Program Emphasis
This program provides some of the preparation for transfer to programs in dance, voice,
acting, movement and provides basic training in musical theater and theater. For information
about productions, auditions, faculty, etc., please visit the Theatre page: sdcity.edu/Theatre
For additional information please visit our website: http://citycollegetheatre.blogspot.com.
Some career options listed require a baccalaureate degree: musical theater stage performer, actor, television actor/performer, choreographer, stage chorus actor, show dancer, stage movement instructor, high school and elementary movement and dance instructor, creative dramatics instructor.
Program Learning Outcomes
Musical Theatre is the most diversified area of the dramatic arts. Our focus in training students is to integrate three art forms: acting, singing and dancing into a single mode of expression. Our students explore the unique relationship that exists among these three disciplines, in order to compete as performers in a challenging job market.
Student Learning Outcomes
Associate in Arts Degree: Visual and Performing Arts, Musical Theatre
This program provides fundamental skills and theory in musical comedy, theatre and music both for transfer students and for persons interested in participating in theatre and musical theatre productions.
Students who complete the program will be able to:
- Effectively practice Musical Theatre arts through involvement in the creation and presentation of public performances in Musical Theatre.
- Explain and practice basic production processes such as acting, scenic, costume, make-up design, and technical operations related to production.
- Identify/describe the historical and cultural dimensions of Musical Theatre, including the works of leading musical theatre playwrights, and composers.
- Acquire the discipline, cooperation, accountability, and perseverance necessary for positive self-identification an success in life.
Degree Requirements
Courses Required for the Major / Units
DANC 115A Tap 1-1.5
DRAM 132 Beginning Acting 3
DANC 135A Jazz Dance I 1-1.5
Choose two courses from the following:
DRAM 240A Musical Theatre Repertoire I 4
DRAM 240B Musical Theatre Repertoire II 4
DRAM 240C Musical Theatre Repertoire III 4
DRAM 240D Musical Theatre Repertoire IV 4
Choose two courses from the following:
DRAM 241A Musical Theatre Dance I 2
DRAM 241B Musical Theatre Dance II 2
DRAM 241C Musical Theatre Dance III 2
DRAM 241D Musical Theatre Dance IV 2
Choose two courses from the following:
DRAM 243A Technical Theatre Practicum - Costume and Makeup 2
DRAM 243B Technical Theatre Practicum - Lighting and Sound 2
DRAM 243C Technical Theatre Practicum - Scenic 2
DRAM 243D Technical Theatre Pracitcum - Stage Management 2
Total Units 19 - 20
Recommended Elective: DANC 110A
Course Descriptions
DRAMATIC ARTS (DRAM)
103 Acting for Non-majors - 3 hours lecture, 3 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: English 48 and English 49, each with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
or Assessment Skill Levels R5 and W5.
Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit
for Dramatic Arts 130.
This course introduces students to improvisational acting. The first phase of the
course treats acting as process-centered. The instructor leads the participants using
a variety of exercises to imagine, enact and reflect upon human experiences. The second
phase of the course emphasizes problem-solving skills in group improvisational work.
The group improvises action and dialogue appropriate to the content it is exploring,
using elements of drama to give form and meaning to the experience. This course is
intended for students majoring in Dramatic Arts. (FT) AA/AS; CSU.
105 Introduction to Dramatic Arts 3 hours lecture, 3 units Letter Grade or Pass/No
Pass Option
Advisory : English 101 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or Assessment
Skill Levels R6 and W6.
This survey course introduces fundamental practices and creative processes in the
dramatic arts. Through experimentation and examination, students gain greater insight
and appreciation of the dramatic arts as an agent of change that is vital to the humanities.
Aspects of theatre production and collaboration are covered through lecture, group
discussion and participation. This course is intended for students majoring in Dramatic
Arts and all students interested in the dramatic arts. (FT) AA/AS; CSU; UC; C-ID THTR
111.
106 Acting for Radio/Voice-Over - 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 3 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: English 48 and English 49, each with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
or Assessment Skill Levels R5 and W5; Radio, Television and Film 105 with a grade
of "C" or better, or equivalent.
Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit
for Radio and Television 106, Radio, Television and Film 106, Dramatic Arts 265 or
Radio and Television 265.
This course is a practical study of the voice-over industry. Emphasis is placed on
voice-over acting techniques for radio and television commercials, multimedia and
other audio and video presentations. Students are expected to read aloud extensively
as well as to record their voice for critique and self-evaluation. Topics also include
an overview of the voice-over business, marketing, current technology, and professional
work and studio etiquette. This course is intended for students majoring in drama
or radio and television as well as for anyone interested in the voice-over business.
