General Catalog 2009-2010

Programs and Courses

Theatre Arts

• General Information
• Course Descriptions

General Information

For Information: Virginia Ludders
Phone: 623.845.3709

Student Goals: Personal, General Education, Career-related

A wide variety of academic and production theatre arts courses are available. Students take these courses:

Note: Open auditions are held for all productions. Any student registered in the college is eligible, whether or not the student is taking courses in theatre. However, THP201AA and AB are recommended. Several plays are staged each year. Students acting or working with major productions should arrange their schedules so they are free to rehearse evenings.

See Associate in Arts, Fine Arts (AAFA) - Theatre in the Graduation Requirements section here.

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Course Descriptions

Course Availability: (F) Fall, (S) Spring, (D) Day, (E) Evening, (Su1) Summer 1, (Su2) Summer 2, (O) Occasionally

Theater: THE, THP

Theater (THE)

THE111
Introduction to Theatre / 3 credits / 3 periods
A survey of theatre, including basic elements and principles of production, styles, and/or historical perceptions of theatre, dramatic literature, and criticism. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E,Su1)

THE118
Playwriting / 3 credits / 3 periods
Practice and study of theories and techniques of writing for the stage; creating characters, dialogue, and plot for monodramas, scenes, and plays. Prerequisites: None. (O)

THE205
Introduction to Cinema / 3 credits / 3 periods
Survey of the history and development of the art of motion pictures, including criticism of aesthetic and technical elements. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E,Su1,2)

THE206
Introduction to Television Arts / 3 credits / 3 periods
History and development of electronic media and its impact on popular arts. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D)

THE210
Contemporary Cinema / 3 credits / 3 periods
A study of contemporary films, directors and critics with emphasis on evaluating film as an art form. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,E,SuE,O)

THE220
Modern Drama / 3 credits / 3 periods
Analysis of dramatic literature studied within political, historical, and cultural contexts and examined from the perspective of the playwright’s structure and style. Prerequisites: ENG101 or ENG107 or equivalent. (S)

THE260
Film Analysis / 3 credits / 3 periods
Understanding and enjoyment of film and its correlation to literature, art, music, and other disciplines. Prerequisites: None. (O)

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Theater Performance/Production (THP)

THP112
Acting I / 3 credits / 4 periods
Fundamental techniques and terminology of acting through physical and vocal expression, improvisation, and monologue and scene work. Emphasis on characterization. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,Su,D,E)

THP115
Theatre Makeup / 3 credits / 4 periods
Purposes, materials and techniques of theatrical makeup. Prerequisites: None. (F,D)

THP120AA
Audition Techniques: Prepared Monologue / 1 credit / 2 periods
Practice in the techniques of auditioning for the stage. Identifies and illustrates techniques of the prepared monologue audition. Prerequisites: None. (F)

THP120AB
Audition Techniques: Cold Readings / 1 credit / 2 periods
Practice in the techniques of auditioning for the stage. Identifies and illustrates techniques of the cold reading audition. Prerequisites: None. (S)

THP130
Stage Combat / 3 credits / 4 periods
Analysis and practice of physical movement, including basic techniques in staged personal combat with and without weapons. Emphasis on stunt fighting and fencing. Prerequisites: None. (S every 2 years)

THP131
Stage Movement / 3 credits / 4 periods
Movement skills for the actor to develop a flexible, expressive physical instrument. Includes pantomime, physical isolation, and awareness exercises. Prerequisites: None. (S every 2 years)

THP201AA
Theatre Production I / 1 credit / 2 periods
Designed to give college credit to the cast and technical production crews of college theatre productions. May be repeated for up to a maximum of four (4) credits. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E)

THP201AB
Theatre Production II / 2 credits / 4 periods
Designed to give college credit to the cast and technical production crews of college theatre productions. May be repeated for up to a maximum of four (4) credits. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E)

THP210
Acting: TV/Film / 3 credits / 4 periods
Special technical aspects of acting before a camera. Prerequisites: THP112 or permission of instructor. (O)

THP211
Creative Drama / 3 credits / 3 periods
Theory and practice of creative drama, including improvisation, storytelling, puppetry, and script and program development in drama and their application to elementary and secondary school levels. Prerequisites: None. (O)

