Courses of Instruction
Courses of Instruction
Theatre (THTR)
The terms indicated are expected but are not guaranteed. For the courses offered during any given term, consult the Schedule of Classes.
THTR 101 Introduction to Acting (4, FaSp) Study of genres, terminology, and disciplines of acting; fundamental techniques necessary for performance; scene study from contemporary plays.
THTR 110 Dramatic Analysis (2, Fa) Actors work on the text: analysis in rehearsal of scripts drawn from contemporary realism for dramatic characterization. Corequisite: THTR 115, THTR 120a, THTR 140a.
THTR 115 Movement I (2, Fa) Basic training for the actor’s body for expression and communication. Awareness and control through mind-body techniques. Corequisite: THTR 110, THTR 120a, THTR 140a.
THTR 120ab Acting I (2-2, Sp) Basic principles and techniques of acting through theatre games and improvisation. Introduction to contemporary texts, basic characterization and cold reading techniques. Open to BFA majors only. Corequisite: a: THTR 110, THTR 115, THTR 140a; b: THTR 140b.
THTR 121abx Fundamentals of Acting (2-2, FaSp) a: The elements of the actor’s imaginative skills. b: Continuation of THTR 121a. Not available for credit to theatre majors.
THTR 122 Improvisation and Theatre Games (2, max 4, FaSp) Individual and group exercise to free the actor physically and emotionally and to stimulate creativity, imagination, and self-expression.
THTR 124abx Character Acting (2-2, FaSp) a: Concentration of imaginative processes which develop the individual characteristics of a dramatic role. b: Continuation of THTR 124a. Not available for credit to theatre majors.
THTR 125 Text Studies for Production (4, Fa) Focuses on the questions, artistic choices, methodologies, and approaches of an actor/director/designer in the preparation of a production score prior to rehearsal.
THTR 130 Introduction to Theatrical Production (2, max 4, FaSp) Introduction to the non-performance areas of theatrical production (administrative, design, and technical fields) through hands-on participation in USC productions.
THTR 132ab Art of Theatrical Design (2-2, FaSp) a: A guided student exploration of the fundamentals of applied design elements and their use as creative tools in the design process; b: Development of the artistic process and theatrical design vocabulary of the individual within the environment of collaborative storytelling.
THTR 140ab Voice I (2-2, Fa) Physiological mechanism of voice: breath control, phonation, resonance, articulation of language for the stage; expressive use of stress, intonation and rhythm. Corequisite: a: THTR 110, THTR 115, THTR 120a; b: THTR 120b.
THTR 152 Introduction to Scene Study (2, FaSp) Application and consolidation of the skills, knowledge and techniques acquired in the study of fundamentals of acting encountered in THTR 101. Prerequisite: THTR 101.
THTR 181ab Modern Dance (2-2, FaSpSm) a: Techniques of modern dance; elements of dance composition. b: Advanced techniques of modern dance; elements of choreography and production.
THTR 182ab Advanced Modern Dance (2-2, FaSpSm) a: A continuing study of modern dance skills toward an advanced level of competency. b: Advanced technique and composition.
THTR 183abcd Ballet (2-2-2-2, FaSpSm) a: Beginning techniques of classical ballet consisting of basic barre and center work; basic body and arm positions, port de bras, allegro and elementary adagio. b: Intermediate techniques of classical ballet with intermediate barre, adagio, allegro combinations and pirouettes; development of a working knowledge of ballet terminology. c: Advanced techniques of classical ballet; emphasis on clarity and precision with execution of movement. Study of beats, tours, advanced adagio and allegro, grand combinations, pointe-work. d: Elementary to intermediate level ballet technique en pointes for women and men; conditioning and barre exercises; variations from classical and modern ballets.
THTR 184abc Jazz Dance (2-2-2, FaSpSm) a: Beginning techniques and practice of jazz dance. b: Continuing study in the techniques of jazz dance. c: Advanced techniques of jazz dance: advanced warm up, rhythmic and isolation exercises, turns and advanced jazz sequences or combinations.
THTR 185 Hip-Hop Dance (2, max 4, FaSpSm) Elements of Hip-Hop dance, including technique, movement, musical rhythm, tempo and phrasing required to develop the skills needed to perform this unique dance form.
