Theater Arts (THA)

3 Units (LEC 48-54)

This course emphasizes the value and importance of theater as a fine art and a metaphor for society and life in various cultures throughout history. The main focus is on the Western tradition of theater. Emphasis is placed on the role of theater as a source and reflection of ideas, cultural values, and human understanding. Contributions of the playwright, director, actor, designer, technician, and audience are explored.

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: THTR 111

Cal-GETC Area(s): AREA-3A

AA/AS General Education: AA/AS C

3 Units (LEC 48-54)

This course emphasizes the value and importance of theater as a fine art and a metaphor for society and life in various cultures throughout history. The main focus is on the Western tradition of theater. Emphasis is placed on the role of theater as a source and reflection of ideas, cultural values, and human understanding. Contributions of the playwright, director, actor, designer, technician, and audience are explored.

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Honors Enrichment Program.

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: THTR 111

Cal-GETC Area(s): AREA-3A

AA/AS General Education: AA/AS C

3 Units (LEC 48-54)

This course approaches world theater history from origin stories and Ancient Greece through to theaters of the seventeenth century. Comparative historical studies of early Asian, European, African, and Latin American are included. The complexity of theater as an art form from its function in a given era and culture to its many component parts are examined. If time permits, some investigation of theater history beyond the seventeenth century will be included. *Cross-listed as HIST-154.

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: THTR 113

Cal-GETC Area(s): AREA-3B

AA/AS General Education: AA/AS C

3 Units (LEC 48-54)

This course explores unscripted dance and theater using techniques found in action theater, dance, mask work, contact improvisation, viewpoints, and theater games within the historical and cultural context of these methods. Students will develop as whole performers through learning intuitive and present moment response techniques that apply to all performance situations. *Cross-listed as DAN-108.

Transfers to both UC/CSU

AA/AS General Education: AA/AS C, AA/AS E

Course Related Content Group: Choreography, Voice Movement

3 Units (LEC 48-54)

This course introduces beginning acting students to the foundational principles of the actor's craft through lectures, class discussions, improvisation, and practical exercises. With a focus on creating an inclusive and supportive environment, students will explore diverse perspectives and lived experiences in the development of characters and stories. Through rehearsal and performance of monologues and scene work, students will learn warm-up techniques, audition practices, theater etiquette, terminology, safety protocols, and the fundamentals of the acting profession. Emphasizing respect for cultural differences and equitable representation, the course encourages students to engage with a broad range of theatrical characters and develop critical analyses of a live performance in relation to the art and craft of acting.

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: THTR 151

AA/AS General Education: AA/AS C

Course Related Content Group: Acting

3 Units (LEC 48-54)

This course provides continued study in acting technique for the serious theatre student preparing for advanced university-level or professional work. Students will deepen their craft through the development of multi-dimensional characters, objectives, playable actions, and truthful performance within both solo and scene study. Emphasis is placed on the working rehearsal process, cultivating believability, and refining audition skills. In addition, students will engage in practical preparation for professional opportunities, including resume and portfolio development. Throughout the course, attention is given to diverse cultural and theatrical traditions, equitable rehearsal practices, and inclusive storytelling approaches, encouraging students to create authentic work that reflects a wide range of identities, perspectives, and lived experiences.

Prerequisite: THA-110 (with a grade of C or better).

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: THTR 152

AA/AS General Education: AA/AS C

Course Related Content Group: Acting

3 Units (LEC 48-54)

This course covers the fundamentals of acting in front of the camera for film and television. Students learn elements of concentration and character creation, out-of-sequence shooting, the film making process, script/rehearsal procedures, and scene preparation for film. A large portion of the course involves watching, listening to and analyzing commercially filmed scenes or student in class on camera performances that approximate camera acting that may include TV dramas, sitcoms and commercials.

Prerequisite: THA-110 (with a grade of C or better).

Transfers to both UC/CSU

Course Related Content Group: Acting

3 Units (LEC 48-54)

This course analyzes the art of communicating works of literary merit to an audience; it is an introduction to performance studies. Appropriate literary selection and the use of vocal skills, along with facial and body expression will be developed in order to present works of literature to a theatrical audience. Individual and group performances of poetry, prose, and drama are included. *Cross-listed as COMM-113.

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: COMM 170

AA/AS General Education: AA/AS C

3 Units (LAB 48-54, LEC 32-36)

This course introduces the fundamentals of technical theater arts including scenic design, set construction, lighting and scenic painting. Students are taught the safe operation of hand and power tools and choosing the correct construction materials for a scenic design. Students will be given instruction in the working elements of a typical theater. Students may have the opportunity to construct, paint sets and set up lighting and sound equipment for MSJC Performing Arts productions.

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: THTR 171

3 Units (LEC 48-54)

This course presents the basic skills of stage management, which involves organizing and producing dramatic and musical plays. Through the study of stage managing, backstage operations, technical crews and equipment, budget, and house managing, the students identify the techniques necessary to stage manage and run a theater with the greatest effectiveness. Students will also learn interpersonal skills necessary for working with groups of people from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Transfers to both UC/CSU

3 Units (LAB 48-54, LEC 32-36)

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of theatrical lighting. Study includes the operation of lighting equipment and control systems, theory of lighting design, color media, rigging and planning, light plots, and technical rehearsal and performance procedures.

