0 units.
Prerequisites: Departmental permission.
This course for special topics is offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may
vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for specific topics being offered.
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising
faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
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.
First of two semesters of independent study for theatre arts Honors in the Major students involving creative and scholarly
activity. This activity requires substantial research and a public presentation under the direction of one or more theatre
arts faculty members.
Prerequisites: Audition or permission of instructor
Applied study and practice of script analysis, acting techniques, and other theatre performance skills through preparation
and performance of multiple roles in a repertory season of department productions during the summer or academic year. 3.0
hours activity.
Prerequisites: Audition or permission of instructor.
Applied study and practice of script analysis, acting, singing, and other musical theatre performance skills through preparation
and performance of multiple roles in a repertory season of department productions during the summer or academic year. 3.0
hours activity.
Prerequisites: Audition or permission of instructor.
Applied study and practice of script analysis and other performance, design or technical skills by directing, designing or
performing a "thesis" role in a mainstage department production or by serving as a lead technician in a repertory season of
department productions during the summer or academic year. 3.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: THEA 350 and THEA 350X, or THEA 351 and THEA 351X.
Study of the principles of drama and theatrical production through reading and discussion of major practitioners, theorists,
and critics from the classical era to our own.
Prerequisites: THEA 360 or THEA 361.
Advanced study in special acting problems such as auditioning or mask work, or intensive scene work concentrated on a particular
playwright, style, genre, or technique. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity. You may take this course more than once
for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: May take any of the following: THEA 325, THEA 370, THEA 371, THEA 372.
Advanced problems in scene design, lighting design, or technical production. Special attention is given to verbal and visual
communication, and folio presentation and presentation. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity. You may take this course
more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: THEA 250, THEA 380.
Study of the principles, theories, objectives, and methods of producing original or adapted scripts for children or adult
audiences. 2.0 hours activity, 2.0 hours lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
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 for 2.0 to 12.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member.
Supervised out-of-classroom work experience in theatre-related activities approved professional theatre companies and/or theatre-related
enterprises. No more than 3 units may be applied to the major. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0
units.
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 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: Departmental permission.
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-4.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may
vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for specific topics being offered.
Prerequisites: Departmental permission.
This course is an independent study for 1.0-3.0 units for theatre and musical theatre majors. It involves creative and scholarly
activity and requires substantial research and public presentation under the direction of one or more theatre arts faculty
members. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.
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.
Second of two semesters of independent study for theatre arts Honors in the Major students involving creative and scholarly
activity. This activity requires substantial research and a public presentation under the direction of one or more theatre
arts faculty members.