THEATRE ARTS, PART 1
Price: $125 | Credits: One Semester | Dept: Languages | Course ID# 278-1
Theatre Arts, Part 1 introduces students to the foundations of theatre as a live, collaborative art form. Students learn essential theatre vocabulary, stage conventions, audience etiquette, movement and blocking, and the elements that work together to create a performance. They explore the history of theatre from ancient civilizations to modern performance while examining how culture has shaped dramatic storytelling across time. The course also develops introductory acting skills through voice, movement, pantomime, character development, script analysis, rehearsal, and performance. Throughout the course, students gain an appreciation for collaboration and the creative processes that bring theatrical productions to life. Theatre Arts aligns with the National Core Arts Standards (NCAS) and is approved by the University of California A-G as Visual & Performing Arts (category F) / Theater.
Upon completion of this course, the student is awarded 5 credits. Each credit corresponds to 15 hours of study. Of course, some students work more quickly than others, and some can devote more hours to study, so some students are able to complete the course at an accelerated rate.
Upon completion of this course, the student is awarded 5 credits. Each credit corresponds to 15 hours of study. Of course, some students work more quickly than others, and some can devote more hours to study, so some students are able to complete the course in an accelerated rate.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
In this module, students gain a comprehension of the following:
- How theatre functions as a collaborative art form through performance, audience interaction, stage conventions, and theatrical storytelling.
- How theatre has evolved across cultures and historical periods, and how historical traditions continue to influence modern performance.
- How actors use voice, movement, gesture, and physical expression to communicate character, emotion, and meaning.
- How script analysis, character development, objectives, motivation, and relationships contribute to believable performances.
- How rehearsal, collaboration, auditions, and professional theatre practices prepare performers for successful productions.
- How reflection, feedback, and performance experience contribute to continued artistic growth and appreciation of the performing arts.
TOPICS COVERED
This course covers the following topics:
- Foundations of Theatre
- Theatre Vocabulary
- Stage Directions and Blocking
- Performance Spaces
- Audience and Performer Relationships
- Elements of Theatre
- Theatre History
- Greek Theatre
- Roman Theatre
- Medieval Theatre
- Renaissance Theatre and Commedia dell’Arte
- Elizabethan Theatre
- Asian Theatre Traditions
- Modern Theatre
- Physical Acting
- Body Language and Gesture
- Pantomime and Mime
- Clowning
- Vocal Technique
- Projection, Articulation, Tone, and Inflection
- Character Development
- Script Analysis
- Character Objectives and Motivation
- Obstacles, Tactics, and Subtext
- Relationships and Scene Work
- Audition Techniques
- Rehearsal Process
- Ensemble Collaboration
- Performance Preparation
- Reflection and Self-Evaluation