This course is cross listed with Radio, Television and Film (RTVF) 106. (FT) AA/AS;
CSU.
107 Study of Filmed Plays - 3 hours lecture, 3 units (Grade Only)
Advisory : English 101 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or Assessment
Skill Levels R6 and W6.
This course is a study of cinematic adaptations of plays, comparing stage and screen
versions in the areas of form and structure, writing, and production. Emphasis is
placed on developing students' appreciation for dramatic art and providing practice
in the art of theater criticism. This course is intended for students majoring in
Dramatic Arts and any student interested in the Humanities. (FT) AA/AS; CSU; UC.
108 Playwriting - 3 hours lecture, 3 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: English 101 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or Assessment Skill
Levels R6 and W6.
This course gives students an opportunity to write effective material for the theatre.
Topics and exercises explore dialogue, monologue, exposition, autobiography, writing
for the opposite gender and prismatic structure. Students are required to write scenes
that explore issues of structure that facilitate the development of a technique that
is both individual and based on traditional dramaturgical ideas. This course is intended
for students majoring in Dramatic Arts and those students interested in the Humanities.
(FT) AA/AS; CSU.
109 Theatre and Social Issues - 3 hours lecture, 3 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: English 101 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or Assessment Skill
Levels R6 and W6.
This course is a study of the role of theatre in society within its cultural, aesthetic,
economic, and political manifestations. Emphasis is placed on increasing students'
understanding of politics in theatrical representation and theatre as a tool for social
change. Topics include the nature and function of theatrical representation, moving
to historical and contemporary issues in American and World cultures. This course
is intended for students majoring in Dramatic Arts and those students interested in
the Humanities and/or social and theoretical issues. (FT) AA/AS; CSU; UC.
119 Acting for Film and Television - 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 3 units (Letter
Grade or Pass/No Pass Option)
Advisory: English 48 and English 49, each with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
or Assessment Skill Levels R5 and W5.
Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit
for Radio and Television 119, Radio Television and Film 119, Dramatic Arts 265 or
Radio and Television 265.
This course introduces students to the skills required for on-camera performing techniques
as used in the motion picture and television industry. Students participate in the
selection, rehearsal, and oncamera performance of material from television and motion
picture scripts including drama, sitcoms, daytime dramas and commercials. Emphasis
is placed on cold-reading taped audition skills, improvisational and interview techniques,
and the fundamental acting techniques required for camera, scene, and monologue studies.
This course is designed for theatre, television and film majors. This course is cross
listed with Radio, Television and Film (RTVF) 119. (FT) AA/AS; CSU.
123 Beginning Stagecraft - 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 3 units (Letter Grade or
Pass/No Pass Option)
Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit
for Drama 125.
This course is a hands-on introduction to technical theatre production. Emphasis is
placed on construction, painting, rigging, placement, and manipulation of stage scenery,
lighting equipment, sound and properties, and the organization and management of stage
activity and stagecraft technology. This course is intended for students majoring
in Dramatic Arts and students interested in backstage production. (FT) AA/AS; CSU,
UC; C-ID THTR 171.
124 Makeup for the Stage 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 3 units (Grade Only)
Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit
for Dramatic Arts 122.
This course is an introductory hands-on study of the materials and techniques used
in stage makeup design and application. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of a
lexicon pertinent to the history and use of makeup in the theater as well as on the
actual application of stage makeup in the classroom and as a member of the makeup
crew for a theatrical production. This course is intended for students majoring in
drama, theatre, film, radio and television and cosmetology as well as anyone interested
in makeup for the stage. (FT) AA/AS; CSU; UC; C-ID THTR 175.
126 Advanced Stagecraft - 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 3 units (Letter Grade or Pass/No
Pass Option)
Prerequisite: Dramatic Arts 123 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent.
This course is an advanced study of technical stage production and scene technology.
Emphasis is placed on the methods and practices of technical theory and on practical,
hands-on experience. Topics include theater design, stage decor and lighting, and
the synthesis of all elements of stagecraft within an environment of actual stage
production. Students develop crew leadership skills as they create and construct set
designs and operate stage equipment for all Dramatic Arts productions throughout the
semester. This course is intended for students majoring in Dramatic Arts. (FT) AA/AS;
CSU; UC.
129A Beginning Scene Painting 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 3 units (Letter Grade
or Pass/No Pass Option)
Advisory: English 47A or English 48 and English 49, each with a grade of "C" or better,
or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels R5 and W5.
Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit
for Drama 265 or 129.
This course introduces students to basic techniques and materials used in the painting
of scenery for the stage. Emphasis is placed on techniques in faux painting, murals,
trompe l'oeil (trick the eye), and decorative motifs for theatre. Students experiment
with color mixing, base, layout, ink, lay-in detail and the use of brushes and tools
for application in theatre settings. This course is designed for drama majors and
students interested in environmental art. (FT) AA/AS; CSU, UC.
129B Intermediate Scene Painting 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 3 units (Letter Grade
or Pass/No Pass Option)
Advisory: English 47A or English 48 and English 49, each with a grade of "C" or better,
or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels R5 and W5; Dramatic Arts 129A with a grade
of "C" or better, or equivalent.
This course is an intermediate study in the art and practice of theatrical scene painting.
Emphasis is placed on the creation of large scale projects designed to allow students
the opportunity to apply basic scene painting skills while experimenting with intermediate
techniques and tools, including liner and aerial perspective and a variety of spray
guns. Students take on leadership roles in scene painting for theatrical productions
while developing communication and collaboration skills. The course is designed for
students majoring in drama or anyone interested in painting on a large scale. (FT)
AA/AS; CSU; UC.
132 Beginning Acting - 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 3 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: English 48 and English 49, each with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
or Assessment Skill Levels R5 and W5.
Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit
for Drama 131A.
This course is a beginning level study, practice and execution of the fundamentals
of acting designed to develop a foundation in basic acting technique. Emphasis is
placed on the effective communication of ideas and emotions by a dramatic character
to audience. Topics include staging techniques, improvisation, theater games, scenes,
monologues, stage movement, and an introduction to the lexicon of acting for theater.
This course is intended for students who are interested in developing basic acting
techniques. (FT) AA/AS; CSU; UC; C-ID THTR 151.
133 Intermediate Acting - 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 3 units (Letter Grade or Pass/No
Pass Option)
Prerequisite: Dramatic Arts 132 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent.
Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit
for Drama 131B.
This course is an intermediate level study of the fundamentals of acting. Emphasis
is placed on the use of scene work as a tool for sharpening the actor's skill. Students
work on scenes by a variety of playwrights as they increase vocal, physical and emotional
flexibility as well as their stage presence. This course is intended for students
majoring in Dramatic Arts and anyone interested in honing their acting skill. (FT)
AA/AS; CSU; UC; C-ID THTR 152.
134 Beginning Voice for Actors - 3 hours lecture, 3 units (Letter Grade or Pass/No
Pass Option)
Advisory: English 48 and English 49, each with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
or Assessment Skill Levels R5 and W5.
This course is a study of the foundations of vocal technique for actors. Emphasis
is placed on breath, projection, resonator and diction. Students apply voice technique
using monologues, modern and classical. This course is intended for students majoring
in Dramatic Arts and anyone interested in honing voice and articulation skills. (FT)
AA/AS; CSU; UC.
136 History of Canonized Theatre- Ancient Greece to the Restoration - 3 hours lecture,
3 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: English 101 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or Assessment Skill
Levels R6 and W6.
This course is a survey of the history of Western theatre from ancient Greece through
the Restoration in England. Emphasis is placed on the historical, political, cultural
and religious contexts within which the canonized playwrights developed their plays.
Topics include the development of the physical architecture of the theatre buildings
and staging innovations. This course is intended for students majoring in Dramatic
Arts and students interested in the history of theatre. (FT) AA/AS; CSU; UC; C-ID
THTR 113.
137 History of Canonized Western Theatre-Restoration to the Present - 3 hours lecture,
3 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: English 101 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or Assessment Skill
Levels R6 and W6.
This course is a survey of the history of canonized Western theatrical experiences
from the English Restoration to the present. Emphasis is placed on the historical,
political, cultural and religious contexts within which the playwrights developed
their plays. Topics include an examination of the physical theatre and methods of
staging drama. This course is intended for students majoring in Dramatic Arts and
students interested in the history of theatre. (FT) AA/AS; CSU; UC.
143 Beginning Costuming - 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 3 units (Letter Grade or Pass/No
Pass Option)
Advisory: English 47A or English 48 and English 49, each with a grade of "C" or better,
or equivalent or Assessment Skill Levels R5 and W5; Mathematics 38 with a grade of
"C" or better, or equivalent or Assessment Skill Level M30.
