Department of Theatre Arts

Performing Arts Building, Room 111
(909) 537-5876 Department of Theatre Arts website

The theatre arts major is a practical liberal arts degree. The broad range of subjects studied enable the theatre student to qualify for a wide variety of fields. Theatre majors are found in the professional areas of live theatre, film, television, corporate and media training, radio, public relations, advertising, business law, teaching, and higher education.

The diverse nature of theatre explores expressions of human interactions and conflict. This study develops intellectual awareness about the human condition. It helps develop skills for working as a theatre artist and as an individual who understands team work.

Liberal studies majors will benefit from a departmental philosophy that good theatre training is also excellent teacher training. Many courses in the department have no prerequisites, and they will help liberal studies students to prepare for careers in teaching.

The Theatre Arts Department produces five major plays during the academic year. The department also presents several student directed/designed productions. In addition, the department has touring groups including The Imagination Players, an elementary school tour; and the Sun Tour, multiethnic theme plays for high school and community college students.

In addition to acting and backstage opportunities, theatre students are encouraged to work with faculty as assistant directors, designers, stage managers, and in theatre administration. Theatre faculty encourage highly motivated and qualified students to develop their own creative efforts. New student play scripts and innovative approaches to theatre are strongly encouraged.

Bachelor of Arts

Theatre Arts
with concentrations in:
- Acting
- Design/Technical
- Drama Education
- Musical Theatre
- Teaching Secondary Theatre

Dance

Theatre Arts

Emerita

Kathryn Ervin, Professor

B.F.A. 1978, Wayne State University
M.F.A. 1980, Illinois State University

Current Faculty

Carol Damgen, Lecturer

B.A. 2003, M.A. 2006, California State University, San Bernardino
M.F.A. 2014, University of California, Riverside

Andre Harrington, Professor

B.S. 1986, University of Maryland, College Park
M.F.A. 2005, The University of Iowa, Iowa City

Jason Mann, Associate Professor

B.A. 1994, Gettysburg College
MFA 2001, George Washington University

Kristi Papailler, Assistant Professor

BA. 2009, University of Louisville
MFA 2014, University of Louisville

Johanna L. Smith, Professor

B.A. 1994, Miami University, Ohio
M.F.A. 1998, Arizona State University

Terry D. Smith, Professor, Chair

B.F.A. 1974, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond
M.A. 1993, California State University, Northridge
Ph.D. 1996, University of Washington, Seattle

Emeriti

Lee A. Lyons, Professor

Margaret A. Perry, Professor

Thomas E. Provenzano, Professor

B.A. 1978, University of California, Berkeley
M.F.A. 1992, University of California, Los Angeles

Amanda Sue Rudisill, Professor

Courses

TA 1140. Fundamentals of Acting. Units: 3

Foundation training for actors through theatre games, improvisation and exercises for developing expressive freedom, creativity, relaxation and concentration. Fundamentals for creating a role exploring the use of such elements as objectives, given circumstances, character analysis and conflict. Formerly offered as TA 252.

TA 1141. Improvisation. Units: 3

A beginning course in improvisational techniques for the actor and for those who will use drama as an educational tool. May be taken 2 times for up to 6 units. Formerly offered as TA 240.

TA 1160. World Drama. Units: 3

Quarter Prerequisite: satisfaction of the GE written communication (A1) requirement or equivalent
Selected readings of dramatic literature (in translation) from the 5th century B.C. to the present. Satisfies GE category C2; G designation. Formerly offered as TA 160.

TA 1631. Makeup for Stage and Screen. Units: 3

Theory and application of makeup for theatre, television and film. Materials fee required. Formerly TA 131.

TA 2131. Fundamentals of Stage Design. Units: 3

Study of the elements and principles of design as related to theatrical applications and visual analysis of dramatic literature. Materials fee required.

TA 2132. Scenography. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: TA 2131. Quarter Prerequisite: TA 235
An introduction to the major disciplines of theatrical design (Scenery, Lighting, Costuming and Sound) as viewed from a synthesis of art and craft. Introduction to the basic processes and skills needed to analyze and communicate concepts in a theatrical design format. Materials fee required. Formerly offered as TA 239.

