Theater Arts

The Theater Arts major is designed to provide knowledge, training, and practical experience in a variety of areas which can be used in continuing participation and appreciation of theater and film throughout life. The Theater program at Las Positas is a unique blend of hands-on learning, personal creative exploration, and history and culture; theater is a wonderful way to continue to grow as a student and as an artist. Classes cover such topics as theater history, musical theater, acting, theater for young audiences, and directing, as well as stage and production management, lighting, scenery, and costume design. Our student-centered coursework and productions offer many different opportunities for students to become involved in the program and college in a meaningful, academic, and career-centered way. The Las Positas Theater program presents 5 productions annually, as well as many other performing and technical opportunities for our theater majors. We house our program in a beautiful state of the art performance facility with three theaters (a 450-seat proscenium, a black box, and an outdoor amphitheater), a costume shop, scene shop, and rehearsal studio.

Degrees:

• AA-T - Theater Arts
• AA - Theater Arts

Certificates of Achievement:

• Technical Theater

Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities for Theater majors (some with further study) may include: actor, director, playwright, dramaturg, literary manager, casting director, production manager, producer, artistic director, political advocate for the arts, teacher, lighting designer, lighting operator, scenic painter, stage/set designer, stage manager, sound operator, costume designer, or stage hand. While there are a multitude of career opportunities in the arts, Theater majors also develop highly valuable skills sets that are advantageous to any profession.

Theater Arts Courses

THEA 1 - Conservatory Readiness

1 unit

This course is required for students interested in participating in the Actors Conservatory at Las Positas College. This course prepares students for a rigorous two-year training program in acting, musical theater, and dance. Students are expected to perform monologues, solos, and short dance sequences in this course, as well as participate in mentorship and cohort activities throughout the semester. 18 hours lecture.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: P/NP

THEA 1A - Theory/Practice of Acting I

3 units

This course prepares a student to apply basic acting theory to performance and develops the skills of interpretation of drama through acting. Special attention is paid to skills for performance: memorization, stage movement, vocal production, and interpretation of text. An introduction to the techniques and theories of acting, explored through improvisation, exercises and scene study. Students should be able to demonstrate the following skills: development of the physical and psychological resources for acting including relaxation, concentration, creativity, believability, and commitment. Strongly Recommended: ENG 1A with a minimum grade of C or ENG 1AEX with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture. Family: Theater Studio. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: C1; C-ID# THTR 151.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 1B - Theory/Practice of Acting II

3 units

Continued exploration of the theory and practice of acting, focusing on more complex characterization and character analysis. Introduction to theatrical styles and period acting with emphasis on monologues and scenes. Prerequisite: THEA 1A with a minimum grade of C or equivalent acting class or acting performance experience. 54 hours lecture. Family: Theater Studio. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# THTR 152.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 3A - Beginning Improvisation

3 units

An entry level course designed to introduce to students to concepts of improvisation and creative dramatics. It will encourage students to "think out of the box", promoting creative problem solving within a supportive ensemble. Recommended for non-majors (Early Childhood education, Business, Speech/Communication majors especially encouraged) as well as Theatre: AA students. 54 hours lecture. Family: Theater Improv. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

THEA 3B - Intermediate Improvisation

3 units

This course will teach students Long-Form Improvisation. The class will concentrate on finding style and improving skills through various in class, supportive, exercises. We will focus on accepting/supporting, creating honest and strong relationship, and developing complex and engaging circumstances. Prerequisite: THEA 3A with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture. Family: Theater Improv. Transfer: CSU, UC.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

THEA 3C - Improvisation in Performance

3 units

From Saturday Night Live to Flash Mobs - Improvisation is part of our culture. Students will get the opportunity to perform as well as teach improvisation techniques and creative dramatics in a supportive and fun atmosphere. The students will also have opportunities to attend and critique the work various local improvisation troupes. Prerequisite: THEA 3B with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture. Family: Theater Improv. Transfer: CSU, UC.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

THEA 4 - Modern American Theater

3 units

The history, representation and contributions of various works of Modern American Theater and the study of Modern American theater as an instrument for expressing and understanding cultural identity. The focus will be on at least three of the following cultural groups: African Americans, Asian Americans, European Americans, Latin Americans and Native Americans. Strongly Recommended: ENG 1A with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: C1; IGETC: 3A.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 5 - Theater for Young Audiences