THTR 188ab International Style Ballroom Dance (2-2, FaSpSm) Representative ballroom dances: waltz, slow foxtrot, tango, and quickstep. a: Beginning. b: Intermediate. Graded CR/NC.
THTR 189ab Tap Dance (2-2, FaSpSm) a: Basic tap rhythms developed into elementary dances with progression of time steps and other combinations of sound. b: Continuing study of tap dancing including more complicated rhythmic patterns and combinations; polishing technique; combinations to varied music and introduction to advanced steps and combinations. Prerequisite: THTR 189a or departmental approval.
THTR 195 Theatre on Film (4, FaSp) Introduction to the theatre and its relationship to society through major plays in film versions. Separate screenings to be arranged.
THTR 201 Introduction to the Theatre (4, Sp) Gateway to the majors and minors in theatre. Introduction to and exploration of the creative elements of theatre art: playwriting, acting, directing, and design of scenery, lighting, and costume. Research on a selected area. (Duplicates credit in former THTR 100.)
THTR 210 Theory and Practice of World Theatre I (4, Fa) A multicultural and transnational examination of the history, theory and practice of theatre from its origins to the age of Shakespeare and Zeami. Recommended preparation: THTR 125.
THTR 211 Theory and Practice of World Theatre II (4, Sp) A multicultural and transnational examination of the history, theory and practice of theatre from the Renaissance to the 19th Century. (Duplicates credit in former THTR 311.) Recommended preparation: THTR 125.
THTR 212 Theory and Practice of World Theatre III (4, Sp) A multicultural and transnational examination of the history, theory and practice of theatre from the late 19th century to the present date. Recommended preparation: THTR 125.
THTR 215ab Movement II (a: 2, Fa; b: 2, Sp) a: Training of the actor’s body with focus on development of precision and strength. Prerequisite: THTR 115; corequisite: THTR 220a, THTR 240a. b: Training of the actor’s body with focus on mask work for the development of precision, strength and expressiveness. Prerequisite: THTR 215a; corequisite: THTR 220b, THTR 240b.
THTR 216 Movement for Actors (2, FaSp) Training and practice in the coordination of the physical apparatus of the actor utilizing various movement techniques through improvisation.
THTR 220ab Intermediate Acting I (2-2, FaSp) Continuing development of imagination leading to an increased range of dramatic expression through the formalized text of William Shakespeare. Prerequisite: THTR 120b.
THTR 222 Stage Make-up (2, FaSp) Principles of stage make-up materials and skills allowing the actors to enhance their features and techniques for moderate and extreme aging, injuries, and character roles.
THTR 230 Communicating Theatrical Design Concepts (3, FaSp) The visualization and communication of design ideas through free-hand and mechanical drawing, including orthographics, isometrics, perspective, shades and shadows, plans, sections and elevations.
THTR 231ab Costume Construction (3-3, FaSp) Historical survey, theory and practice in construction of costume, emphasis on period and style. Recommended preparation: THTR 125, THTR 201.
THTR 232 Stage Lighting (3, FaSp) Theory and practice of theatrical lighting design including electricity, radiant energy, refraction, reflection, absorption, chromatic variation, and electronic controls. Prerequisite: THTR 131.
THTR 236 Stage Sound (2, FaSp) Basic audio engineering science, how sound is measured, basic transducers and signal flow. Operation of recording and playback equipment used in theatrical sound design/mixing.
THTR 240ab Voice II (2-2, FaSp) Development of the voice using material which explores the techniques of Shakespeare and his contemporaries. Prerequisite: THTR 140b; corequisite: a: THTR 215a, THTR 220a; b: THTR 215b, THTR 220b.
THTR 241 Methods and Materials (2, FaSp) Cutting-edge and traditional methods and materials that enhance both the planning stages and realization of the theatrical design.
THTR 252ab Intermediate Acting I (2-2, FaSp) a: Polishing the actor’s skills through analysis and class performance of scenes from plays. b: Continuation of THTR 252a.
THTR 280 Dance as an Art Form (4, FaSpSm) Gateway to the minor in dance. Concepts of art exemplified in dance; origins and evolution of classic and contemporary dance forms; elements of art criticism applied to dance productions. Required attendance at dance concerts and art exhibits.