TA 2612. Oral Interpretation of Literature. Units: 3

Literary and aesthetic analysis of poetry, prose or drama through performance techniques of oral interpretation. Satisfies GE category C2. Formerly offered as TA 212.

TA 2621. Festival Practicum I. Unit: 1

Students select and prepare material for acting auditions and technical interviews, both for inter-college competition and professional theatre/film work. Two hours activity. May be repeated for credit. Formerly offered as TA 223.

TA 2622. Festival Practicum II. Units: 2

Remounting and reconfiguring University production for touring to national and international festivals and venues. May be repeated for credit. Formerly offered as TA 225.

TA 2640. Acting for All Majors. Units: 3

Introduction to acting for communication, collaboration, and leadership skills. Satisfies GE Category C1.

TA 2660. Introduction to Theatre. Units: 3

Introduction to the art of Theatre, including the nature of theatrical presentation and the contributions of the playwright, actor, director, designer, technician and audience to the process of theatre-making. Students will authentically experience this process as production crew or audience members. Satisfies GE category C1. Formerly TA 260.

TA 2711. Studies in Dance: Jazz. Units: 2

Quarter Prerequisite: KINE 150F or consent of instructor
Movement study and body conditioning in specific dance styles. May be repeated for credit. No more than 6 units may be used to satisfy graduation requirements. Formerly offered as DAN200A.

TA 2712. Studies in Dance: Modern. Units: 2

Quarter Prerequisite: KINE 150G or consent of instructor
Movement study and body conditioning in specific dance styles. May be repeated for credit. No more than 6 units may be used to satisfy graduation requirements. Formerly DAN 200B.

TA 2713. Studies in Dance: Tap. Units: 2

Quarter Prerequisite: KINE 150H or consent of instructor
Movement study and body conditioning in specific dance styles. May be repeated for credit. No more than 6 units may be used to satisfy graduation requirements. Formerly offered as DAN 200C.

TA 2714. Studies in Dance: Ballet. Units: 2

Movement study and body conditioning in specific dance styles. May be repeated for credit. No more than 6 units may be used to satisfy graduation requirements. Formerly offered as DAN 200D.

TA 3122. Performance Practicum. Units: 2

Students experience role preparation, rehearsal and acting before varied audiences. Open to all students. May be repeated for credit. Formerly offered as TA 320A.

TA 3123. Performance Practicum. Units: 3

Students experience role preparation, rehearsal and acting before a variety of audiences. Open to all students. May be repeated for credit. Formerly offered as TA 320B.

TA 3131. Technical Practicum. Unit: 1

Application of scenic, costume, lighting or audio crafts for a live performance. May be repeated for credit. Formerly offered as TA 321A.

TA 3132. Technical Practicum. Units: 2

Application of scenic, costume, lighting or audio crafts for a live performance. May be repeated for credit. Formerly offered as TA 321B.

TA 3141. The Improvisational Mind. Units: 3

Development of foundational performance skills essential for success in any fast-paced, unpredictable business environment. Students will focus on developing cognitive flexibility, accessing creativity, exploring ensemble-based collaboration, mastering active storytelling, and honing their unique communication tools. Course equivalent to ENTR 3141; credit may not be awarded for both.

TA 3143. Fundamentals of Directing. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: TA 1140 and TA 2131. Quarter Prerequisite: TA 235 and TA 252 or consent of instructor
Theory and practices of stage direction including script analysis, staging and management. Formerly offered as TA 346.

TA 3161. Theatre History and Literature I. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor. Quarter Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor
Exploration of theatre architecture, practices, and literature for the purpose of understanding the major trends in the development of theatre arts. Origins through 1800. Satisfies GE designation WI. Formerly offered as TA 361.

TA 3162. Theatre History and Literature II. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor. Quarter Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor
Exploration of theatre architecture, practices, and literature for the purpose of understanding the major trends in the development of theatre arts. 19th Century through contemporary. Satisfies GE designation WI. Formerly offered as TA 361 and TA 363.

