Contact Information
- Division
- Liberal Arts
- Dean
- Anne Fleischmann
- Associate Deans
- Patrick Marasso, Lynn Medeiros
- Division Office
- W 107, Rocklin Campus
Overview
The Theatre Arts Department offers training, both theoretical and practical, in theatrical production, including performance, technical and business management aspects, as well as the serious study of the development of those aspects from the early Greeks up to the bright lights of Broadway. We believe that the creativity, the personal interaction and the excitement of participating in a performance are highly valuable experiences for any individual. The heightened awareness of beauty and truth are carried on into the later life of the student to perhaps enable him or her to appreciate more fully what is available.
It is recommended that students intending to major in this field take all courses offered by this department. Introductory music, art, communication and dramatic literature courses would also be valuable.
TRANSFER MAJOR REQUIREMENTS in Theatre Arts are available in the Counseling Center. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for specific transfer requirements. Four-year graduates in Theatre Arts are qualified for positions in teaching, community theater, television, motion pictures and professional theatre.
Scott Adams
Professor, Theatre Arts
B.A., California State University, Sacramento
M.A., California State University, Sacramento
Debra L. Hammond
Professor, Theatre Arts
B.A., California State University, Sacramento
M.F.A., University of California, Los Angeles
Degrees/Certificates
Associate Degree for Transfer
Associate Degree
Skills Certificates
Theatre Arts for Transfer
AA-T Degree
The Associate in Arts in Theatre Arts for Transfer degree (AA-T) program provides students with a strong foundation in Theatre Arts. Upon completion of the program, students will identify and recall the historical development, common practices and terminology of Western theatre; analyze texts from a performance point of view; communicate clearly and coherently in oral and written forms; collaborate harmoniously and effectively with others as a well-prepared member of the team; and participate effectively in a theatrical production.
The Associate in Arts in Theatre Arts for Transfer degree (AA-T) prepares students to transfer into the CSU system to complete a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts, Performing Arts, or a major deemed similar by a CSU campus. Students earning an associate degree for transfer and meeting the CSU minimum transfer admission requirements are guaranteed admission with junior standing within the CSU system. Students are also given priority admission consideration to their local CSU campus but not to a particular campus or major. Upon transfer, students will be required to complete no more than 60 additional prescribed units to earn a bachelor’s degree.
To earn the Associate in Arts in Theatre Arts for Transfer degree, students must complete 60 CSU-transferable semester units with a minimum grade point average of 2.0, including both of the following:
- completion of all courses required for the major with grades of “C” or better; and
- completion of the California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE) pattern or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern. (Students transferring to a CSU campus using IGETC must complete Area 1C Oral Communication to be eligible for admission.)
The exact wording of the law pertaining to associate degrees for transfer may be found in Education Code Section 66746.
It is highly recommended that, prior to transferring, students complete courses that satisfy the CSU United States History, Constitution and American Ideals graduation requirement. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.
RESTRICTION: International coursework from non-United States regionally accredited institutions cannot be applied to associate degrees for transfer.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| THEA 0010A | Acting I | 3 |
| THEA 0013 | Introduction to Theatre | 3 |
| Select 3-4 units from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Production Crew I | ||
| Production Crew II | ||
| Production Crew III | ||
| Production Crew IV | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance - Cast I | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance - Cast II | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance - Cast III | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance - Cast IV | ||
| Select 9-10 units from the following: | 9-10 | |
| Acting II | ||
| Stagecraft | ||
| Stage Lighting | ||
| Stage Makeup | ||
| Script Analysis | ||
| Production Crew I | ||
| Production Crew II | ||
| Production Crew III | ||
| Production Crew IV | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance - Cast I | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance - Cast II | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance - Cast III | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance - Cast IV | ||
| Total Units | 18-20 | |
Theatre Arts
AA Degree
The Theatre Arts Program prepares students for future professional employment, upper division study in the theatrical arts and participation in the theatre and entertainment community. Classes in theatre production, including acting and technical training and basic theatrical concepts are available. The course work provides the student with experience and knowledge to transfer to a four-year college or pursue a future professional career in theatre arts. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements. Students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:
- Sierra College Associate Degree Requirements;
- California State University General Education Breadth pattern;
- Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC).
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| THEA 0010A | Acting I | 3 |
| THEA 0013 | Introduction to Theatre | 3 |
| THEA 0014 | Stagecraft | 3 |
| THEA 0015 | Stage Lighting | 3 |
| THEA 0021 | Script Analysis | 3 |
| Select 4-6 units from the following: | 4-6 | |
| Production Crew I | ||
| Production Crew II | ||
| Production Crew III | ||
| Production Crew IV | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance - Cast I | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance - Cast II | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance - Cast III | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance - Cast IV | ||
| Select 9 units from the following: | 9 | |
| Acting II | ||
| Stage Movement | ||
| Costume History | ||
| Costume Construction | ||
| Stage Makeup | ||
| Acting for Musical Theatre | ||
| Stage Properties | ||
| Scenic Painting | ||
| Stage Management | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Internship in Theatre Arts | ||
| Total Units | 28-30 | |
Stagecraft
Skills Certificate
Trains students to build scenery and properties in the technical theater. Provides experience in construction, painting, hanging lighting instruments and working backstage. Prepares students to communicate and participate as members of a production team with an understanding of appropriate terminology and procedures. A skills certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| THEA 0014 | Stagecraft | 3 |
| THEA 0015 | Stage Lighting | 3 |
| THEA 0019A | Stage Properties | 3 |
| or THEA 0019B | Scenic Painting | |
| THEA 0028 | Independent Study | 1-2 |
| or THEA 0095 | Internship in Theatre Arts | |
| Select 3-4 units from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Production Crew I | ||
| Production Crew II | ||
| Production Crew III | ||
| Production Crew IV | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance - Cast I | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance - Cast II | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance - Cast III | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance - Cast IV | ||
| Stage Management | ||
| Total Units | 13-15 | |
Costuming
Skills Certificate
Designed for students interested in building period costumes and creating visual characters, as a cutter, stitcher or makeup artist. Focuses on the use of color, different fabrics and finishes and provides basic sewing techniques used for the stage. A skills certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| THEA 0016A | Costume History | 3 |
| THEA 0016B | Costume Construction | 3 |
| THEA 0017 | Stage Makeup | 3 |
| THEA 0028 | Independent Study | 1-2 |
| or THEA 0095 | Internship in Theatre Arts | |
| Select 3-4 units from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Production Crew I | ||
| Production Crew II | ||
| Production Crew III | ||
| Production Crew IV | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance - Cast I | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance - Cast II | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance - Cast III | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance - Cast IV | ||
| Total Units | 13-15 | |
Courses
Understanding course descriptions
THEA 0010A. Acting I
Units: 3
Formerly known as DRMA 10A
Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Analysis and practice of acting techniques focusing on volume and diction, breathing, posture, stage movement and positioning, gestures and listening. Practice of character interpretation and expression through improvisation, selected scenes and monologues. (C-ID THTR 151) (CSU, UC)
THEA 0010B. Acting II
Units: 3
Formerly known as DRMA 10B
Prerequisite: Completion of THEA 10A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Analysis and practice of acting techniques focusing on approach to character development with particular emphasis on the realistic convention. Activities include one or more acting projects, as well as work on both contemporary and classical monologues and scenes. (C-ID THTR 152) (CSU, UC)
THEA 0011. Stage Movement
Units: 3
Formerly known as DRMA 11
Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Analysis and practice of movement styles used in the theatre; basic movement, control, relaxation, and interpretation. Character development through physical exploration and scene study. (CSU, UC)
THEA 0013. Introduction to Theatre
Units: 3
Formerly known as DRMA 13
Hours: 54 lecture
