Theatre (THTR)

The terms indicated are expected but are not guaranteed. For the courses offered during any given term, consult the Schedule of Classes.

100xg Introduction to the Theatre (4, FaSp) Exploration of the creative elements of theatre art: playwriting, acting, directing; scenic, lighting, and costume design. Analysis of major plays in production. Not available for major credit.

101 Theatre I (4, FaSp) Study of genres, terminology, and disciplines of the theatre; fundamental techniques necessary for performance; scene study from contemporary plays.

112 Critical and Historical Studies in Drama I (2, Fa) Readings in dramatic literature and theatre history in 19th and 20th century realism to relate to THTR 120ab.

115ab Stage Movement I (2-2, FaSp) Basic training for the actor's body for expression and communication. Awareness and control through mind-body techniques: includes tap, Alexander Technique, and dance.

120ab Acting and Dramatic Analysis I (4-4, FaSp) Basic concepts, interaction, and dramatic flexibility; improvisation leading to scene work and dramatic analysis in 19th and 20th century realism.

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.

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.

123abx Scene Study on Camera (2-2) a: Analysis and rehearsal of excerpts from contemporary plays, through the use of video tape and class performance. b: Continuation of THTR 123a. Not available for credit to theatre majors.

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.

130 Introduction to Theatrical Production (4, FaSp) Introduction to the non-performance areas of theatrical production (administrative, design, and technical fields) through hands-on participation in USC productions.

131 Scenic Construction Fundamentals (3, FaSp) Introduction to the technology of the theatrical scene shop. Lecture and lab classes will center around the proper and safe use of tools, the choosing of materials, and methods of construction. Prerequisite: THTR 130.

140ab Voice I (2-2, FaSp) Exploration of the individual voice, centering on vocal tone and support, development of individual color and range.

151 Theatre II (4, FaSp) Continuation of THTR 101. Prerequisite: THTR 101.

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.

182ab Advanced Modern Dance (2-2, FaSpSm) a: A continuing study of modern dance skills towards an advanced level of competency. b: Advanced technique and composition.

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.

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.

188ab International Style Ballroom Dance (2-2, FaSpSm) Representative ballroom dances: waltz, slow foxtrot, tango, and quickstep. a: Beginning. b: Intermediate. Graded CR/NC.

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.

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.

200xg Introduction to Modern Drama (4, FaSp) Form and meaning in selected European and American plays from 1880 to the present. Not available for major credit to theatre majors.

210 Theory and Practice of Theatre I: A Historical Survey (4, FaSp) A multicultural and international survey of the history of the theory and practice of theatre from its origins to the age of Shakespeare and Zeami.

211 Theory and Practice of Theatre II: A Historical Survey (4, FaSp) A multicultural and transnational survey of the theory and practice of theatre from Shakespeare and Zeami to the present.

212 Critical and Historical Studies in Drama II (2, Sp) Readings in dramatic literature and theatre history from Elizabethan England, with emphasis on Shakespeare.

213g History and Literature of the Theatre I (4, Fa) Origins, classical Greek and Roman periods.

214 History and Literature of the Theatre II (4, Sp) Medieval and Renaissance periods.

215ab Stage Movement II (2-2, FaSp) Training of the actor's body with focus on development of precision and strength. Prerequisite: THTR 115ab.

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. For B.A., Theatre (Acting) students only.

220ab Acting and Dramatic Analysis II (4-4, FaSp) Scene study workshop and dramatic analysis of contemporary texts with emphasis on the problems of comedy.

222 Stage Make-up (1, Fa) Principles of stage make-up: materials and skills allowing the actors to enhance their features as well as techniques for character roles.

230 Scenographic Techniques (2) Introduction to theatrical presentational graphics, including stage drafting, orthographics, perspective methods, shades and shadows, floor plans and complete elevations. Prerequisite: THTR 130 and THTR 131.

231 Costume Construction (3, FaSp) Historical survey, theory and practice in construction of costume, emphasis on period and style. Prerequisite: THTR 131.

232 Stage Lighting (3, Fa) Theory and practice of theatrical lighting design including electricity, radiant energy, refraction, reflection, absorption, chromatic variation, and electronic controls. Prerequisite: THTR 131.

240ab Voice II (2-2, FaSp) Development of the voice using material which explores the techniques of Shakespeare and his contemporaries. Prerequisite: THTR 140ab.

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.

265 Introduction to Playwriting Workshop (4) Examination of elements of drama in the development/marketing of short plays, allowing the experience of dramatic process and creating a foray into playwriting. Reading assignment is tailored for each student.

280 Dance as an Art Form (4) 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

312 Critical and Historical Studies in Drama III (2, Fa) Readings in dramatic literature and theatre history from the drama of Europe and America from the 16th to the 19th centuries.