TA 3210. Voice and Movement. Units: 3

Theory and fundamentals of specialized stage movement and vocal techniques for the actor. May be taken 3 times for up to 9 units. Formerly offered as TA 245 and TA 253.

TA 3240. Scene Study. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: TA 1140 and TA 1141. Quarter Prerequisite: TA 252
Application of acting techniques through scene study of plays. Formerly offered as TA 351.

TA 3310. Graphic Communication for Theatrical Design. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: TA 2131. Quarter Prerequisite: TA 235
An Introduction to principles of communicating design concepts and details by utilizing models, sketches, computer drafting, perspective rendering and hand rendering. Basics of elements of design and history of styles. Materials fee required. Formerly offered as TA 130.

TA 3320. Scenic Design. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: TA 2132. Quarter Prerequisite: TA 235 and 239 or consent of instructor
Prerequisites: TA 2132
Advanced principles of scenic design. An exploration of Design for Theatre and other spaces for audience interaction.

TA 3330. Costume Design. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: TA 2132. Quarter Prerequisite: TA 233 and 235 or consent of instructor
Advanced Principles of costume design and rendering techniques. Formerly TA 337.

TA 3340. Sound Design. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: TA 2132. Quarter Prerequisite: TA 231 and 235 or consent of instructor
Advanced principles of sound design, concepts, and aural research. Formerly offered as TA 333.

TA 3350. Lighting Design. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: TA 2132. Quarter Prerequisite: TA 232 and TA 235
An in-depth study of the principles of lighting design, research and concepts. Formerly TA 332.

TA 3410. Theatre in the Classroom. Units: 3

Comprehensive overview of methods of Theatre creation, performance, and production with young children in a public school setting. Includes standards-based approaches to teaching Theatre, cross-curricular applications, and assessment strategies. Two hours seminar and two hours of activity. Formerly TA 479.

TA 3602. Dramatic Analysis and Playwriting for Teachers. Units: 3

Quarter Prerequisite: satisfaction of the GE written communication (A1) requirement
Analysis and Writing. Literary analysis of selected plays with special emphasis on how to write about dramatic literature, including integrated practice in writing for performance. Formerly TA 302B.

TA 3647. Playwriting. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing. Quarter Prerequisite: one course from ENG 302A, ENG 302B ,TA 302A, TA 302B; or consent of instructor
Fundamentals of play development, including plot, character, structure, and theme. Classroom exercises will culminate in students creating their own dramatic scenes and short plays. Formerly TA 347.

TA 3711. Dance Techniques: Jazz. Units: 2

Semester Prerequisite: TA 2711 or consent of instructor. Quarter Prerequisite: DAN 200A or equivalent experience and consent of instructor
Complex movement technique and artistic interpretation in specific dance styles. May be repeated for up to 6 units. Formerly DAN 300A.

TA 3712. Dance Techniques: Modern. Units: 2

Semester Prerequisite: TA 2712 or consent of instructor. Quarter Prerequisite: DAN 200B or equivalent experience and consent of instructor
Complex movement technique and artistic interpretation in specific dance styles. May be taken for up to 6 units. Formerly DAN 300B.

TA 3713. Dance Techniques: Tap. Units: 2

Semester Prerequisite: TA 2713 or consent of instructor. Quarter Prerequisite: DAN 200C or equivalent experience and consent of instructor
Complex movement technique and artistic interpretation in specific dance styles. May be taken for up to 6 units. Formerly DAN 300C.

TA 3714. Dance Techniques: Ballet. Units: 2

Semester Prerequisite: TA 2714 or consent of instructor. Quarter Prerequisite: DAN 200D or equivalent experience and consent of instructor
Complex movement technique and artistic interpretation in specific dance styles. May be taken for up to 6 units. Formerly DAN 300D.

TA 3715. Dance Techniques: Musical Theatre. Units: 2

Quarter Prerequisite: DAN 200 or equivalent experience and consent of instructor
Complex movement technique and artistic interpretation in specific dance styles. May be taken for up to 6 units. Formerly DAN 300E.