This lecture and laboratory course emphasizes student involvement in the techniques
and methodology of costume construction. Class material emphasizes practical experience
in sewing, fabrics and their modification, costume craft techniques such as millinery,
masks, footwear and accessories, and service on costumes crews. Students study costume
production procedures in regards to time, budgets and labor. This course is designed
for students majoring in performance and technical theater. (FT) AA/AS; CSU, UC; C-ID
THTR 174.
165 Introduction to Stage Movement - 3 hours lecture, 3 units (Letter Grade or Pass/No
Pass Option)
Advisory: English 48 and English 49, each with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
or Assessment Skill Levels R5 and W5.
Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit
for Drama 165A.
This course is an introduction to basic techniques of movement for the stage. Emphasis
is placed on the actor's body as an expressive instrument. Students acquire flexibility,
strength, and physical repertoire of stage movement. This course is intended for students
majoring in Dramatic Arts and anyone interested in honing stage movement skills. (FT)
AA/AS; CSU; UC.
240A Musical Theater Repertoire - 12 hours lab, 4 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: English 47A or English 48 and English 49, each with a grade of "C" or better,
or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels R5 and W5.
Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit
for Drama 251.
This course is an introduction to musical theatre repertoire. Emphasis is placed on
the audition process and rehearsal protocol as students are introduced to working
in collaboration with directors, cast members and the production crew members on a
musical theatre production. This course is intended for students majoring in drama,
dance or music and all students interested in participating in musical theatre production
and performance. (FT) AA/AS; CSU; UC.
240B Musical Theatre Repertoire II - 12 hours lab, 4 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: Dramatic Arts 240A with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent.
This course is the second level of musical theatre repertoire. Emphasis is placed
on the synthesis of singing, dancing and acting throughout the rehearsal and performance
processes. Students are expected to demonstrate consistent work ethic and professionalism
in working with directors, cast members and crew members. This course is intended
for students majoring in drama, dance or music and all students interested in participating
in musical theatre production and performance. (FT) AA/AS; CSU; UC.
240C Musical Theatre Repertoire III - 12 hours lab, 4 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: Dramatic Arts 240B with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent.
This course is the third level of musical theatre repertoire. Emphasis is placed on
refinement of the performance process through the development of one's own personal
artistry and connection to the audience. Students are expected to demonstrate professionalism
and consistent practice throughout the rehearsal process. This course is intended
for students majoring in drama, dance or music and all students interested in participating
in musical theatre production and performance. (FT) AA/AS; CSU; UC.
240D Musical Theatre Repertoire IV - 12 hours lab, 4 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: Dramatic Arts 240C with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent.
This course is the fourth level of musical theatre repertoire. Emphasis is placed
on a rigorous audition process, professional decorum, adaptability and leadership
throughout the rehearsal and performance processes. This course is intended for students
majoring in drama, dance or music and all students interested in participating in
musical theatre production and performance. (FT) AA/AS; CSU; UC.
241A Musical Theatre Dance I - 6 hours lab, 2 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: English 47A or English 48 and English 49, each with a grade of "C" or better,
or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels R5 and W5.
This course is an introduction to dance for musical theatre. Emphasis is placed on
the practice and integration of basic dance combinations, choreography and singing
through rehearsal and performance. This course is intended for students majoring in
dance and all students interested in participating in musical theatre dance performance.
(FT) AA/AS; CSU.
241B Musical Theatre Dance II - 6 hours lab, 2 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: Dramatic Arts 241A with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent.
This course is the second level of dance for musical theatre. Emphasis is placed on
the replication of floor patterns with dynamic quality and rhythm, coordination of
breath and timing to technical line and song, and the use of gesture and technical
line in storyline development. This course is intended for students majoring in dance
and all students interested in participating in musical theatre dance performance.
(FT) AA/AS; CSU.
241C Musical Theatre Dance III - 6 hours lab, 2 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: Dramatic Arts 241B with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent.
This course is the third level of dance for musical theatre. Emphasis is placed on
the refinement of complex technical lines and floor patterns, coordination of song
and dance, and experimentation with body movements to develop a personal artistry
in creative storytelling for musical theatre. This course is intended for students
majoring in dance and all students interested in participating in musical theatre
dance performance. (FT) AA/AS; CSU.
241D Musical Theatre Dance IV - 6 hours lab, 2 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: Dramatic Arts 241C with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent.
This course is the fourth level of dance for musical theatre. Emphasis is placed on
the mastery of advanced complex technical lines and floor patterns, composition and
improvisation, and character development through song and dance. This course is intended
for students majoring in dance and all students interested in participating in musical
theatre dance performance. AA/AS; CSU.