THTR 282 Activities for Professional Preparation: Dance (1) Fundamental movements and composition in modern and aerobic dance; study of popular social dance forms; teaching and evaluation methodologies; course and class planning.
THTR 285 Elements of Dance Production (4) Theoretical aspects of creativity, choreography, accompaniment, dance notation, and production; application in individual and group composition. Lecture, 2 hours; performance laboratory, 6 hours.
THTR 295 Theatre in America (2, max 8, FaSp) Current state of American theatre, through a study of acting, playwriting, criticism, stage design, lighting, and dramatic styles.
THTR 300 Introduction to Modern Drama (4, Fa) An investigation of the ideas, forms, genres, and thematic concerns of modern drama. Equal emphasis is placed on the plays and their historical contexts. (Duplicates credit in former THTR 200.)
THTR 301 Greek and Roman Theatre (4, Fa) Examines the function of theatre, production and acting conventions, and the drama of classical Greece and Rome. (Duplicates credit in former THTR 213.) Recommended preparation: THTR 125, THTR 201.
THTR 302 Shakespeare in His World (4, Sp) The plays and theatre of Shakespeare, the influences on his work and his contemporary world. (Duplicates credit in former THTR 214.) Recommended preparation: THTR 201, THTR 210, THTR 211.
THTR 305ab Directing (4-4, FaSp) Examination of basic directorial principles. Pre-production analysis and rehearsal procedures; relationship of the director to actor; integration of technical aspects of production. Prerequisite: THTR 305a before b.
THTR 313 Comedy of Manners (4, Fa) Study of the development of Comedy of Manners, with primary focus on Restoration Comedy of Manners. Recommended preparation: THTR 201, THTR 210, THTR 211.
THTR 314 Advanced Topics in Modern Drama (4, Sp) 20th century realism and the avant-garde. Recommended preparation: THTR 201, THTR 210, THTR 211.
THTR 315ab Physical Theatre I (2-2, FaSp) Actor training anchored by rigorous physical movements. Activities include comedy, clowning, juggling, and mask work. Open to BFA Acting majors only.
THTR 316 Advanced Movement for Actors (2, FaSp) Advanced physical training for the B.A. actor utilizing various movement techniques through improvisation. For B.A., Theatre (Acting) students only. Prerequisite: THTR 216.
THTR 320ab Intermediate Acting II (2-2, FaSp) Further development of range and breadth of performance skills with emphasis on texts of heightened language and style. Open to BFA acting majors only. Prerequisite: THTR 220b; Corequisite: a: THTR 315a, THTR 340a; b: THTR 315b, THTR 340b.
THTR 330 Scene Design I (4, Fa) Historical styles, methods, and dramatic analysis for scene design as applied in contemporary practice. Recommended preparation: THTR 130ab.
THTR 331 Costume Design I (4, Sp) Historical styles, methods, and dramatic analysis in costume design as applied in contemporary practice. Execution of costume designs for assigned works. Recommended preparation: THTR 231.
THTR 332 Lighting Design I (4, FaSp) Historical styles, methods, and dramatic analysis in lighting design as applied in contemporary practice.
THTR 333 Stage Management I (3, Fa) Basic skills, including assembly of prompt book, blocking notation, and organizational and communication procedures applied in theatre production.
THTR 335 Scenic Construction (3, FaSp) Technology, organization, and operation of the theatrical scene shop centered around the proper and safe use of tools, the choosing of materials, and methods of construction. (Duplicates credit in former THTR 131.)
THTR 336 Introduction to Sound Design (3, FaSp) The art and techniques of theatrical sound design. The use of music and ambient sound in theatrical presentations. Design elements as metaphor.
THTR 340ab Intermediate Voice (2-2, FaSp) Extended development of vocal freedom and range, acquisition of articulate speech. Enhancement of vocal power and resonance, techniques for performing with a dialect. Open to BFA Acting majors only. Concurrent enrollment: THTR 315ab, THTR 320ab.
THTR 341x Voice for the Non-Theatre Major (2, Fa) Designed for the non-theatre major focusing on the range, color, texture, and projection of the human voice in a variety of situations. Not available for credit to theatre majors.
THTR 342ab Basic Voice (2-2, FaSp) a: Examination of the individual voice centering on resonance, tone, flexibility, and support through dramatic selections for transmitting meaning and emotion of character. b: Continuation of THTR 342a.
