Department Chair:  Anita DuPratt

Department Office:  Music Building, 102

Telephone:  (661) 654-3093

email:  vuraine@csub.edu

Website:  www.csub.edu/pad/

Faculty:  A. DuPratt, C. Eicher, K. Elliot, M. Garcia, C. Martin, M. Rees

Back to the top 

Program Description

The Bachelor of Arts with a major in Theatre Arts offers comprehensive training in performance, technical theatre and design, and theatre studies, all intended to prepare students for careers in professional theatre, teaching, or related fields.  The requirements are flexible enough to allow each student to specialize or generalize as appropriate, and the production program offers each student virtually limitless opportunities to participate as actor or crew member in a variety of situations.

Any undergraduate accepted into the University may undertake this major.  Continuance is contingent upon satisfactory progress in all coursework, both in and out of the major.

Most opportunities are open to all CSUB students regardless of their declared major.  In addition to courses that will satisfy General Education or Liberal Studies requirements, the department offers the following curricula:

•     BA in Theatre Arts

•     Minor in Theatre

•     Minor in Theatre Technology

•     Minor in Children’s Theatre

Students interested in becoming a high school drama teacher should consult with the department chair.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre Arts

The following core curriculum: THTR 221, 232, 241, 251, 371, 372 and 385.

Six additional five‑quarter‑unit courses in Theatre, at least four of which must be upper division, selected with the approval of the faculty advisor.  100 level courses may not be used to satisfy this requirement.

Each student must complete eight production courses; those that satisfy this requirement are THTR 201, 202, 203, 206, 207, 401, 402, 403, 406, 407.

Of the eight, four must be taken for upper-division credit.

Of the eight, two must be selected from THTR 202 and 402, and two must be selected from THTR 203 and 403.

Each student must complete at least two production courses during each year in residence.

Complete THTR 195, 295, 395 or 495, as appropriate, during each quarter in full-time residence as a Theatre Arts major.  Complete the course at least six times.

THTR 491 and 492.

One of the following options:

a.   A special minor.

b.   A minor consisting of at least 20-quarter units designated by another discipline.

c.   One of the interdisciplinary concentrations or minors.

Requirements for the Minor in Theatre

Four five-unit courses in Theatre at the 200-level or above, at least two of which must be upper division.

Requirements for the Minor in Theatre Technology

A total of 24 units, including the following: THTR 241 and 251; two courses chosen from THTR 351, 352 and 353; and four units chosen from THTR 202, 402, 203, or 403.

Minor in Children’s Theatre (22 units)

The Children’s Theatre Minor is designed for the general student who is interested in working with children in a theatrical situation.  Anyone pursuing a career in parks and recreation or in youth group related activities would find the minor beneficial.  These courses could also satisfy the concentration requirement for the Liberal Studies major.

THTR 232 Acting I (5)

THTR 305 Creative Dramatics (5)

THTR 307 Dramatic Theatre for Children (5)

THTR 405 Children’s Theatre (5) and

THTR 206/406 Children’s Theatre Practicum (2)

Teaching Credential - Single Subject

Students wishing to teach drama at the high school level must complete a course of study that will lead to the Single Subject Credential in English; in most cases, this involves earning the BA degree with a major in English.  However, such students are strongly urged to complete, in addition, the BA degree with a major in Theatre Arts.

Back to the top 

Course DESCRIPTIONS

Lower Division

THTR 101 Introduction to the Study of Theatre (5)

Study of the aesthetic process by which plays of various types, styles, and periods are translated into theatrical terms and are projected from a stage to an audience and the relevance of that process to the world of which it is a part.  [F,W,S]

THTR 195 Theatre Company (1)

Students will meet periodically during the quarter for information sessions, guest artists, production strike and other department related activities that promote collaboration in the theatre.  Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.  [F,W,S]

THTR 201 Rehearsal and Performance (2)

 Acting in major departmental stage productions.  Open to all students; entrance by audition.  [F,W,S]

THTR 202 Technical Theatre Production Laboratory (1)