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: THTR 173

3 Units (LAB 48-54, LEC 32-36)

This course will introduce students to aspects of costume construction including sewing, fabric modification, garment alteration and the relationship between fibers and fabrics. Study also involves a survey of the social significance of costuming throughout history, including the political, cultural, economic and historical context of costuming from diverse voices. Other practical topics include silhouette, costume organization, wardrobe maintenance, millinery, costume props, accessories and theatrical production to provide the student with a broad base of knowledge of costuming.

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: THTR 174

3 Units (LAB 96-108, LEC 16-18)

This course provides an in-depth exploration of stage makeup techniques and materials, emphasizing practical application and inclusive design. Students will learn makeup application for diverse skin tones and facial structures, medium selection, color theory, realistic and corrective techniques, character transformation, and introductory prosthetic application. The course also examines the historical, cultural, and aesthetic aspects of makeup design for various theatrical productions, fostering an appreciation for diverse artistic traditions and inclusive representation in stage performance.

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: THTR 175

3 Units (ACT 96-108)

This course is an introduction to the basic techniques and materials used in the painting of scenery for the stage. Demonstration of techniques will culminate in hands-on assignments that make extensive use of these materials to achieve a scenic effect. Students will learn color mixing, base, lay-out, lay-in, detail and the use of standard brushes and tools.

Transfers to both UC/CSU

3 Units (LEC 48-54)

This course introduces film aesthetics and theory which focuses on the art, technology, and business of filmmaking. Elements of film production such as narrative structures, mise-en-scene, cinematography, performance, editing, and sound are explored for the purpose of demonstrating how artistic and technical choices create meaning. Analysis of both narrative and non-narrative filmic texts are explored to develop the students' perception, appreciation and analytic skills in film studies. Hollywood models of marketing and distribution, as well as independent film making approaches are studied.

Transfers to both UC/CSU

Cal-GETC Area(s): AREA-3B

AA/AS General Education: AA/AS C

3 Units (LAB 48-54, LEC 32-36)

This course will consider the history of American commercial motion picture culture from its origins to the present. Students will study film language, the social composition of audiences, the economics of the film industry, major themes and genres that have appeared in American films, and the relationship between politics and American motion pictures. *Cross-listed as HIST-136.

Recommended Preparation: ENGL-C1000 or concurrent enrollment in ENGL-C1000.

Transfers to both UC/CSU

Cal-GETC Area(s): AREA-3B, AREA-4

AA/AS General Education: AA/AS B2, AA/AS C

3 Units (LAB 48-54, LEC 32-36)

This course surveys the history of international film from its genesis to the modern era of transnational and digital cinemas. This course introduces international film studies by considering film language, international audiences, relationships between film and socio-political ideologies, technological diffusion and innovation, and film content. This course will discuss significant film movements throughout Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa, both chronologically and comparatively, to explore the ways in which film has evolved as an art form, entertainment medium, and commercial enterprise throughout its history.

Transfers to both UC/CSU

Cal-GETC Area(s): AREA-3A

AA/AS General Education: AA/AS C

3 Units (LAB 48-54, LEC 32-36)

This course surveys the history of international film from its genesis to the modern era of transnational and digital cinemas. This course introduces international film studies by considering film language, international audiences, relationships between film and socio-political ideologies, technological diffusion and innovation, and film content. This course will discuss significant film movements throughout Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa, both chronologically and comparatively, to explore the ways in which film has evolved as an art form, entertainment medium, and commercial enterprise throughout its history.

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Honors Enrichment Program.

Transfers to both UC/CSU

Cal-GETC Area(s): AREA-3A

AA/AS General Education: AA/AS C

1-3 Unit (LAB 144-162)

This course is a laboratory designed to give the student a variety of experiences in acting and theater production. The student will work on presenting plays through rehearsal techniques that build skills in all areas of theater including involvement in production, acting, and artistic teams. This course culminates in public performance.

Prerequisite: By audition and/or interview.

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: THTR 191

Course Related Content Group: Theater Production

Times may be taken for credit: 4

1-3 Unit (LAB 144-162)

This course is designed for the presentation of a musical theater production. Students will learn the fundamentals of preparation of a production including: rehearsal technique, learning and maintaining a vocal harmony part or solo song, acting, character development, analysis of dramatic text, movement/dance and technical theater.

Prerequisite: By audition and/or interview.

Transfers to both UC/CSU

Course Related Content Group: Theater Production, Musical Theater Production

Times may be taken for credit: 4

1-3 Unit (IS 16-54)

Students with previous course work in the program may do special projects that involve research and special study. The actual nature of the project must be determined in consultation with the supervising instructor.

Prerequisite: Two Theater Arts classes must be completed prior to enrollment; a Special Projects contract must be completed with the instructor prior to enrollment.

Transfers to CSU only