THTR 343 Musical Theatre Audition (3, FaSpSm) Designed to give students confidence and integrity for auditions in musical theatre. Choosing appropriate material and preparation for the audition and performance. Audition required.
THTR 352ab Intermediate Acting II (2-2, FaSp) a: Building and sustaining character in drama. b: Continuation of world drama. Class performance and critique. Prerequisite: THTR 252b.
THTR 354 Acting Shakespeare (2, FaSp) Basic approach to the acting and analysis of the highly formalized texts of William Shakespeare. Prerequisite: THTR 101; recommended preparation: THTR 252b.
THTR 365 Playwriting I (4, FaSp) Essential elements of playwriting through weekly assignments, students’ initiative, occasional productions of scenes, and extensive classroom analysis.
THTR 366 Playwriting II (4, FaSp) Continuation of the work begun in THTR 365. Prerequisite: THTR 365.
THTR 380 Historical Approaches to Dance (4) Roles of dance in pre-technological societies; development of classic and romantic ballet from medieval, baroque, and renaissance periods to contemporary forms.
THTR 385 Choreography and Performance (4) Aesthetic concepts in dance and related arts; integration of concepts in choreography, performance, and production; philosophical bases of dance criticism; critical analysis of performances. Lecture, 3 hours; performance laboratory, 3 hours.
THTR 388 Senior Seminar in Dance (4) Synthesis of principles, philosophy, and history of dance, culminating in senior individual project.
THTR 390 Special Problems (1-4, FaSp) Supervised, individual studies. No more than one registration permitted. Enrollment by petition only.
THTR 395m Drama as Human Relations (4) A focus on American ethnic and multicultural diversity from the perspectives of gender, race, and myth as revealed in plays, film, and other performance media.
THTR 396 God, Drama and Entertainment (4, FaSp) An exploration of money, power, sex and love in relation to secular and spiritual values represented by contemporary theatre media.
THTR 397 Theatre Practicum (1-4, max 12, FaSpSm) Substantive participation in productions sponsored by the school and supervised by the faculty.
THTR 403 The Performing Arts (4, FaSp) An interdisciplinary inquiry into the aesthetics of the performing arts. Examines a dramatic classic and its adaptation into musical theatre, opera, ballet, and film. (Duplicates credit in the former THTR 303.)
THTR 404 Acting Theory (4, FaSp) Examination of the theoretical foundations of acting as an art form through the reading of primary historical texts.
THTR 405m Performing Identities (4, FaSp) This course explores the live performance medium as a creative means of social redress and personal expression. (Duplicates credit in the former THTR 393m.)
THTR 406 Theatre on the Edge (4, FaSp) An exploration of the art of theatre at the edge of possibilities.
THTR 407ab Drawing and Rendering for the Theatre (2-2, FaSp) Drawing and rendering techniques appropriate for theatre designers. a: Drawing and drawing theory. b: Drawing and rendering. (Duplicates credit in former FA 407ab.)
THTR 408ab Dialects (2-2, FaSpSm) a: The study of standard American stage dialect using the international phonetic alphabet. b: The study of accents and regional dialects. Prerequisite for b: THTR 408a.
THTR 415ab Physical Theatre II (2-2, FaSp) Advanced Physical Acting focusing on principles of verbal/non-verbal improvisation and communication. Elements of textual analysis, including development of character mask and of the ensemble. Open to BFA Acting majors only. Prerequisite: THTR 315b.
THTR 417 Stage Combat (2, FaSp) Introduction to safe and effective portrayals of violence for the stage. Training and practice of unarmed stage combat skills. Recommended preparation: THTR 216.
THTR 420ab Advanced Acting (2-2, FaSp) Contemporary material from plays and screenplays with an emphasis on individual challenges and problems. Open to BFA acting majors only. Prerequisite: THTR 320b; Corequisite: a: THTR 415a, THTR 440a; b: THTR 415b, THTR 440b.
THTR 421 Effective Oral Presentation (2, FaSp) Developing and practicing performance skills necessary to give an effective oral presentation.
THTR 430 Stage Management II (3, Sp) Application of stage management procedures required in the professional theatre. Prerequisite: THTR 333.
THTR 431 Seminar in Theatre Design (2, FaSp) Research into the application of contemporary topics relevant to theatrical design within the diverse cultural environment of the greater Los Angeles area.