Practical work in the various areas of technical theatre production (scenery, properties, costumes, makeup, lighting, sound, and marketing) during the pre-production period.  Assignments made according to needs of the production.  [F,W,S]

THTR 203 Run of Show (1)

Practical work in the various areas of technical theatre production (stage management, scenery, properties, costumes, makeup, lighting, sound,) during the run of the show from technical rehearsals through strike.  Assignments made according to needs of the production.  Permission of Instructor required.  [F,W,S]

THTR 206 Children’s Theatre Practicum (2)

Rehearsal, preparation and performance of a play for young audiences. By Audition Only.  [W]

THTR 207 Touring Show (2)

Touring of the play for young audiences that was staged during the previous Winter Quarter.  Performances will be at elementary schools throughout Kern County.  By audition only.  [S]

THTR 208 Improvisation (2)

Study and practice of techniques in comedy improvisation, with an emphasis on the development of performance skills.  May be repeated for credit.  Prerequisite: THTR 232 or consent of instructor.  [F,W, S]

THTR 209 Theatre Festival (1)

Practical work in the running of a theatre festival for Kern County high school students Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.  [W]

THTR 221 Script Analysis (5)

The examination of dramatic literature as it relates to the work of the director, the actor and the designer.  [S]

THTR 232 Acting I (5)

Introduction and development of the actor as the physical, vocal, and creative tool of his work.  Introduction of improvisation techniques, text analysis, and psychophysical techniques in scene study.  [F,W,S]

THTR 233 Acting II (5)

Development of material introduced in Acting I with an emphasis on movement in stage performance.  Improvisation, concentration, development of basic skills.  Prerequisite:  THTR 232 or consent of instructor.  [W]

THTR 234 Acting III (5)

Development of material introduced in Acting I and II with an emphasis on vocal technique in stage performance.  Prerequisite:  THTR 232.  [S]

THTR 241 Stagecraft (5)

Techniques in construction of stage scenery and properties, including use of hand and power tools, working with wood, metal, plastic and paint, and reading technical drawings.  Use of theatrical sound and lighting equipment.  Combination of lecture and laboratory.  [W]

THTR 242 Stage Makeup (2)

Practical work in all types of theatrical makeup and mask-making. [Alternate Years]

THTR 251 Introduction to Technical Theatre and Design (5)

Survey of technical theatre production with emphasis on fundamentals of theatrical design, including projects in scenery, costumes and lighting. Prerequisite 241 or permission of instructor.  [W]

THTR 253 Stage Management

20 Lecture/discussion course that enhances the student’s ability to appreciate and understand the discipline of Stage Management.  Provide the student with a working knowledge of the skills required to perform as production stage manager for educational, community and professional theatre.  [Alternate Years]

THTR 277 Special Studies in Theatre (1-5)

Classes, individual research, and/or group investigation of selected topics in theatre.  Topics to be studied in any particular quarter will be designated before registration.  May be repeated for different course content.

THTR 289 Experiential Prior Learning (variable units)

Evaluation and assessment of learning which has occurred as a result of prior off-campus experience relevant to the curriculum of the department.  Requires complementary academic study and/or documentation.  Available by petition only, on a credit, no-credit basis.  Not open to post-graduate students.  Interested students should contact the department office.

THTR 295 Theatre Company (1)

Students will meet periodically during the quarter for information sessions, guest artists, production strike and other department. related activities that promote collaboration in the theatre. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.  [F,W,S]

THTR 299 Individual Study (1-5)

Special projects developed by the individual student in consultation with the designated instructor.  Prerequisite:  3.0 GPA and consent of department chair.  [By petition only]

Back to the top 

Upper Division

THTR 305 Creative Dramatics (5)

Introduction to the use of drama and creative play in the classroom and other social situations, including study of materials and methods. Combination of lecture, discussion, and projects. [F,W,S]

THTR 307 Dramatic Literature for Children (5)

