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.

Theatre Course Offerings

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
THEA 110	Introduction to the Theatre	3.0	FS	GE
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. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (009211)
THEA 112	Acting and Social Wellness	3.0	FS	GE
An introduction to the aesthetic principles and practical methods actors use to bring life to characters in plays. Special attention is given to themes of healthy vs. unhealthy personal, family, and social relationships and their critical examination through the active inquiry of rehearsal. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (009210)
THEA 135	Musical Theatre Dance	2.0	SP
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. (009509)
THEA 150	Foundations of Drama	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: Declared Theatre or Musical Theatre major or minor. This course introduces students to the field of theatre as both art and business. Students engage with inspirational readings about the nature of theatre as well as learning about trends within the industry for jobs and training beyond the BA level. Students develop tools for job seeking as well as engaging with critical explorations on what the nature of theater in the 21st century is. 3 hours lecture. (015862)
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. (015858)
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. (015860)
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. (009229)
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. (015863)
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. (009525)
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. (009230)
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. (009238)
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. (009546)
THEA 220	Stagecraft	3.0	FA
An introduction to technical theatre production in the areas of scenery, property construction, and painting. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (009213)
THEA 221	Stage Electrics	3.0	SP
An introduction to technical theatre production in the areas of stage lighting practices and equipment operation. Class includes lecture/discussion and practical assignments. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. Formerly THEA 121. (001653)
THEA 222	Costume Crafts	3.0	SP
An introduction to technical theatre production in the construction of stage costumes, accessories, and masks. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (009514)
THEA 223	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. (009215)
THEA 225	Stage Management	3.0	SP
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. 3 hours discussion. (021195)
THEA 230	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. (009225)
THEA 231	Beginning Ballet	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. (009505)
THEA 232	Beginning Tap Dance	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. (009508)
THEA 233	Beginning Jazz Dance	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. (009507)
THEA 234	Beginning Modern Dance	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. (009506)
THEA 240	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. (009217)
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. (009513)
THEA 251	World Theatre	3.0	FA	GE
This is a survey course examining theatrical performance throughout the world focusing primarily on non-western forms. It examines representative examples of theatrical performance within specific cultures or geographic locations and explores the social and cultural connections between performance and society. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (021114)
THEA 252	Politics, Performance, and Power	3.0	FS	GE
This course serves as an introduction to the connections between theatre and politics, ranging from traditional theatre to performance art. It examines the nature of political theatre and performance and introduces key figures such as Bertolt Brecht, Augusto Boal, and Guillermo Gomez-Pena. Students see live performance, read theoretical and performance texts, and develop a critical discourse about the nature of politics, power, and performance. Students also engage in performance practice as well as theory, formulating a creative work in response to a contemporary performance issue. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (021151)
THEA 260	Intermediate Acting	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: THEA 150, THEA 230, THEA 240; 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. (009227)
THEA 271	Performing the Digital Body	3.0	FS
This course is an introduction and critical exploration to the connections between theatre, gaming, and the digital body of the performer, Students read excerpts from critical theory and performance texts, view live performances, and play digital games to expand on this transforming sense of self. Students engage in digital performance practice as well as theory, formulating a creative work in response to their own sense of the digital body which reflects their postmodern identity. 3 hours lecture. (021152)
THEA 301	Theatre Rehearsal II	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 larger role in a department production or other approved activity. 3 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (009516)
THEA 302	Musical Theatre Rehearsal II	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 larger role in a department production or other approved activity. 3 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (009517)
THEA 303	Dance Theatre Rehearsal II	1.0	FS
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 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (015864)
THEA 306	Production Assistant II	1.0	FS
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 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (009547)
THEA 309	Musical Theatre Ensemble	2.0	FS
Prerequisites: Audition or permission of instructor. Students will spend classroom time learning and rehearsing pieces from the musical theatre canon. In addition, students will be directly involved in a touring company presenting musical theatre selections for interested groups off and on campus. Tour dates will be scheduled as requested, with a concentraton on the spring semester. 4 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 8.0 units. (009524)
THEA 311	Children's Lit in Performance	3.0	FS
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. 3 hours discussion. (009224)