THTR 432ab Scene Design II (3-3, FaSp) Continuation of THTR 330. Evolution of scene design through analysis of script, environmental factors, and styles. Prerequisite: THTR 330.
THTR 433ab Costume Design II (3-3, FaSp) Evolution of costume design through analysis of script, environmental factors, and styles. Prerequisite: THTR 331.
THTR 434ab Lighting Design II (3-3, FaSp) Continuation of THTR 332. Evolution of lighting design through analysis of script, environmental factors, and styles. Prerequisite: THTR 332.
THTR 435 Advanced Theatrical Drafting (3) Drafting style and complex graphic communication. Emphasis on creating professional plates, developing an individual style and graphic problem solving.
THTR 436 Sound for Theatre (3, Fa) Introduction to electronic sound and sound reinforcement, including basic equipment, recording, editing, and show operation.
THTR 437 Scene Painting (3, Sp) Techniques, materials, and equipment of the scenic artist, including both historic and modern methods. Recommended preparation: paint and drawing experience.
THTR 438 Technical Theatre (3, Sp) Theory and practice of technical theatre. Emphasis is on technical problem solving and graphic solutions to technical theatre. Prerequisite: THTR 230.
THTR 439 Stage Properties (3, Sp) Organization, management, and construction of properties for the theatre.
THTR 440ab Advanced Voice (2-2, FaSp) Continuation of exercises related to the individual student for the stage. Open to BFA students only. Prerequisite: THTR 340ab.
THTR 441 Advanced Sound Design (3, Sp) Advanced exploration of theatrical sound design theory and related technology; creative uses of music, sound effects, and audio equipment in modern theatres. Prerequisite: THTR 436.
THTR 442 Voice-over Acting (2, FaSp) Acting techniques, recording studio technology and editing for the field of voice acting and voice-overs. Prerequisite: THTR 342a or THTR 408a.
THTR 444 Applied Voice: Speech and Text (3, Fa) Intensive study of speech and voice regarding text, context, environment, dynamics, range, and accent. Recommended preparation: THTR 342ab.
THTR 452ab Advanced Acting (4-4, FaSp) Intensive investigation and performance of audition techniques. Scene study skills developed, including cold readings, first readings, rehearsal procedure, performance process, camera/taping. Prerequisite: THTR 352b.
THTR 458 Visiting Artist Workshop (2, max 4, FaSp) A workshop course taught by the visiting artist holding the George Burns chair. Course topics will be determined by the instructor.
THTR 459 Songwriting for the Musical Theatre (2, FaSp) Structure, character and intention in songwriting for the musical theatre. Writing for the voice and examination of how form follows content. Portfolio submission required.
THTR 465 Playwriting III (4) Analysis of a full-length play or its equivalent with continued production opportunity. Prerequisite: THTR 366.
THTR 466 Playwriting IV (4) Continuation of the work begun in THTR 465. Prerequisite: THTR 465.
THTR 468 Theatre in Education (4, Sp) Exploration of the theory and practice of theatre arts in the learning environment. Design and implement projects to support elementary and secondary education. Recommended preparation: THTR 201, EDUC 200.
THTR 471 Senior Showcase (2) Designed to provide the graduating students with an opportunity to select, prepare and perform for agents, directors and producers in film, television and theatre. Audition required. Open to Theatre majors only.
THTR 472 Professional Preparation for Actors (2, FaSp) Introduction to the skills, knowledge, and promotional materials that will enable the student to manage an independent career in the performing arts. Open only to theatre majors at the senior level. Recommended preparation: THTR 101, THTR 252ab.
THTR 475 Acting on Camera: The Collaborative Process (4, max 8) Acting students will learn to develop on-camera acting skills and to collaborate with student directors and cinematographers from the School of Cinematic Arts. Recommended preparation: 300-level acting course.
THTR 476m African American Theatre, Dance, and Performance (4) A survey of African American theatre and cultural performance traditions as a reflection of both African American culture and American history.
THTR 477 Theatre and Therapy (4, Fa) Explores theatre as a healing art form. Techniques include games, improv, playback theatre, Boal’s and Moreno’s drama therapy, and Jungian dream theatre to name a few. Work with incarcerated youth, gay/lesbian/bi teens, elderly, disabled and other populations.