TA 3720. World Dance Traditions. Units: 2

Study and application of traditional dance forms from throughout the world. Technique and cultural context will be emphasized. May be repeated for credit as topics change. One hour seminar and two hours activity. Formerly offered as DAN 310A.

TA 3730. Dance Notation. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: six units of Theater Arts Dance technique class. Quarter Prerequisite: six units of DAN 300 or consent of instructor
Study and application of written notation for the analysis, reading and preservation of dance. One hour seminar and two hours activity. Formerly DAN 355.

TA 3731. Dance History. Units: 3

Chronological study of major styles and personalities in dance. Formerly DAN 360.

TA 4163. Criticism of Plays in Performance. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. Quarter Prerequisite: TA 302, ENG 306 or consent of instructor
Critical analysis of public theatrical performance with an emphasis on the journalistic review. Textual analysis, artistic perception and aesthetic evaluation of acting, directing and design. Both individual and class attendance at several theatrical performances outside of regular meeting times will be required. Formerly TA 505. Satisfies GE WI designation.

TA 4170. Theatre Applications/Project Preparation. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: Instructor approval
Approaches and tools critical to the preparation and investigation for Capstone Project. Requires instructor approval.

TA 4171. Theatre Arts Capstone. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: TA 4170 and instructor approval. Quarter Prerequisite: senior status; must be taken in winter quarter immediately prior to graduation
Presentation of Capstone Project. Instructor Approval Required. Formerly offered as TA 585.

TA 4241. Styles of Acting. Units: 3

Studies and performance of selected styles in theatre. May be taken for up to 6 units as topics change. Formerly offered as TA 353.

TA 4242. Acting for the Camera. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: TA 3240. Quarter Prerequisite: TA 351 or TA 385
Study and application of acting techniques unique to current media. May be taken for up to 6 units. Formerly offered as TA 357.

TA 4320. Scenic Crafts. Units: 3

Theory and application of Scenic Crafts. May be taken again for credit as topics change. Materials fee required. Formerly offered as TA 334.

TA 4330. Costume Crafts. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: TA 2131. Quarter Prerequisite: TA 235
Theory and application of a Costume Craft. May be taken again for credit as topics change. Formerly TA 233. Materials fee required.

TA 4340. Lighting Crafts. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: TA 2131. Quarter Prerequisite: TA 235
Theory and application of a Lighting Craft. May be taken again for credit as topics change. Formerly TA 232. Materials fee required.

TA 4350. Audio Crafts. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: TA 2131. Quarter Prerequisite: TA 235
Theory and application of an Audio craft. Materials fee required. Formerly TA 231.

TA 4410. Drama in Education. Units: 3

Introduction to theories and practices of using drama as a cross-disciplinary teaching tool. Two hours seminar and two hours activity. Formerly offered as TA 481.

TA 4420. Touring Practicum. Units: 3

Touring experience including rehearsal and performance before an audience. Open to all students. May be taken again for credit. Formerly offered as 320C.

TA 4430. Puppetry. Units: 3

Overview of puppetry as a fine art and the uses of puppets as interdisciplinary teaching tools. Includes lesson planning and performance techniques for teachers. Two hours seminar and two hours activity. Formerly offered as TA 486.

TA 4440. Creative Movement in the Classroom. Units: 3

Dance techniques that emphasize concentration, imagination, body awareness and self-expression and are designed to develop creative leadership for parents, recreational leaders, elementary and secondary teachers. Formerly offered as DAN 481.

TA 4450. Arts in Action: Theatre. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: TA 3410. Quarter Prerequisite: TA 481
Applied practice of arts education in the community. Projects will vary based on participants. May be repeated for credit if taken under a different Fine Arts subject (Dance, Visual Art, or Music).

TA 4451. Arts in Action: Dance. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: TA 4440. Quarter Prerequisite: DAN 481
Applied practice of arts education in the community. Projects will vary based on participants. May be repeated for credit if taken under a different Fine Arts subject (Theatre, Visual Art, or Music).

TA 4510. Acting in Musical Theatre. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: TA 3240. Quarter Prerequisite: TA 351
Concentrated study on performing musical theatre, with an emphasis on voice, dance, and character development. May be taken for up to 6 units. Formerly TA 355.