3 units

Introduction to the history, theory, and techniques of theater for young audiences. Creation, including possible props, puppets, masks, and costumes, and performance of a theatrical production to be performed for local K-12 students. All enrolled will be a part of the production and will learn aspects of touring a show including public relations, audio, and transportation. Casting is subject to audition. Strongly Recommended: THEA 1A with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

THEA 10 - Introduction to Dramatic Arts

3 units

A survey of the elements of Theater event, its contribution to cultures and societies throughout history. Strongly Recommended: Eligibility for ENG 1A. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: C1; IGETC: 3A; C-ID# THTR 111.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 11 - Stage to Screen

3 units

Major plays which subsequently have been made into films. Analysis of each playscript augmented by a viewing and analysis of the film adaptation. Major areas of concentration may vary from semester to semester. 45 hours lecture, 27 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: C1; IGETC: 3A.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 12 - Film as Art & Communication

3 units

Introduction to film as an art form and means of communication. Film history, elements of the filmmaking process, major film traditions and genres. 45 hours lecture, 27 hours laboratory. Family: Theater Humanities. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: C1; IGETC: 3A.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 14 - Bay Area Theater

3 units

Appreciation of theatrical performances through reading, evaluating and attending live productions. Specific content is determined by currently available theatrical productions. 54 hours lecture. Family: Theater Humanities. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: C1; IGETC: 3A.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

THEA 25 - Fundamentals of Stage Speech

3 units

Theory and practice of speech improvement for acting with emphasis on development of the voice, articulation, and pronunciation for theater production. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: C1.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 29A Independent Study, Theater

0.5-2 units

For course information, see "Independent Studies". 27-108 hours laboratory.

THEA 29S - Independent Study, Stagecraft

0.5-2 units

For course information, see "Independent Studies". 27-108 hours laboratory.

THEA 31A - Drama Workshop - Beginning

3 units

Participation as an actor in experimental workshop plays, original student scripts, and other projects, possibly leading to scheduled performances. Casting subject to in class audition. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 31B - Drama Workshop - Intermediate

3 units

Participation as an experienced actor in one act plays, original student scripts, or other projects, leading to scheduled performances. Casting subject to audition. Prerequisite: THEA 31A with a minimum grade of C. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 31C - Drama Workshop - Technical Theater

3 units

Participation as designer or stage crew in one act plays, original student scripts, or other projects developed in collaboration with students in Theater 31 A and 31B. Prerequisite: THEA 50 with a minimum grade of C (May be taken concurrently). Strongly Recommended: THEA 48A with a minimum grade of C. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Family: Theater Workshop. Transfer: CSU, UC.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 31D - Drama Workshop - Directing

3 units

Participation as a director or assistant director of one act plays, original student scripts, or other projects, leading to scheduled performances. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Family: Theater Workshop. Transfer: CSU, UC.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 39A - Musical Theater Workshop - Beginning

3 units

Training in performance skills for the musical theater, with emphasis on acting, stage movement and vocal production. Solo, duet and ensemble work, possibly leading to a culminating public performance. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Family: Theater Musical Theater Studio. Transfer: CSU, UC.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 39B - Musical Theater Workshop - Intermediate

3 units

Intermediate training in performance skills for the musical theater, with emphasis on acting, stage movement and vocal production. Study includes written analyses, musical theater staging and basic acting and vocal techniques. Solo, duet, and ensemble work possibly leading to culminating public performance. Prerequisite: THEA 39A with a minimum grade of C. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Family: Theater Musical Theater Studio. Transfer: CSU, UC.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 39C - Musical Theater Workshop - Advanced

3 units

Advanced training in performance skills for the musical theater, with emphasis on acting, stage movement and vocal production. Study includes auditioning techniques and critical analyses of musical theater performances. Culminating public performance required. Prerequisite: THEA 39B with a minimum grade of C. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Family: Theater Musical Theater Studio. Transfer: CSU, UC.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 47A - Performance in Production: Introduction to Live Performance

3 units

This course provides instruction and supervised participation in theatre rehearsal and performance. On stage participation in cast of scheduled main stage production. Enrollment by Audition only. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Family: Theater Non-musical Theater. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# THTR 191.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 47B - Performance in Production: Beginning

