Theatre Arts (TART)

This course introduces the student to the fundamental elements and techniques of acting. The student actor will explore the theory and practice of acting through acting exercises, improvisation, theatre games, solo and two-person or group scenes. The course also explores the concepts of acting through relaxation, concentration, sensory awareness and imagination as the student develops both an understanding and appreciation of acting for the theatre.

This course is an investigation and development of a character by students that further strengthens techniques of personalization, role analysis and character motivation while including such disciplines as sense and emotional memory and improvisation. Additionally, investigation of the physical life of a character is emphasized, together with the technical and imaginative development of voice and body skills as a means of achieving fully realized characterizations (continued scene study, utilizing the works of major playwrights within the last hundred years).

This course emphasizes specific performance skills and acting techniques utilizing classical scene selections, emphasizing Western playwrights of the 16th and 17th century, to heighten the intensity of the acting experience for the serious theatre student.

While utilizing classical scene selections, this course emphasizes Western playwrights of the 18th and 19th centuries. The focus is on the development of specific performance skills and acting techniques for the purpose of heightening the intensity of the acting experience for the serious theatre student.

Formerly TART 4. This course focuses on individual studies and exercises to develop freedom and imagination in the preparation and performance of classical and contemporary dramatic material; scenes, cuttings and short plays.

Formerly TART 1C. The course provides a lucid view of the voice as an instrument of human communication. Through a series of exercises the student will free, develop and strengthen their voice. The student will practically realize an actor's sensibilities through vocal expression.

Formerly TART 2A. This course prepares and presents a varied range of spoken texts to free, develop and strengthen the student actor's voice so that the actor's unique sensibilities may be fully expressed through specific techniques.

Formerly TART 2B. Students will engage in the preparation and presentation of a wide range of spoken texts. The goal is to free, develop and strengthen the student actor's voice so that the actor's unique sensibilities may be fully expressed through proper vocal use.

Formerly TART 1B. This course is an introduction to the use of the human body as an instrument of expression. The course provides for the study and application of the basic theories and principles of stage movement through the use of lecture and class exercise.

Formerly TART 2C. This course is an advanced application of the theory and principles of stage movement within specialized areas, such as mime, mask, theatrical sword fighting, characterization, juggling and period movement styles. This course includes class exercises and lectures.

Formerly TART 2D. This course is an advanced application of the theory and principles of stage movement within specialized areas, such as mask characterization, period movement styles and stage combat.

Formerly TART 1D. The course will consist of an exploration of the various applications of theatrical improvisation. Drawing from both playwrights, published routines and imaginations, the actor will create fully realized characters, develop and analyze scenes. Mental agility, spontaneity, thinking on your feet and stage confidence will be emphasized.

This course provides a critical analysis of theater from an audience perspective. The elements of play production from dramatic structure, to the final presentation will be explored. Topics include reading, lectures, discussions on the theory and practice of acting, directing, producing, styles, design spectacle, and cultural background. Field trips and performance attendance is required for this course.

This introduction to the dramatic literature of the Western world, including American drama from early beginnings to present day, examines dramatic structures, concepts, styles and themes of a selection of representative plays. The influence of the theatre and dramatic literature as a social and cultural force of change through the ages is also explored.

This course is a hands-on, practical introduction to the function of stage, costume/wardrobe and make-up technicians and their contribution to dramatic productions. This course includes organization of the stage, lighting and properties departments, costume and make-up departments in the running of a theatre production, including equipment use and maintenance, and the function of technical stage personnel in production work.

Formerly TART 40AD. This course is a study of the theory, techniques and application of scenic design for the stage including the use of painting, construction and manipulation of stage scenery. Students will gain practical experience in construction of scenery for Theatre Arts Department productions.

This course is a study of the theory, techniques and application of stage lighting. It includes the use of lighting materials and equipment, experimenting with light and color, and lighting a stage for department productions.

Formerly TART 43AD. Students will study costume history, design, and basic construction techniques as an introduction to basic theatrical costuming. Fabrics and their various uses will be investigated.

Formerly TART 44AB. This course presents techniques and theories of designing costumes for the stage. Topics include design elements, execution of costume plates and costume plots, research and organization, clothing and theatrical costume history, patterns, budgets and development of costume portfolio. Field trips (when possible) will be taken to augment this process, ie: museums, garment district, costume rental houses, etc.

This class will introduce the principles, practices and skills of required for the professional theatrical stage manager and production manager. It will examine the responsibilities and functions of these roles in relation to the director, designers, and performers. With emphasis is placed on the duties, responsibilities and procedures from pre production to post production.

This course focuses on the application of acting and technical theatre through lab exploration in all aspects of one act play productions. It develops acting and crew capabilities, skills and disciplines through auditions, rehearsals and public performances. Students will participate in at least play production.

Formerly TART 50AD. This course is the study of live theatre through lab exploration of all aspects of play production involving the performer. It develops acting capabilities, skills and disciplines through the audition, preparation and presentational phases of a staged public production.

This course is the study of live theatre through lab exploration of all aspects of play production involving the performer. It develops acting capabilities, skills and disciplines through the audition, preparation and presentational phases of a staged public production.

This course is the study of live theatre through lab exploration of all aspects of play production involving the performer. It develops acting capabilities, skills and disciplines through the audition, preparation and presentational phases of a staged public production.

This course is the study of live theatre through lab exploration of all aspects of a classic comedic play production involving the performer. It develops acting capabilities, skills and disciplines through the audition, preparation and presentational phases of a staged public production.

Formerly TART 51AD. This course affords the student participation as an audience member in weekly programs dealing with the art of theatre, including scene work, one-act plays, special presentations and fully staged productions. It provides live performance experience for the student to experience the work collaboration by various theatre artists such as the playwright, producer, director, choreographer, designer, performer, stage manager, technician.

Formerly TART 55AB. This course serves as a study of the basic theory and application of stage makeup. It includes the design and application of stage makeup to oneself, others and especially actors for various theatre productions.

In this course students will explore three-dimensional makeup such as prosthetics, bald caps and wig-making. In addition, students will be exposed to experimentation with new products developed for theatrical make-up,and the design/rendering processes.

Summer Repertory Theatre/Performance is the participation in an organized summer theatre program based on the procedures of the professional repertory theatre. Extensive experience in training, rehearsal and performance is explored through required live play productions.

This course is a hands-on practical introduction to the function of stage, costume/wardrobe and make-up technicians and their contribution to dramatic productions. Course topics include organization of the stage, lighting and properties departments, costume and make-up departments in the running of a theatre production, including equipment use and maintenance, and the function of technical stage personnel in production work.

This course prepares performers for the practical application of the professional audition process. Course exercises assist in developing an actors professional manner, concentration and awareness. Selection of material, analyzing the text, presenting the material, preparation of a resume with pictures and the presentation of self for maximum effect are covered in the course. Various types of auditions will be explored, including but not limited to; stage, film & television auditions, commercial auditions and cold-reading technique. Guest lecturers may be part of the class and simulated auditions plus filming students in simulated auditions will aid in the learning process.

This course will examine the beginning techniques for show business professional auditioning and interviewing. Course specifics will include but not be limited to: Live theatre, television, commercials and elements of broadcasting.

This course explores further aspects of television commercials in the greater Los Angeles area, as well as other geographic regions. The course specifics will include, but not be limited to: Advanced audition techniques, product copy, sponsors, pay tables, residuals and headshots.