The Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre
Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 120 units
See "Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree" in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.
A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. Please request a plan from your major advisor.
General Education Requirements: 48 units
See General Education Requirements in the University Catalog and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Requirements and course offerings.
Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units
See "Diversity Requirement" in the University Catalog. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education Requirements.
U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals: 6 units
See "U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals" under "Bachelor's Degree Requirements". This requirement is normally fulfilled by completing HIST 130 and POLS 155 or approved equivalents. Courses used to satisfy this requirement do not apply to General Education.
Literacy Requirement:
See Math and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog. Writing proficiency in the major is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of a course in your major which has been designated as the Writing Proficiency (WP) course for the semester in which you take the course. Students who earn below a C- are required to repeat the course and earn a C- or higher to receive WP credit. See the Class Schedule
for the designated WP courses for each semester. You must pass ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a C- or higher before you may register for a WP course.
Course Requirements for the Major: 62-63 units
Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree.
Laptop Requirement
To complete this program, the student must have the use of a laptop computer. Please consult with the department for current hardware and software requirements. Students qualify to receive special education discounts on computers and software sold through the Associated Students Bookstore (an Apple authorized campus store). For some programs, in an effort to lower student expenses, bundles consisting of a specially priced Apple laptop computer with the program's required software will be made available at the beginning of each academic year through the Associated Students Bookstore. This laptop computer package is expected to serve the student for the entire length of the program.
Degree Program Core: 40 units
16 courses required:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
|
MUSC 217
|
Beginning Voice
|
|
1.0
|
INQ
|
|
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
Basic principles of singing. Correct breathing, posture, and tone production appropriate for musical theatre and other popular music genres. Repertoire and recital performance stressed as pupil progresses. 2 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
|
Note: MUSC 217 must be taken twice, for a total of 2 units.
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
|
MUSC 219
|
Fundamentals of Music
|
|
3.0
|
FS
|
|
|
Students are given instruction in basic music theory, ear training, sight singing, piano skills, and rhythm. The fundamentals of music theory are translated to basic score reading/playing. 3 hours discussion.
|
|
THEA 100
|
Theatre Forum
|
|
1.0
|
FA
|
|
|
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 hours activity.
|
|
THEA 130
|
Movement for Actors
|
|
3.0
|
FS
|
|
|
Development of movement techniques for performance. A course for majors in Theatre and Music. Open to interested non-majors. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity.
|
|
THEA 131
|
Ballet for Musical Theatre
|
|
2.0
|
FA
|
|
|
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 hours activity.
|
|
THEA 133
|
Jazz Dance for Musical Theatre
|
|
2.0
|
SP
|
|
|
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 hours activity.
|
|
THEA 140
|
Voice for Performance
|
|
3.0
|
FS
|
|
|
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 hours discussion, 2 hours activity.
|
|
THEA 150
|
Foundations of Drama
|
|
3.0
|
FA
|
|
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. 3 hours lecture.
|
|
THEA 150X
|
Theatrical Readings
|
|
2.0
|
FA
|
|
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. 2 hours seminar.
|
|
THEA 160
|
Foundations of Acting
|
|
3.0
|
FS
|
|
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 hours lecture, 2 hours activity.
|
|
THEA 170
|
Foundations of Design
|
|
3.0
|
FS
|
|
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 hours lecture, 2 hours activity.
|
|
THEA 250
|
Textual Analysis for Production
|
|
3.0
|
FA
|
|
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. 3 hours lecture.
|
|
THEA 260
|
Intermediate Acting I
|
|
3.0
|
FS
|
|
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 hours discussion, 2 hours activity.
|
|
THEA 351
|
History of Musical Theatre
|
|
3.0
|
SP
|
GW
|
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. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors.
|
|
THEA 351X
|
Reading/Listening in Musical Theatre Literature
|
|
1.0
|
SP
|
|
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. 1 hour lecture.
|
|
THEA 361
|
Intermediate Acting II--Musical Theatre
|
|
3.0
|
FA
|
|
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 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
|
Rehearsal/Acting Practica: 2 units
2 units selected from:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
|
THEA 201
|
Theatre Rehearsal I
|
|
1.0
|
FS
|
|
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. 2 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
|
|
THEA 202
|
Musical Theatre Rehearsal I
|
|
1.0
|
FS
|
|
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. 2 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
|
|
THEA 203
|
Dance Theatre Rehearsal I
|
|
1.0
|
FS
|
|
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. 2 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
|
Technical Theatre Practica: 2 units
2 units selected from:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
|
THEA 204
|
Costume Practice I
|
|
1.0
|
FS
|
|
|
Applied study of costume and makeup practices through participaton in costume construction and on wardrobe and makeup crews for department productions or other approved activities. 2 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
|
|
THEA 205
|
Scene/Light Practice I
|
|
1.0
|
FS
|
|
|
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. 2 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
|
|
THEA 206
|
Production Assistant I
|
|
1.0
|
FS
|
|
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 hour activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
|
Electives Requirement: 18-19 units
To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses as follows:
Theatre
6 units selected from:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
|
THEA 123
|
Make-Up
|
|
3.0
|
FA
|
|
|
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 hours discussion, 2 hours activity.
|
|
THEA 340
|
Advanced Voice for Performance: Acting Heightened Text
|
|
3.0
|
F2
|
|
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 hours discussion, 2 hours activity.
|
|
THEA 350
|
History of Modern Theatre
|
|
3.0
|
SP
|
GW
|
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 nineteeth century through today. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors.
|
|
THEA 350X
|
Readings in Dramatic Literature
|
|
1.0
|
SP
|
|
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. 1 hour lecture.
|
|
THEA 360
|
Intermediate Acting II--Theatre
|
|
3.0
|
SP
|
|
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 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
|
|
THEA 380
|
Directing I: Principles of Directing
|
|
3.0
|
FS
|
|
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 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
|
|
THEA 460
|
Seminar in Advance Acting
|
|
3.0
|
FS
|
|
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 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
|
Theatre Dance
6 units selected from:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
|
THEA 132
|
Tap Dance for Musical Theatre
|
|
2.0
|
FA
|
|
|
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 hours activity.
|
|
THEA 134
|
Modern Dance for Musical Theatre
|
|
2.0
|
SP
|
|
|
This course is designed for the student who is interested in learning basic traditional forms of modern dance in musical theatre. 4 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units.
|
|
THEA 235
|
Musical Theatre Dance Survey
|
|
2.0
|
SP
|
|
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. 4 hours activity.
|
|
THEA 331
|
Intermediate Ballet for Musical Theatre
|
|
2.0
|
SP
|
|
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 hours activity.
|
|
THEA 332
|
Intermed Tap Dance for MUTH
|
|
2.0
|
FA
|
|
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 hours activity.
|
|
THEA 333
|
Intermediate Jazz Dance for Musical Theatre
|
|
2.0
|
FA
|
|
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 hours activity.
|
|
THEA 382
|
Seminar in Choreography
|
|
2.0
|
SP
|
|
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. 1 hour seminar, 2 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units.
|
|
THEA 383
|
Choreographic Production
|
|
2.0
|
FA
|
|
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). 1 hour seminar, 2 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units.
|
Music
3 units selected from:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
|
MUSC 110F
|
Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Voice
|
|
1.0
|
FS
|
|
|
See above. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 12.0 units.
|
|
MUSC 109
|
Introduction to Music Technology
|
|
3.0
|
FA
|
|
|
Theory and practice of recording, including audio theory and the use of synthesizers, samplers, computers, microphones, recording consoles, and tape machines. 3 hours discussion.
|
|
MUSC 291
|
American Music
|
|
3.0
|
FS
|
GE
|
|
A survey of the development of music in the United States from colonial days to the present. Includes African American, Indian, folk, sacred, country, blues, rock, Broadway show, jazz, and art music traditions. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course.
|
|
MUSC 292
|
Major Music Figures in Western Civilization
|
|
3.0
|
FS
|
|
|
Main currents in Western music from the nineteenth century to the present. Masterworks of major musical figures are studied in relation to the historical, cultural, social, and political forces which produced them. "Tradition" as applied to contemporary musical life is considered. 3 hours discussion.
|
|
MUSC 293
|
History of Jazz
|
|
3.0
|
SP
|
|
|
The historical and philosophical study of jazz from its African origins to the various forms in which it exists today. 3 hours lecture.
|
|
MUSC 294
|
History of Rock Music
|
|
3.0
|
FA
|
|
|
An in-depth study of Rock and Roll music and culture as it relates to the development and changes in American and world social orders. A study of the impact of Rock and Roll on social, economic, cultural and political structures. 3 hours lecture.
|
|
MUSC 296
|
African American Music
|
|
3.0
|
FS
|
GE
USD
|
This course is also offered as
AFAM 296.
A historical survey from the African heritage and Colonial times to the present. The types, forms, and styles of African American music are studied in relation to the African American experience. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course.
|
|
MUSC 309
|
Music Industry
|
|
3.0
|
FS
|
GW
|
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher.
The study of music as an industry, including copyrights, publishing, licensing, merchandising, and an overview of the record industry. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors.
|
|
MUSC 310F
|
Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Voice
|
|
1.0
|
FS
|
|
|
See above. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 12.0 units.
|
|
MUSC 373
|
Vocal Diction and Literature I
|
|
3.0
|
FA
|
|
|
3 hours discussion. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
|
|
MUSC 374
|
Vocal Diction and Literature II
|
|
3.0
|
SP
|
|
Prerequisites: One or more semesters of studio instruction or faculty permission.
MUSC 373 - MUSC 374: The study of lyric diction and performance of literature for singers in English, Italian (A), German and French (B). Although emphasis is placed on correct pronunciation through the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet, students also acquire basic ability to translate songs in foreign languages. Each semester may be repeated once for credit. 3 hours discussion. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
|
Voice
3 units selected from:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
|
MUSC 110F
|
Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Voice
|
|
1.0
|
FS
|
|
|
See above. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 12.0 units.
|
|
MUSC 217
|
Beginning Voice
|
|
1.0
|
INQ
|
|
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
Basic principles of singing. Correct breathing, posture, and tone production appropriate for musical theatre and other popular music genres. Repertoire and recital performance stressed as pupil progresses. 2 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
|
Note: In addition to the 2 units of MUSC 217 required in the Core, it may be taken again for a maximum of 2 additional units.
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
|
MUSC 310F
|
Studio Instruction in Applied Music: Voice
|
|
1.0
|
FS
|
|
|
See above. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 12.0 units.
|
Electives Requirement:
To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses from the total University offerings. You should consult with an advisor regarding the selection of courses which will provide breadth to your University experience and possibly apply to a supportive second major or minor.
Special Musical Theatre Requirements
1. In the annual spring auditions, each student must demonstrate appropriate competence in the major before a faculty committee. Consult with an advisor for format and standards upon admission to the degree program.
2. Students must participate in auditions for all theatre productions or make portfolio presentations. Enrollment in THEA 401, THEA 402, THEA 406, THEA 460, THEA 470 and participation in production assignment(s) are determined by satisfactory completion of audition and portfolio presentations each semester.
Grading Requirement:
All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.
Advising Requirement:
Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.
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