THTR 478ab Theatre for Youth (2-2) a: Theory and practice of youth theatre, including development and rehearsal of mainstage productions. Emphasis on multicultural and bilingual pieces. Enroll by audition or interview only. b: Continuation of a, bringing developed pieces into production for regional K-12.
THTR 479 Solo Performance (4, Fa) A writing-performance workshop in which students write, develop, and rehearse original, autobiographical and character monologues and perform them at the end of the semester.
THTR 480ab Performance for Camera (2-2, FaSpSm) a: Structured to address the dynamics of acting in relation to film/television. Refining the students’ understanding of the similarities/differences between acting on stage/film. (Duplicates credit in former THTR 480.) b: Continued exploration of acting for film/television. Furthering the student’s understanding of the similarities/differences between acting on stage/film.
THTR 481 From The Border to Broadway (4, Fa) An investigation of the role that Latina/o plays and performances have played in creating and documenting a contemporary American experience of the theatre.
THTR 482 Choreography for Television (4) Creative choreography of theatrical dance for television. Emphasis on rhythmic analysis, versatility, composition, notation techniques, and stylizing.
THTR 483 Dance Performance (2, max 8, Sm) Preparation, rehearsal, and performance of experimental choreography in main stage repertory.
THTR 484 Acting in Television Commercials (2, FaSm) An on-camera, workshop-style introduction to techniques, perspectives and theories unique to performing in television commercials. Recommended preparation: a 300‑level acting or voice class.
THTR 485 Advanced Solo Performance (4, Sp) An advanced writing and performance workshop. Students will write and rehearse an extended personal monologue to be presented at the end of the semester. Prerequisite: THTR 479.
THTR 486 Creating Characters (4) A writing workshop devoted to the creation of living, breathing characters, exploring a range of techniques designed to develop authenticity.
THTR 487 Promotion for the Performing Arts (4, Fa) Introduction and overview of all aspects of marketing the arts including both non-profit and commercial organizations.
THTR 488m Theatre in the Community (4, Fa) Research and actively develop the theory of theatre as a moving political, social, economic and spiritual force of change within the local community.
THTR 489 Theatre Internship (2-6, max 12, FaSpSm) Practical experience in the entertainment industry.
THTR 490x Directed Research (2-8, max 8, FaSpSm) Individual research and readings. Not available for graduate credit.
THTR 491 Theatre Organization and Administration (4, Fa) Budgets, contracts, box-office procedures, public relations; personnel and executive policies of the school, community, and professional theatre.
THTR 492 Producing Theatre (4, Sp) Analysis of all procedures involved in producing theatre (commercial or non-profit) including legal and business guidelines and contracts. Prerequisite: THTR 491.
THTR 493ab Periods and Styles (2-2, FaSp) A survey of the influence of historical and cultural events on the evaluation of theatrical styles. a: Classical to Jacobean. b: Restoration to 20th century.
THTR 494 Raising Money for the Arts (4, Sp) Overview of fundraising techniques for non-profit theatre including grantsmanship, board development, direct mail soliciting, and money raising activities and events.
THTR 495 Experimental Theatre Workshop I (4, max 8, FaSp) Guidance and direction in the production of new and experimental plays for a public audience.
THTR 496 Experimental Theatre Workshop II (4, max 8, FaSp) Continuation of THTR 495ab. Enrollment by audition only.
THTR 497 Advanced Theatre Practicum (2, max 4, FaSp) Intensive participation in a production sponsored by the school and supervised by the faculty, to increase and develop artistic growth. Prerequisite: THTR 397.
THTR 498 Production Analysis and Performance (4) Investigation and analysis of the work of a major dramatist and his milieu; production of one of his plays.
THTR 499 Special Topics (2-4, max 8, FaSp) Studies in selected areas of theatre art. Intensive practice in role and script interpretation and its psychological relationship to the audience.
THTR 501 Poetry and Prose into Drama (4, Sp) Plays for the stage shall be written using public-domain poetry and prose as inspiration and source material, complemented with exploring poetry, prose, and varied dramas as context for the student writer. Students should be well-versed in literature, and have written in one or more genres. Recommended preparation: reading poetry and novels.