THP211AA
Creative Drama: Improvisation / 1 credit / 1 period
Theory and practice of creative drama, including improvisation. Covers improvisation theatre-based activities. Emphasis on application in elementary and secondary school levels. Prerequisites: None. (S)

THP211AB
Creative Drama: Storytelling/Puppets / 1 credit 1 period
Theory and practice of creative drama in storytelling and puppetry. Covers use of puppets to enhance storytelling skills. Emphasis on application in elementary and secondary school levels. Prerequisites: None. (O)

THP211AC
Creative Drama: Script Development / 1 credit / 1 period
Theory and practice of creative drama in script development. Covers creation and adaptation of dramatic materials from a variety of sources. Emphasis on application in elementary and secondary school levels. Prerequisites: None. (F)

THP212
Acting II / 3 credits / 4 periods
Fundamental techniques of acting through script analysis, rehearsal, and performance. Prerequisites: THP112 or departmental approval. (F,S,D,E)

THP213
Introduction to Technical Theatre / 3 credits / 5 periods
Procedures of technical theatre production and demonstration. Topics include design and construction of scenery, lighting and properties. Prerequisites: None. (F)

THP214
Directing Techniques / 3 credits / 3 periods
Contemporary theory and practice in directing, the evolution of present-day directing procedures, and a sampling of scripts for directing practice. Principles of script analysis, blocking, casting, rehearsing, and performing. Prerequisites: THP112 and THE220, or permission of instructor. (S)

THP215
Advanced Makeup Techniques / 3 credits / 4 periods
Advanced character analysis and makeup design. Technical application of makeup. Prerequisites: THP115. (F,D)

THP216
Beginning Stage Lighting / 3 credits / 4 periods
Basic theories and methods of stage lighting for all production types. Emphasis on technical/theoretical facts, artistic/design concept development, and “teamwork” structure of theatre. Examines stage lighting optics, instrument selection and application, color theory, circuiting and control systems, and basic design. Prerequisites: THP213 or permission of instructor. (O)

THP217
Introduction to Design Scenography / 3 credits / 4 periods
The role of the theatre designer in creating scenic, lighting, costume, sound, and multimedia effects for stage productions. Elements of the design process and communication of dramatic themes and visions to the audience. Prerequisites: THP 213 or permission of instructor. (O)

THP241
Performance of Literature / 3 credits / 3 periods
The study, analysis, and preparation for performance of prose, poetry, and dramatic literature. Preparation of material for public audiences. Prerequisites: ENG101 or ENG107 or equivalent. (F,S,D)

THP243
Interpreters Theatre / 3 credits / 4 periods
Study, analysis, rehearsal, and performance of various types of literature. Prerequisites: None. (O)

THP267
Painting Techniques for Film, TV and Theatre / 3 credits / 4 periods
Theory and skills in scenic artistry. Techniques of painting two-dimensional and three-dimensional scenery, tools, and the use of color. Prerequisites: THP213. (O)

THP271
Voice and Diction / 3 credits / 3 periods
Exercises and techniques to free the voice and improve projection, resonance, and articulation. Covers international phonetic alphabet and standard stage speech. Prerequisites: None. (S,D)

THP281
Production and Acting I / 3 credits / 4 periods
Provides the continuing acting student with opportunities to expand the versatility of characterization skills. Emphasis on relating the actor’s work to the total production process. Performance of monologues, scenes, and one-act plays. Prerequisites: Departmental approval. (F,S,Su)

THP282
Production and Acting II / 3 credits / 4 periods
Provides the continuing acting student with opportunities to expand the versatility of characterization skills. Emphasis on relating the actor’s work to the total production process. Performance of monologues, scenes, and one-act plays. Prerequisites: THP281 or departmental approval. (F,S,Su)

THP298
Special Projects / 1-3 credits
Organized and tailored around the interests and needs of the individual student. Structured to provide an atmosphere of individualized research and study paralleled by professional expertise and guidance. Professional-type facilities and equipment available for student use. Allows the best aspects of independent study and individualized learning to be combined to maximize student development. Prerequisites: Permission of Program Director or instructor.

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