Introduction to plays and other literature suitable to be performed both by and for children; history and methods of interpretation, analysis and evaluation of material, and production practice.  [F,W,S]

THTR 311 Movement I (5)

Intensive study of techniques in movement and use of space in terms of characterization and interaction in performance.  Prerequisite:  THTR 234 or consent of instructor.  [Alternate Years]

THTR 312 Movement II (5)

Advanced work in stage movement and physical characterization to include movement for period plays.  Prerequisite:  THTR 311 or consent of instructor

THTR 321 Voice and Diction I (5)

Intensive study of techniques in vocal production and diction as well as the interpretation of dramatic dialogue.  Emphasis is placed on the use of vocal technique in speaking Shakespeare’s plays.  Prerequisite:  THTR 234 or consent of instructor.  [Alternate Years]

THTR 322 Voice and Diction II (5)

Advanced work in vocal production and diction. Emphasis is placed on the use of vocal technique in period plays.  Prerequisite:  THTR 321 or consent of instructor

THTR 351 Lighting Design (5)

Fundamentals of stage lighting, including history, theory of design and electricity, drafting, and practical application.  Combination of discussion and analysis, studio and production experience.  Prerequisite:  THTR 251 or permission of instructor.  [Alternate Years]

THTR 352 Scenic Design (5)

Fundamentals of scenic design, including history, theory of design, drafting, rendering, modeling, and practical application.  Combination of discussion and analysis, and studio.  Prerequisite:  THTR 251 or permission of instructor.  [Alternate Years]

THTR 353 Costume Design (5)

Fundamentals of theatrical costume design, including history of costume and fashion, theory of design, research methods, rendering, and practical application.  Techniques in drawing the basic human form.  Combination of discussion and analysis, and studio.  Prerequisites:  THTR 251 and either THTR 351 or 352, or permission of instructor.  [Alternate Years]

THTR 361 Directing I (5)

The fundamentals of play direction.  Elements of interpretation and the techniques used to transfer the directorial idea into practical terms of picturization, composition, movement and stage business.  Prerequisite:  THTR 221 or consent of instructor.  [Alternate Years]

THTR 371 Theatre History I:  Establishing Traditions of World Theatre and Drama  (5)

An examination of performance traditions and theatre practices from the earliest ritual beginnings to the mid 17th century, with references to western and non-western plays and playwrights.  Plays from various periods will be read.  Prerequisite:  Engl 110 or the equivalent.  Theme 2 course.  [Alternate Years]

THTR 372 Theatre History II:  The Development of World Theatre and Drama from the mid 17th century to the end of the 19th century.  (5)

An examination of performance traditions and theatre practices from the mid 17th  century to the beginning of the modern period, with references to western and non-western plays and playwrights.  Plays from various periods will be read.  Prerequisite:  Engl 110 or the equivalent.  Theme 2 course [Alternate years]

THTR 379 The American Theatre (5)

The development of the American theatre as an artistic, literary, cultural, historical, political and social phenomenon, including the study of plays, playwrights, actors, directors, designers and theatre companies in the United States from the Colonial era to the present day.  Prerequisite:  ENGL 110 or equivalent.  [W]

THTR 381 Women Playwrights(5)

An examination of the contributions to dramatic literature by post 19thcentury women playwrights .  Representative scripts by universally recognized playwrights will be read and discussed. Plays will be analyzed for their social point of view, as well as stylistic innovations.  Prerequisite:  ENGL 110 or equivalent. GRE course

THTR 385 Modern Drama (5)

Development of the theatre in the modern period, from the advent of naturalism to the contemporary mixture of realistic and nonrealistic styles.  Prerequisite:  ENGL 110 or equivalent. [S]

THTR 395 Theatre Company (1)

Students will meet periodically during the quarter for information sessions, guest artists, production strike and other department. related activities that promote collaboration in the theatre. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.  [F,W,S]

THTR 401 Rehearsal and Performance (2)

Acting in major departmental stage, productions.  Open to all students; entrance by audition.  [F,W,S]