THTR 504 The Art of Collaboration and Ensemble (2, FaSp) An investigation of the role that collaboration plays in making ensemble work. MFA Actors will collaborate with MFA Dramatic Writers in creating an ensemble company.
THTR 505 Staging Community-based Theatre (3, Sp) Explores the theory and practice of staging community-based popular theatre, including Theatre of the Oppressed, street theatre, witness theatre, agit-prop and festival theatre events.
THTR 510 Writing the Short Drama (2, FaSp) The art and craft of dramatic writing. In particular exploring its dimensions with regard to character and story development in the ten minute play.
THTR 512 Studies in Dramatic Analysis (2, FaSp) A skill-based workshop that uses a historical survey of theatre texts to develop critical reading skills along two different tracks: Acting and Dramatic Writing.
THTR 513 Seminar in History of the Theatre (4) Bibliography, historical evolution, patterns, and techniques of the theatre from primitive to modern times.
THTR 515abcdef Advanced Movement (2-2-2-2-2-2, FaSp) Advanced exercises in movement for the use of the body in relation to the stage. Corequisite for e: THTR 480, THTR 540e, THTR 555, THTR 575; corequisite for f: THTR 520e, THTR 540f, THTR 597.
THTR 520abcde Advanced Acting (4-4-2-4-2, FaSp) Advanced training in acting skills; emphasis upon individual needs. Corequisite for e: THTR 515f, THTR 540f, THTR 571, THTR 597.
THTR 521 Engaging Community Narratives (3, Fa) Provides training for actor/artists who partner with non-actors in community-based theatre projects.
THTR 525 Seminar in Contemporary Theatre (4, SpSm) Analysis of trends, problems, and the work of major figures in the contemporary theatre.
THTR 526 Seminar in Dramatic Literature (4) Study and analysis of world drama best representing changes in philosophies, aesthetics, and tastes of audiences.
THTR 528 Seminar in Dramatic Analysis (4, Fa) Drama as a living art; reading, analysis, and discussion of plays which best illustrate principles of effective playwriting.
THTR 529ab Textual Studies for Performance (a: 4, Fa; b: 4, Sp) Close textual reading of dramatic texts as a fundamental tool for rehearsal and performance.
THTR 530 Seminar in Dramatic Criticism (4) Dramatic criticism from the classical Greek period to the modern.
THTR 533 Seminar in the American Theatre (4, 2 years, SpSm) History and literature of the American theatre from its beginning to the present day.
THTR 535 Seminar in Aesthetics of the Theatre (4) Aesthetic theories which apply to the art of the theatre; emphasis upon acting and play direction.
THTR 540abcdef Advanced Voice Diction (2-2-2-2-2-2, FaSp) Advanced individual vocal development and application to a variety of professional and performance circumstances. Corequisite for e: THTR 515e, THTR 575, THTR 480, THTR 555; corequisite for f: THTR 515f, THTR 520e, THTR 571, THTR 597.
THTR 541 Diction and Dialects (2, Fa) Fundamentals of speech, diction, dialects and accents, including work in the International Phonetic Alphabet.
THTR 544 Embodied Poetics (2, Fa) Explores the relationship between vocal and physical expression and the spontaneity of human impulse within the community-based context.
THTR 545 Visiting Artists Master Seminar (4, Sp) A workshop taught by a master visiting artist, concentrating on his/her specific expertise in relation to dramatic writing. Course topics determined by the instructor. Recommended preparation: reading or viewing the work of the visiting master artist.
THTR 550ab Seminar in Scene Design (3-3, FaSp) Theory and practice of scene design; an intensive investigation into the relationship of a script to the visual statement.
THTR 552ab Seminar in Costume Design (3-3, FaSp) Theory and practice of costume design; intensive investigation into the relationship of a script to the visual statement.
THTR 553ab Seminar in Lighting Design (3-3, FaSp) Theory and practice of lighting design; intensive investigation into the relationship of a script to the visual statement.
THTR 554 Visual and Spatial Relationship (2, FaSp) The illustration and understanding of how space can be used to add emotional undertone, contextual information and strong staging ideas to a production.
THTR 555 Directing Fundamentals (2) To provide the basic foundations for the conceptualization and execution of works for the stage.
THTR 556ab Directing (2-2) A seminar/workshop in developing and testing directorial skills: text, design, acting, producing, and communication with an audience. Prerequisite: a: THTR 555; b: THTR 556a.
THTR 558ab Design for Directors (2-2) Basic elements of scenic, costume, props, lighting, sound, and make-up design, as they apply to the art of directing. Prerequisite: a: THTR 555; b: THTR 558a.
THTR 567ab Studies in Playwriting (4-4) a: Extensive examination of playwriting, dramaturgical development process, and readings of work toward the completion of professionally promising plays. b: Continued extensive examination of playwriting, dramaturgy, development, and readings of work toward the completion of professionally promising plays.
THTR 568 Popular Theatre for Education and Development (3, Sp) Theory and practice of Theatre in Education and Theatre for Development as resources for conscientization and liberation of communities at the margins of power.
THTR 571 Professional Seminar (2, Sp) Introduction to the world of the professional actor.
THTR 572 Global Dramatic Writing (4, FaSp) “Tour” of non-European and non-European American cultures with regard to their dramatic subject matter and traditions.
THTR 574 Dramatic Writing Across Media for the Playwright (4, FaSp) Intensive overview of career paths for playwrights in a wide array of media as they exist now, and as new opportunities arise.
THTR 575 Creative Production Projects (4) Advanced creative projects for production with emphasis on theatre as a synthesis of the performing arts.
THTR 577 Theatre and Therapy for Cultural Fieldwork (3, Sp) Explores the theory and practice of theatre and therapy in the cultural fieldwork and community development settings. Recommended Preparation: THTR 587.
THTR 578 Theatre of the Oppressed Theory, Games, and Techniques (4, FaSpSm) Basic theoretical foundations of game playing for populations at the margins of power. Recommended preparation: THTR 521, THTR 544.
THTR 579 Writing Culture (3, FaSpSm) Borrows from anthropology, popular/community-based theatre, cultural studies, and literature to provide an array of methodologies and approaches to artistic collaboration across cultures and difference.
THTR 586ab Applied Theatre Arts: Los Angeles Residency (2-2, FaSp) a: Academic and group process context for students’ work in their chosen local internships to help students engage with communities as cultural fieldworkers. b: Supervisory, logistical, and theoretical container for THTR 586a. Engages students in their curricular experiences in the cultural field in partnership with their community-based organizations.
THTR 587 Liberation Arts and Community Engagement – Theory (4, Fa) Historical foundations of liberatory movements using expressive arts towards community-based goals of reciprocal and collaborative empowerment, civil rights, psychological or political freedom and justice.
THTR 588 Liberation Arts and Community Engagement – Praxis (3, Sp) Theory and practice of developing liberatory and Theatre of the Oppressed events, from first community contact to staged public event. Prerequisite: THTR 587.
THTR 590 Directed Research (1-12, FaSpSm) Research leading to the master’s degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.
THTR 591 Seminar in Producing Theatre (4) A seminar in the theories and processes of producing theatre (commercial and non-profit).
THTR 592ab Participatory Action Research for Community-based Theatre (a: 2, FaSp; b: 2, Sm) a: Examination of theories and practices of Participatory Action Research (PAR) to better understand its various forms in community-based contexts using theatre as the research mode. b: Implements the theories and practices of THTR 592a towards the creation of a summative research paper on the local and international applied theatre arts experience.
THTR 593 MFA Project (2, max 4, FaSpSm) Credit awarded upon completion of project. Graded CR/NC.
THTR 594abz Master’s Thesis (2-2-0, FaSpSm) Credit on acceptance of thesis. Graded CR/NC.
THTR 595ab Graduate Playwrights’ Workshop (4-4) a: Development of thesis plays utilizing faculty dramaturgical support and involvement of student actors/directors. Includes readings with/without audiences. Simulates professional development process. b: Continued development of thesis plays in a simulated professional development workshop process utilizing dramaturgy and involvement of student actors/directors. Culminates in staged readings.
THTR 597 Theatre Practicum (1-4, max 12, FaSpSm) Preparation, rehearsal, and performance of dramatic works in main stage repertory.
THTR 598 Applied Theatre Arts: International Externship (2) Supervisory, logistical and theoretical container for students exploring cultural fieldwork in international settings. Prerequisite: THTR 588.
THTR 599 Special Topics (2-4, max 8) Studies in selected areas of theatre art.