3 units

As a continuation of THEA 47A, students will participate in the cast of a scheduled main stage production. Emphasis will be on character development, objectives, and actions. Enrollment by Audition only. Prerequisite: THEA 47A with a minimum grade of C. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Family: Theater Non-musical Theater. Transfer: CSU, UC.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 47C - Performance in Production: Intermediate

3 units

This course is a continuation of THEA 47B. Student will participate in the cast of a scheduled main stage production. This course will focus on rehearsal technique, personal creative exploration, and ensemble building and motivated performance response. Enrollment by Audition only. Prerequisite: THEA 47B with a minimum grade of C. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Family: Theater Nonmusical Theater. Transfer: CSU, UC.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 47D - Performance in Production: Advanced

3 units

As a continuation of THEA 47C, students will continue to develop onstage with participation in the cast of the scheduled main stage production. This course will emphasize complexity and polish in performance, personal and creative development as a theater professional, and outreach and publicity obligations. Enrollment by Audition only. Prerequisite: THEA 47C with a minimum grade of C. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Family: Theater Non-musical Theater. Transfer: CSU, UC.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 48A - Technical Theater in Production - Beginning

3 units

Students will gain practical experience in the application of production responsibilities in any of the following: stage management, house management, construction, scenery, properties, costume, lighting, sound, and running crews. Enrollment is for the duration of the semester. Strongly Recommended: MATH 107 with a minimum grade of C, THEA 50 with a minimum grade of C. 18 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory. Family: Theater Tech. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# THTR 192.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

THEA 48B - Technical Theater in Production - Intermediate

3 units

Participation in scheduled productions and events as crew members and/or construction of said productions technical elements, including lighting and sound implementation. Enrollment is for the duration of the semester. Students may participate in the design and board operation of multiple productions or events per semester. Prerequisite: THEA 48A with a minimum grade of C. Strongly Recommended: MATH 107 with a minimum grade of C. 18 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory. Family: Theater Tech. Transfer: CSU, UC.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

THEA 48C - Technical Theater in Production - Advanced

3 units

Participation in scheduled productions as assistant stage managers or assistant designers of said productions technical elements, including scenic, costume, lighting and sound design. Enrollment is for the duration of the semester. Students may participate in more than one production per semester, as needed. Prerequisite: THEA 48B with a minimum grade of C, THEA 50L with a minimum grade of C or THEA 51 with a minimum grade of C or MUS 35 with a minimum grade of C or THEA 52 with a minimum grade of C. Strongly Recommended: MATH 107 with a minimum grade of C or MATH 107B with a minimum grade of C. 18 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory. Family: Theater Tech. Transfer: CSU, UC.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

THEA 48D - Technical Theater in Production-Capstone

3 units

Participation in scheduled productions as manager of productions technical elements, which may include stage management, publicity management, or designer's apprentice in lighting, sound, costume, or scenic design. Enrollment is for the duration of the semester. Students may participate in more than one production or event per semester. Prerequisite: THEA 48C with a minimum grade of C, THEA 50L with a minimum grade of C or THEA 51 with a minimum grade of C or MUS 35 with a minimum grade of C or THEA 52 with a minimum grade of C. 18 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory. Family: Theater Management. Transfer: CSU, UC.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

THEA 50 - Stagecraft

3 units

An introduction to technical theatre and the creation of scenic elements. Includes basic concepts of design, painting techniques, set construction, set movement, prop construction, backstage organization, and career possibilities. May include stage management, lighting, and/or sound techniques. Lecture, reading, projects, and practical experience. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# THTR 171.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 50L - Introduction to Stage Lighting

3 units

This course involves the study and execution of stage lighting with emphasis on equipment, control, color and their relationship to design. Introduction to stage lighting design. Physics of light, color, electricity; components of basic lighting technology; comprehensive overview of the art of theater lighting design. Strongly Recommended: THEA 50 with a minimum grade of C. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# THTR 173.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

THEA 51 - Introduction to Costume Design

3 units

Students will study costume history, design, and basic construction techniques as an introduction to basic theatrical costuming. Fabrics and their various uses will be investigated. Design and fabrication of costumes for production; components of basic sewing and costume construction; comprehensive overview of the history of fashion and costume, color, manufacturing techniques; Introduction to basic makeup design; makeup application techniques and design; special effects makeup techniques. Strongly Recommended: THEA 50 with a minimum grade of C. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: C1; C-ID# THTR 174.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 52 - Introduction to Design