THTR 402 Technical Theatre Production Laboratory (1)

Practical work in the various areas of technical theatre production (scenery, properties, costumes, makeup, lighting, sound, and marketing) during the preproduction period.  Assignments made according to needs of production.  [F,W,S]

THTR 403 Run of Show (1)

Practical work in the various areas of technical theatre production (stage management, scenery, properties, costumes, makeup, lighting, sound,) during the run of the show from technical rehearsals through strike.  Assignments made according to needs of production. By Permission of instructor.  [F,W,S]

THTR 404 Playwriting (5)

Experimental writing, investigation, and discussion of plays and the creative process, with individual and group analysis of student work.  May be repeated for credit.  [Alternate Years]

THTR 405 Children’s Theatre (5)

Theory and practice of producing theatre for children–both performing for young audiences and working with young performers in schools, churches and youth organizations.  Includes selection and adaptation of material, auditioning, rehearsing, directing, technical support and promotion.  Combination of lecture, discussion, and production. [S]

THTR 406 Children’s Theatre Practicum (2)

Rehearsal, preparation and performance of a play for young audiences. By Audition only.  Assignments made according to needs of the production.  [F]

THTR 407 Touring Show (2)

Touring of the play for young audiences that was staged during the previous Winter Quarter.  Performances will be at elementary schools throughout Kern County.  By audition only. Assignments made according to needs of productions.  [S]

THTR 408 Improvisation (2)

Study and practice of techniques in comedy improvisation, with an emphasis on the development of performance skills.  May be repeated for credit.  Prerequisite: THTR 232 or consent of instructor.  [F,W,S]

THTR 409 Theatre Festival (1)

Practical work in running of a theatre festival for Kern County high school students.  Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.  [W]

THTR 421 Scene Study (5)

Advanced work in the preparation, rehearsal, and performance of scenes from modern and contemporary dramatic texts.  Emphasis is placed on strengthening the actor’s process of role development.  Prerequisite:  THTR 311, 321, or consent of the instructor.  [Alternate Years]

THTR 461 Directing II (5)

Advanced study of the principles and techniques in directing plays of different types; directing and criticism of one‑act plays.  Production planning, technical rehearsals and working with actors.  Prerequisite:  THTR 361. 

THTR 477 Special Studies (1-5)

Classes, individual research and/or group investigation of selected topics in theatre.  Topics to be studied in any particular quarter will be designated before registration.  May be repeated for different course content.

THTR 489 Experiential Prior Learning (variable units)

Evaluation and assessment of learning which has occurred as a result of prior off-campus experience relevant to the curriculum of the department.  Requires complementary academic study and/or documentation.  Available by petition only, on a credit, no-credit basis.  Not open to post-graduate students.  Interested students should contact the department office.

THTR 491 Senior Project:  Research (3)

In consultation with the instructor, research and preparation for a project in theatrical performance, writing, design, playwriting, stage management, marketing, dramaturgy, history or criticism to be completed under THTR 492.  Prerequisite:  Senior Standing.  [F,W;]

THTR 492 Senior Project: Production (3)

Under the supervision of the instructor, realization of a project in theatrical performance, writing, design, playwriting, stage management, marketing, dramaturgy, history or criticism that shows to best advantage the skills of the individual as a Theatre major. THTR 492 must be completed during the quarter immediately following the completion of THTR 491. Prerequisite:  Successful completion of THTR 491. [W,S]

THTR 495 Theatre Company (1)

Students will meet periodically during the quarter for information sessions, guest artists, production strike and other department related activities that promote collaboration in the theatre.  Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.  [F,W,S]

THTR 496 Internship (1-5)

Internships may be arranged by the department with various theatres.  Placement, hours in the field and academic requirements (e.g., conferences, readings, reports) will be arranged in consultation with the work supervisor and the faculty liaison. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.  [By petition only]

THTR 499 Individual Study (1-5)

Special projects developed by the individual student in consultation with the designated instructor.  Prerequisite:  3.0 GPA and consent of department chair.  [By petition only]