242A Rehearsal and Performance I - 9 hours lab, 3 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: English 47A or English 48 and English 49, each with a grade of "C" or better,
or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels R5 and W5.
Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit
for Drama 250.
This course is an introduction to the rehearsal and performance process of a departmental
theatre production. Emphasis is placed on work ethic and collaboration throughout
all phases of the production and performance. This course is intended for students
majoring in drama and all students interested in participating in theatre production
and performance. (FT) AA/AS; CSU; UC; C-ID THTR 191.
242B Rehearsal and Performance II - 9 hours lab, 3 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: Dramatic Arts 242A with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent.
This course is the second level of the rehearsal and performance process of a departmental
theatre production. Emphasis is placed on the development of a personal artistic process
and skill set within the overall theory and practice of stage production. This course
is intended for students majoring in drama and all students interested in participating
in theatre production and performance. (FT) AA/AS; CSU; UC.
242C Rehearsal and Performance III - 9 hours lab, 3 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: Dramatic Arts 242B with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent.
This course is the third level of the rehearsal and performance process of a departmental
theatre production. Emphasis is placed on the use of voice, movement, and technical
elements to communicate character development. This course is intended for students
majoring in drama and all students interested in participating in theatre production
and performance. (FT) AA/AS; CSU; UC.
242D Rehearsal and Performance IV - 9 hours lab, 3 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: Dramatic Arts 242C with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent.
This course is the fourth level of the rehearsal and performance process of a departmental
theatre production. Emphasis is placed on mentorship and direction of less experienced
actors and the integration of theory and technique in character creation and development.
This course is intended for students majoring in drama and all students interested
in participating in theatre production and performance. (FT) AA/AS; CSU; UC.
243A Technical Theatre Practicum - Costume and Makeup - 6 hours lab, 2 units (Grade
Only)
Advisory: Dramatic Arts 123, 124, 129A, and 143, each with a grade of "C" or better,
or equivalent.
This technical theatre practicum is designed to provide students with hands-on training
in the intricacies of running a theatre production, with special emphasis on costume
and makeup. Students work as part of the costume and makeup crew during the rehearsal
and production processes for main stage, dance or black box productions. This course
is intended for students majoring in drama and all students interested in participating
in the theatre production process. (FT) AA/AS; CSU; UC.
243B Technical Theatre Practicum - Lighting and Sound - 6 hours lab, 2 units (Grade
Only)
Advisory: Dramatic Arts 123, 124, 129A, and 143, each with a grade of "C" or better,
or equivalent.
This technical theatre practicum is designed to provide students with hands-on training
in the intricacies of running a theatre production, with special emphasis on lighting
and audio. Students work as part of the lighting and audio crew during the rehearsal
and production processes for main stage, dance or black box productions. This course
is intended for students majoring in drama and all students interested in participating
in the theatre production process. (FT) AA/AS; CSU; UC.
243C Technical Theatre Practicum - Scenic - 6 hours lab, 2 units (Grade Only)
Advisory: Dramatic Arts 123, 124, 129A, and 143, each with a grade of "C" or better,
or equivalent.
This technical theatre practicum is designed to provide students with hands-on training
in the intricacies of running a theatre production, with special emphasis on scenic
elements. Students work as part of the scenic crew during the rehearsal and production
processes for main stage, dance or black box productions. This course is intended
for students majoring in drama and all students interested in participating in the
theatre production process. (FT) AA/AS; CSU; UC.
243D Technical Theatre Practicum - Stage Management - 6 hours lab, 2 units (Grade
Only)
Advisory: Dramatic Arts 123, 124, 129A, and 143, each with a grade of "C" or better,
or equivalent. This technical theatre practicum is designed to provide students with
hands-on training in the intricacies of running a theatre production, with special
emphasis on stage management. Students work as part of the stage management crew during
the rehearsal and production processes for main stage, dance or black box productions.
This course is intended for students majoring in drama and all students interested
in participating in the theatre production process. (FT) AA/AS; CSU; UC.
290 Independent Study - Hours by Arrangement, 1-3 units (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
Option)
Limitation on Enrollment: Must obtain an Add Code from instructor for registration.
Advanced special work in dramatic arts: acting, design, lighting, film, business,
makeup, costumes, direction, or play production. AA/AS; CSU.
This discipline may offer specialized instruction in one or more of the following
areas: Supervised Tutoring (044), Experimental Topics (265), Independent Study (290),
Individualized Instruction (296), Service Learning (277), or Work Experience (270).
Detailed course descriptions are listed on page 310. Please refer to the class schedule
and/or see the dean or department chair for availability.