3 units

Students will be offered a survey of the design and history of scenery, lighting, sound, costumes, makeup, properties, theatrical equipment and construction techniques through demonstration, and laboratory experience. Information is applicable to all formal theatrical applications. 45 hours lecture, 27 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# THTR 172.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

THEA 53 - Script Analysis

3 units

Develops critical thinking , analysis, and writing skills as they apply to the exploration of the principles, theories and techniques of play script analysis for theatrical production. Class content includes the historical and cultural context of various kinds of script; genre and form; narrative and plot analysis; linguistic analysis; interpreting stage directions; and identification of main themes. Emphasis on effective written communication in literature. Research required. Prerequisite: ENG 1A with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture. AA GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# THTR 114.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

THEA 54 - Shakespeare Through Performance

3 units

Study and performance of classical Shakespearean texts (monologues and dialogues), with a focus on the Elizabethan world as it applies to performance. Students will come to understand the works of William Shakespeare through active performance techniques as well as traditional literary analysis. Prerequisite: THEA 1A with a minimum grade of C. Strongly Recommended: THEA 1B with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

THEA 55 - Movement for the Actor

1 unit

Movement for the Actor is designed to use movement and gesture for furthering skills in character development, enhancing the actor's understanding of their body as a tool for communication. This course focuses on the actor's body and mind connection, and how they might use that connection to further enhance their performance skills. Course included exercises based on various techniques including an introduction to mime, Laban, Viewpoints, character masks, and ensemble development exercises. 18 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 56 - Acting for the Camera I

3 units

Introduction to the principles and techniques of acting on camera. Different techniques for work with three cameras, commercials, acting for film and acting for television. Work with technique for various on camera types of auditions, i.e., commercials, film and television. Prerequisite: THEA 1A with a minimum grade of C (May be taken concurrently). 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 57A - Performance in Production - Intro to Musical Theater

3 units

This course provides instruction and supervised participation in theatre rehearsal and performance. On stage participation in cast of scheduled main stage production. Enrollment is for the duration of the production. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 57B - Performance in Production - Beginning Musical Theater

3 units

As a continuation of THEA 57A, students will participate in the cast of a scheduled main stage musical production. Emphasis will be on character development, objectives, and actions. Prerequisite: THEA 57A with a minimum grade of C (May be taken concurrently). 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 57C - Performance in Production - Intermediate Musical Theater

3 units

This course is a continuation of THEA 57B. Student will participate in the cast of a scheduled main stage musical production. This course will focus on rehearsal technique, personal creative exploration, and ensemble building and motivated performance response. Prerequisite: THEA 57B with a minimum grade of C. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 57D - Performance in Production - Advanced Musical Theater

3 units

As a continuation of THEA 57C, students will continue to develop onstage with participation in the cast of the scheduled main stage production. This course will emphasize complexity and polish in performance, personal and creative development as a theater professional, and development as a vocal musician. Prerequisite: THEA 57C with a minimum grade of C. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 58 - Stage Combat

2 units

This course introduces students to armed and unarmed stage combat for the theater and entertainment industry with a concentrated focus on partnership, safety, and storytelling through movement. Focus on hand to hand combat and single sword, among others. Students will have the option to complete certification with The Society of American Fight Directors. Prerequisite: THEA 1A with a minimum grade of C, THEA 55 with a minimum grade of C. 18 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

• Course Material Fees May Apply
• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 59 - Acting for the Camera II/Voice Over

3 units

This course is a continuation of Acting for the Camera; this course further explores the challenges an actor faces in delivery for TV/Film/ Media. Additionally, this course covers an introduction to Voice Over Acting. This course will prepare students for on-camera or voice-over auditions and work. Prerequisite: THEA 56 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

THEA 60 - Business of Acting

1 unit

Students with an interest in pursuing acting beyond the community college setting will work on preparations to audition for theater, film and four-year schools and develop an understanding of the expectations of professional actors. Work on monologues and showcase scenes, cold reading technique included. Prerequisite: THEA 1A with a minimum grade of C (May be taken concurrently). 18 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU.

• Course Material Fees May Apply
• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP