Introduction to Theater (3 CR)

Students will be introduced to a variety of theatrical experiences, read great plays and see live theater presentations. They also will discuss theater practices, dramatic literature and the history of the theater. Includes 12 required shop hours. 3 hrs./wk.

THEA 123

Improvisation for the Theater (2 CR)

Prerequisite: THEA 130

The student will be introduced to theater improvisation, which will emphasize creative stage activities not requiring a written script. Participation in activities of this course will release and enhance the work of serious acting students and show the students how to approach characterization viscerally rather than intellectually, spontaneously rather than intentionally. 2 hrs. lecture/wk.

THEA 130

Acting I (3 CR)

The fundamentals of acting will be studied in this class. Emphasis will be on discovering and expanding creative potential through exercises in self-awareness, posture, movement, voice and personality projection. Students will complete a minimum of three in-class performances. 3 hrs./wk. plus rehearsals and performances.

THEA 131

Voice and Speech (3 CR)

The student will develop techniques to expand breath support, vocal range and dynamics; learn precise articulation; and strengthen the connection between thought and sound. Through the use of exercises to free, develop and strengthen the voice, the student will be better able to communicate the full range of human emotion and all the nuances of thought. Skills acquired in this course are essential for actors, broadcast journalists, educators and other public speakers. 3 hrs. lecture/wk. This course is typically taught in the fall semester.

THEA 133

Technical Practicum I (1 CR)

Students gain practical experience in technical theater in this course. The student completes the course objectives by working in the theatre department's productions and/or working in the scene/costume shop during the semester. 2 hrs. lab/wk.

THEA 134

Performance Practicum I (1 CR)

This course will enable students to gain practical experience in performance-related aspects of college theater productions. Admission may be granted upon being cast in a JCCC production. 2 hrs. lab/wk.

THEA 135

Stage Makeup (2 CR)

An introductory course designed to provide an understanding of, and practical skill in, the design and application of makeup for theatrical performance. 1 hr. lecture, 1 hr. lab/wk. This course is typically taught in the spring semester.
Associated Costs: In addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks, this course has additional expense considerations that are estimated to be $30 to $60.

THEA 136

Basic Costuming (3 CR)

This is a survey of the theory, techniques and skills used in costume creation for the theater and film. Areas of study and practice include basic construction, patterning and cutting; fabrics, design and realization; millinery; craftwork; and organization. 2 hrs. lecture, 2 hrs. lab/wk. This course is typically taught in the fall semester.

THEA 137

Movement for the Stage (3 CR)

The student will develop techniques to expand kinesthetic awareness, flexibility, physical freedom and the language of movement. Through the use of exercises to free, develop and strengthen physical vocabulary, the student will be better able to communicate the physical life of a character. Skills acquired in this course will include mime, stage combat, commedia, improvisation and circus techniques. 3 hrs. lecture/wk. This course is typically taught in the spring semester.

THEA 138

Oral Interpretation of Literature (3 CR)

The student will develop techniques for effective spoken performance of literature. Using poetry, fiction and nonfiction, students will create literary interpretations and then master both the verbal and nonverbal methods necessary for effective spoken expression of those interpretations. This course includes topics such as selecting literary works for performance, interpretation of literary works, audience analysis and performance. Skills acquired in this course will be essential to actors, broadcast journalists, educators and other public speakers. 3 hrs. lecture/wk. This course is typically taught in the fall semester.

THEA 140

Basic Stagecraft (3 CR)

This course introduces the general student and theater major to basic stagecraft. Through lectures, in-class demonstrations and hands-on experiences, the student will gain a working and appreciative knowledge of technical theater. The course includes 15 lab hours and attendance at two live theatrical productions. 2 hrs. lecture, 2 hrs. lab/wk. This course is typically offered in the fall semester.

THEA 145

Introduction to Theater Design (3 CR)

This lecture and studio class introduces the theory and practice of theater design and the graphics and standards of entertainment technology. Emphasis will be on the processes and practices used in designing for the performing arts. Using course-taught computer and hand-based drawing techniques, the student will create a portfolio of his or her work through in-class projects. 2 hrs. lecture, 2 hrs. lab/wk. This course is typically offered in the spring semester.
Associated Costs: In addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks, this course has additional expense considerations that are estimated to be $20 to $80.

THEA 209

Script Analysis (3 CR)

Script Analysis introduces students to those methods used in the theater for the study and/or analysis of plays. Directors, actors and designers use script analysis during their preparatory work and then continue to use it through the rehearsal process until, and sometimes even after, the production has finished. This course is of value to the student because it focuses on the crucial elements of a play encountered during the production process including dramatic structure, content and meaning. 3 hrs. lecture/wk. This course is typically offered in the fall semester only.

THEA 225

Reader's Theater (3 CR)

Students will combine acting, interpretation and rhetoric as they analyze and perform poetry, prose and dramatic literature and present public performances. Through the process of reading, studying, investing, rehearsing and performing literary and nonliterary works, the student will learn to pay particular attention to the voice embodied in a given text and the cultural and social context within which that voice speaks. 3 hrs./wk. plus rehearsals. This course is typically taught in the spring semester.

THEA 230

Acting II (3 CR)

Prerequisite: THEA 130

This continuation of Acting I will focus on more in-depth character analysis and development, emphasizing the actor's responsibility in creating the character. 3 hrs./wk. plus rehearsals and performances.

THEA 233

Technical Practicum II (1 CR)

Prerequisite: THEA 133

Students gain practical experience in technical theater in this course. The student completes the course objectives by working on the theatre department's productions and/or working in the scene/costume shop during the semester. 4 hrs.lab/wk.

THEA 234

Performance Practicum II (1 CR)

Prerequisite: THEA 134

This course will enable students to gain further practical experience in the performance-related aspects of college theater productions. Admission may be granted upon being cast in a JCCC production. 2 hrs.lab/wk.

THEA 235

Technical Practicum III (2 CR)

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor

Students will gain professional technical theater experience in this course by working as an apprentice for the theater department and an outside professional performing arts agency. While on campus and/or on location, students will build and install a stage and/or scenery as they work alongside theater professionals to execute theatrical productions. 4 hrs. lab/wk. This course is offered in summer only; permission from instructor is required to enroll.

THEA 240

Costuming (1 CR)

A 16-week course designed to introduce basic techniques in costume design and research and to provide an overview of the scope and impact of costume as a technical and artistic aspect of theater and film. 1 hr. lecture, 1 hr. lab/wk. This course is typically taught in the spring semester.

THEA 275

Selected Topics in Theatre I (3 CR)

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

This course periodically offers specialized or advanced discipline-specific content related to performance, not normally taught in the curriculum, to interested and qualified students within the program. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

THEA 276

Selected Topics in Theatre II (3 CR)

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

This course periodically offers specialized or advanced discipline-specific content related to technical theatre and theatre design, not normally taught in the curriculum, to interested and qualified students within the program. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.