313 History and Literature of the Theatre III (4, Fa) French classicism, Romanticism, and Early Realism to 1890.

314 History and Literature of the Theatre IV (4, Sp) 20th century realism and the avant-garde.

315ab Stage Movement III (2-2, FaSp) Advanced techniques including historical and national dances.

316 Advanced Movement for Actors (2, FaSp) Advanced physical training for the B.A. actor utilizing various movement techniques through improvisation. Prerequisite: THTR 216. For B.A., Theatre (Acting) students only.

320ab Acting III (2-2, FaSp) a: Intensive scene study of Shakespeare and his 17th century contemporaries. b: Scene study of 18th and 19th century European and American plays.

330 Scene Design I (4, Fa) Historical styles, methods, and dramatic analysis for scene design as applied in contemporary practice. Prerequisite: THTR 230.

331 Costume Design I (4, Sp) Historical styles, methods, and dramatic analysis in costume design as applied in contemporary practice. Prerequisite: THTR 231.

332 Lighting Design I (4, Sp) Historical styles, methods, and dramatic analysis in lighting design as applied in contemporary practice. Prerequisite: THTR 232 or departmental approval.

333 Stage Management I (3, Fa) Basic skills, including assembly of prompt book, blocking notation, and organizational and communication procedures applied in theatre production.

340ab Voice III (2-2, FaSp) Focus on vocal clarity and color in relation to workshop productions.

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.

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.

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.

352ab Intermediate Acting II (2-2, FaSp) a: Building and sustaining character in realistic American drama. b: Continuation of world drama. Class performance and critique. Prerequisite: THTR 151.

355 Directing for the Actor (2, Sp) Fundamentals and theories. Understanding the relationship of the actor and director.

365 Playwriting I (4, FaSp) Essential elements of playwriting through weekly assignments, students' initiative, occasional productions of scenes, and extensive classroom analysis.

366 Playwriting II (4, FaSp) Continuation of the work begun in THTR 365. Prerequisite: THTR 365 or departmental approval.

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.

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.

388 Senior Seminar in Dance (4) Synthesis of principles, philosophy, and history of dance, culminating in senior individual project.

390 Special Problems (1-4, FaSp) Supervised, individual studies. No more than one registration permitted. Enrollment by petition only.

397 Theatre Practicum (1-4, max FaSpSm) Substantive participation in productions sponsored by the school and supervised by the faculty.

405ab Advanced Directing (2-2) a: Directing techniques and styles for modern drama. b: Techniques and styles for pre-modern drama. Prerequisite: THTR 305ab.

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 or departmental approval.

412 Critical and Historical Studies in Drama IV (2, Sp) History of contemporary and avant-garde drama.

415ab Stage Movement IV (2-2, FaSp) Advanced exercises in group and individual movement as related to the stage. Prerequisite: THTR 315ab.

420ab Advanced Individual Acting Problems (2-2, FaSp) Individual sessions dealing with problems of advanced technique.

430 Stage Management II (3, Sp) Application of stage management procedures required in the professional theatre. Prerequisite: THTR 333.

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.

433ab Costume Design II (3-3, FaSp) Continuation of THTR 331. Evolution of costume design through analysis of script, environmental factors, and styles. Prerequisite: THTR 331.

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.

435 Advanced Theatrical Drafting (2) Drafting style and complex graphic communication. Emphasis on creating professional plates, developing an individual style and graphic problem solving. Prerequisite: THTR 230 or departmental approval.

436 Sound for Theatre (3, Fa) Introduction to electronic sound and sound reinforcement, including basic equipment, recording, editing, and show operation.

437 Scene Painting (3, Sp) Techniques, materials, and equipment of the scenic artist, including both historic and modern methods. Prerequisite: THTR 330 or departmental approval.

438 Technical Theatre (3) Theory and practice of technical theatre. Emphasis is on technical problem solving and graphic solutions to technical theatre. Prerequisite: THTR 230.

439 Stage Properties (3, Sp) Organization, management, and construction of properties for the theatre. Prerequisite: THTR 131.

440ab Voice and Diction (2-2, FaSp) Continuation of exercises related to the individual student for the stage. Prerequisite: THTR 340ab.

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 or departmental approval.

444 Special Vocal Problems for the Actor (2, FaSp) Intensive study of vocal material in contemporary and classical theatre emphasizing character and text interpretation, contemporary and period stylization, and individual voice problems.

450 Festival Repertory Theatre Workshop (4, Sm) Participation in all phases of a repertory company presenting plays for the public. Admission to the course by audition and interview only.

465 Playwriting III (4) Analysis of a full-length play or its equivalent with continued production opportunity. Prerequisite: THTR 366 or departmental approval.