TA 4520. Singing for Musicals. Units: 2

Solo and choral singing from the American Musical Theatre canon. Formerly offered as TA 340.

TA 4643. Directing and Devising Performance. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: TA 1140 and TA 2131. Quarter Prerequisite: TA 346
Advanced studies in play directing and devising new work for performance. Formerly TA 446.

TA 4661. Dramatic Literature I: Classical to 1800. Units: 3

Development of World Drama: Origins to 1800. Formerly TA 450.

TA 4662. Dramatic Literature II: 19th Century to Contemporary. Units: 3

Development of World Drama: 19th Century to Contemporary. Formerly TA 455.

TA 4663. Dramatic Literature of Identity. Units: 3

Examination of dramatic literature and performances produced by diverse communities to understand how their identities and histories shape the contemporary experience. Satisfies GE Category C4; DI designation. May be taken for up to 9 units as topics change, but only 3 units may be used for GE. Formerly offered as TA 456.

TA 4664. Theatre for Youth: History and Literature. Units: 3

Exploration and analysis of the history and literature of performance for young audiences, from its origins to current trends. Formerly offered as TA 458.

TA 4665. Shakespeare I. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. Quarter Prerequisite: one course from ENG 301A, ENG 301B, ENG 302A, ENG 302B; or consent of instructor
Comedies and history plays. Formerly TA 475/ENG 475.

TA 4666. Shakespeare II. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. Quarter Prerequisite: one course from ENG 301A, ENG 301B, ENG 302A, ENG 302B; or consent of instructor
Tragedies and romances. Formerly offered as TA 476/ENG 476.

TA 4750. Choreography. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: six units of Theater Arts Dance Technique class. Quarter Prerequisite: six units of DAN 300 or consent of instructor
Study and application of dance composition. May be repeated for credit. One hour seminar and four hours activity. Formerly DAN 450.

TA 5141. Entrepreneurial Improvisation and Creativity. Units: 3

Exploration of improvisation as a tool to frame problems, think creatively, develop compelling presentation skills, and express energy and passion in varied business environments.

TA 5170. Teaching Theatre in Secondary Schools. Units: 3

Advanced studies and application of methods of teaching theatre in secondary schools, including producing work appropriate for and accessible to young people as well as networking with community stakeholders to create a successful theatre program. Includes standards-based unit planning and service learning. Graded ABC/no credit. Consent required.

TA 5440. Advanced Creative Dance Methods. Units: 3

Semester Prerequisite: TA 4440. Quarter Prerequisite: DAN 481
Advanced methods for teaching dance techniques, emphasizing concentration, imagination, body awareness, and self-expression. Course intended for teachers and recreation and community leaders who will plan lessons with the California Visual and Performing Arts Framework and Standards. Requires a minimum six-hour field component. May be repeated fro up to 6 units. Formerly offered as DAN 580.

TA 5751. Internship in Theatre Arts I. Unit: 1

Quarter Prerequisite: consent of internship coordinator
Supervised study in private or public organizations. May be taken for up to 12 units of internship credit. Generally assumes thirty hours of work/study per unit of credit. Formerly TA 575A.

TA 5752. Internship in Theatre Arts II. Units: 2

Quarter Prerequisite: consent of internship coordinator
Supervised study in private or public organizations. May be taken for up to 12 internship units. Generally assumes thirty hours of work/study per unit of credit. Formerly 575B.

TA 5753. Internship in Theatre Arts III. Units: 3

TA 5754. Internship in Theatre Arts IV. Units: 4

TA 5755. Internship in Theatre Arts V. Units: 5

TA 5756. Internship in Theatre Arts VI. Units: 6

TA 5951. Independent Study I. Unit: 1

Quarter Prerequisite: a minimum overall grade point average of 3
Study and analysis culminating in demonstrated expertise in the areas of performance, direction, design or theatre research. Consent of instructor and departmental approval of a written proposal of a project submitted on a standard application filed in advance of the semester in which the course is to be taken. May be taken for up to 12 units of independent study credit. Formerly offered as TA 555A.