THEA 315	Performance of Identity	3.0	FS	GE USD
This course is also offered as MCGS 315. A study of identity as expressed through performance in theatre and other media. The course focuses on issues of race, gender, and sexuality. Students see live performances, read classic and contemporary performance texts, and gain exposure to key figures who engage with identity politics in performance in the contemporary consciousness. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (009520)
THEA 330	Movement for Actors II	3.0	S2
Prerequisites: THEA 160, THEA 230, 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 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (002498)
THEA 331	Intermediate Ballet	2.0	SP
Prerequisites: THEA 231 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. (009518)
THEA 332	Intermediate Tap Dance	2.0	FA
Prerequisites: THEA 232 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. (020003)
THEA 333	Intermediate Jazz Dance	2.0	FA
Prerequisites: THEA 233 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. (009519)
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. (009531)
THEA 352	History of Theatre I	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: THEA 150, THEA 160, THEA 170, THEA 250. This course is a survey of the theoretical and historical trends in performance from the ancient world to the advent of realism in the 19th century. Students discover key moments in the theatre history as well as signature scripts which represent the theatrical world of antiquity to Western Europe in this time frame. Students focus on the intersections of popular culture, political and social trends, and theatre through antiquity, the medieval period, the Renaissance, Neoclassicism, and Realism. 3 hours lecture. (021169)
THEA 353	History of Theatre II	3.0	SP	GW
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 or JOUR 130 (or equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher. THEA 250 This course is a survey of the theoretical and historical trends in performance from the 19th century to the contemporary period. Students discover key moments in theatre history as well as signature scripts which represent the theatrical world of America and Western Europe in this time frame. Students engage in critical written and oral discourse about the nature of theatres, dramaturgy, and history. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (009232)
THEA 354	The Literature of Musical Theatre	3.0	SP
Through careful reading and study of major works in the Musical Theatre canon, this course examines this unique art form and the cultural factors that influenced its creation and evolution as well as the aspects of our contemporary society that are influenced by it. 3 hours lecture. (021170)
THEA 360	Scene Study	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. (009523)
THEA 361	Musical Theatre Styles	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. (009259)
THEA 365	Styles in Acting	3.0	SP
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 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (009251)
THEA 370	Scenic Design	3.0	SP
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 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (009268)
THEA 371	Lighting Design	3.0	FA
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 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (009234)
THEA 372	Costume Design	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: THEA 170, THEA 222, 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 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (009235)
THEA 373	Scenic Painting	3.0	SP
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. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (020855)
THEA 374	Sound Design	3.0	SP
This course serves as a basic level technology and design course for theatrical sound design. Combining the basics of audio, equipment, and science with design-focused projects, the student should gain an awareness of audio as a theatrical design element and the process by which sound is designed for live theatrical production. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical resulting in a blend of technical and artistic projects. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (021159)
THEA 375	New Media and Theatre	3.0	SP
This course serves as an introduction to a relatively new design field in theatre, new media. The course introduces criticism as well as practical elements to prepare young artists to work with new media in a performance environment, be it in a traditional theatre or an artistic installation. The course places students in creative positions, sometimes in teams, sometimes solo, to develop installation pieces which involve the use of new media as design and narrative elements. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (021171)
THEA 380	Directing I: Principles of Directing	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: THEA 170, THEA 250. 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. (009529)
THEA 381	One Acts Production	2.0	FA
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 hour seminar, 2 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units. (009264)
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. (009536)
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. (009537)
THEA 398	Special Topics	1.0 -3.0	FS
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. 3 hours lecture. (009532)
THEA 399	Special Problems	1.0 -3.0	FS
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. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (009247)
THEA 399H	Independent Study for Honors	3.0	FS
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. 9 hours supervision. (009543)
THEA 460	Audition Techniques and Preparation	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. (009260)
THEA 470	Seminar in Design and Technical Theatre	3.0	FS
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 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (009266)
THEA 489	Internship in Theatre Arts	2.0 -12.0	FS
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. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. (009539)
THEA 498	Special Topics	1.0 -4.0	FS
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. 1 hour lecture. (009541)
THEA 499	Special Problems	1.0 -3.0	FS
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. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (009542)
THEA 499H	Independent Study for Honors	3.0	FS
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. 9 hours supervision. (015906)