466 Playwriting IV (4) Continuation of the work begun in THTR 465. Prerequisite: THTR 465 or departmental approval.

475ab Advanced Acting (2-2, FaSp) Intensive study of acting styles from the Greeks through the modern realistic theatre including Shakespeare and Restoration Comedy. Prerequisite: THTR 352ab.

478ab Theatre for Youth (2-2, FaSp) 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.

479 Solo Performance (2, max 4, FaSp) A workshop in which students write, develop, and perform own personal monologues. Class combines elements of story, character, comedy, drama, composition. Prerequisite: departmental approval.

482 Choreography for Television (4) Creative choreography of theatrical dance for television. Emphasis on rhythmic analysis, versatility, composition, notation techniques, and stylizing.

483ab Dance Performance (2-2) Preparation, rehearsal, and performance of experimental choreography in main stage repertory.

487 Promotion for the Performing Arts (4, Sp) Introduction and overview of all aspects of marketing the arts including both non-profit and commercial organizations.

488ab Theatre in the Community (3-3, FaSpSm) a: Research and actively develop the theory of theatre as a moving political, social, economic and spiritual force of change within the local community. b: Continuation of THTR 488a. Recommended preparation: THTR 115b, THTR 120b, THTR 140b.

489 Theatre Internship (2-6, max 12, FaSpSm) Practical experience in the entertainment industry.

490x Directed Research (2-8, max 8, FaSpSm) Individual research and readings. Not available for graduate credit. Prerequisite: departmental approval.

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.

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 or departmental approval.

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.

494 Raising Money for the Arts (4, Fa) Overview of fundraising techniques for non-profit theatre including grantsmanship, board development, direct mail soliciting, and money raising activities and events.

495ab Experimental Theatre Workshop I (4-4, max 8, FaSp) Guidance and direction in the production of new and experimental plays for a public audience.

496 Experimental Theatre Workshop II (4, max 8, FaSp) Continuation of THTR 495ab. Enrollment by audition only.

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.

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.

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.

513 Seminar in History of the Theatre (4) Bibliography, historical evolution, patterns, and techniques of the theatre from primitive to modern times.

515abcd Advanced Movement (2-2-2-2, FaSp) Advanced exercises in movement for the use of the body in relation to the stage.

520abcd Advanced Acting (4-4-4-4, FaSp) Advanced training in acting skills; emphasis upon individual needs.

525 Seminar in Contemporary Theatre (4, SpSm) Analysis of trends, problems, and the work of major figures in the contemporary theatre.

526 Seminar in Dramatic Literature (4) Study and analysis of world drama best representing changes in philosophies, aesthetics, and tastes of audiences.

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.

530 Seminar in Dramatic Criticism (4) Dramatic criticism from the classical Greek period to the modern.

533 Seminar in the American Theatre (4, 2 years, SpSm) History and literature of the American theatre from its beginning to the present day.

535 Seminar in Aesthetics of the Theatre (4) Aesthetic theories which apply to the art of the theatre; emphasis upon acting and play direction.

540abcd Advanced Voice Diction (2-2-2-2, FaSp) Individual work in improving the actor's vocal range.

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.

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.

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.

555 Directing Fundamentals (2) To provide the basic foundations for the conceptualization and execution of works for the stage. Prerequisite: registration is restricted to M.F.A. candidates in theatre or by departmental approval.

556ab Directing (2-2) A seminar/workshop in developing and testing directorial skills: text, design, acting, producing, and communication with an audience. Prerequisite: for a: THTR 555; for b: THTR 556a; registration is restricted to M.F.A. candidates in theatre or by departmental approval.

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: for a: THTR 555; for b: THTR 558a; registration is restricted to M.F.A. candidates in theatre or by departmental approval.

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. Prerequisite: must be enrolled in the Master of Fine Arts playwriting or directing program.

575 Creative Production Projects (4) Advanced creative projects for production with emphasis on theatre as a synthesis of the performing arts.

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.

591 Seminar in Producing Theatre (4) A seminar in the theories and processes of producing theatre (commercial and non-profit). Prerequisite: registration is restricted to M.F.A. candidates in theatre or by departmental approval.

593ab M.F.A. Project (2, max 4, FaSpSm) Credit awarded upon completion of project. Graded CR/NC.

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. Prerequisite: must be enrolled in Master of Fine Arts playwriting or directing program.

597 Theatre Practicum (1-4, max 12, FaSpSm) Preparation, rehearsal, and performance of dramatic works in main stage repertory.

599 Special Topics (2-4, max 8) Studies in selected areas of theatre art.

790 Research (1-12) Research leading to the doctorate. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.

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