Addresses the impact of theatre as it mirrors the human condition. Covers the social and political impact in the major historical periods, styles, and genres of theatre demonstrated by procedures, production practices, and contributions of significant individual artists, such as playwrights, actors, designers, and directors. Course is open to both majors and non-majors interested in acquiring a critical understanding and appreciation of theatre as a performing art. Required theatre production attendance. (C-ID THTR 111) (CSU, UC)
THEA 0014. Stagecraft
Units: 3
Formerly known as DRMA 14
Hours: 90 (18 lecture, 72 activity)
Covers set construction for main stage productions. Students study tools, hardware, painting, and learn proper construction techniques. Fundamentals of rigging and machinery and how to mount and shift stage scenery are also included. (C-ID THTR 171) (CSU, UC)
THEA 0015. Stage Lighting
Units: 3
Formerly known as DRMA 15
Hours: 90 (18 lecture, 72 activity)
Covers basic principles of color, light sources and instruments, electricity, how to hang, do circuiting, create a cue sheet, lighting plot, and design elements for stage lighting to run a theatrical production. (C-ID THTR 173) (CSU, UC)
THEA 0016A. Costume History
Units: 3
Formerly known as DRMA 16A
Hours: 54 lecture
Study of costumes from the Greek period to the present, with an emphasis on the use of historical costumes for the stage. Period costume design projects examined. Designed for both Theatre Arts majors and non-majors who are interested in acquiring an appreciation for and the terminology of apparel through history. (CSU, UC)
THEA 0016B. Costume Construction
Units: 3
Formerly known as DRMA 16B
Hours: 90 (18 lecture, 72 activity)
Study and implementation of costume construction techniques, from pattern drafting and fabric selection to sewing, serging, fitting, draping, and dyeing. (CSU, UC)
THEA 0017. Stage Makeup
Units: 3
Formerly known as DRMA 17
Hours: 90 (18 lecture, 72 activity)
Theory and practical application of stage make-up and prosthetics. Projects include facial structure alterations, "old age," character, supernatural and various faux injuries. Discussion and critique of student projects. (C-ID THTR 175) (CSU, UC)
THEA 0018. Acting for Musical Theatre
Units: 3
Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Requisite acting techniques to be successful in performing in a Broadway style musical. While the focus of the course is on acting, proper techniques in singing and movement will also be included. Students will practice and perform solos and duets. Dance or heavy movement are not emphasized in this course. (CSU, UC)
THEA 0019A. Stage Properties
Units: 3
Formerly Known as DRMA 19A
Hours: 90 (18 lecture, 72 activity)
Covers basic skills to create stage properties through a variety of construction and acquisition methods including locating, procuring, and fabricating specialized props for main stage productions. Students examine ways to utilize common, unusual and specialized materials. Includes period research for prop implementation and identification. (CSU, UC)
THEA 0019B. Scenic Painting
Units: 3
Formerly known as DRMA 19B
Hours: 90 (18 lecture, 72 activity)
Study of scenic painting practices and standards including mixing and matching paints, implementing various painting techniques, and utilizing specialized and experimental materials and tools for practical use in theatrical productions. (CSU, UC)
THEA 0021. Script Analysis
Units: 3
Formerly known as DRMA 21
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduces Dramatic Arts Majors and other students to the fundamental techniques of script analysis. Focus on students' ability to interpret and describe concepts and ideas related to historical and contemporary dramatic literature. Emphasis on development of techniques of script analysis specific to use in acting, directing, design, and critical and social analysis. (C-ID THTR 114) (CSU, UC)
THEA 0022A. Production Crew I
Units: 2
Formerly known as DRMA 22A
Hours: 80 activity
Participation in a college production as a technical assistant, assistant to the designer, or crew member. Focus on one or more of the following areas during the development of the play: scenery building and painting, stage lighting, make-up, costuming, stage operations, publicity, and/or house management. (C-ID THTR 192) (CSU, UC)
THEA 0022B. Production Crew II
Units: 2
Formerly known as DRMA 22B
Prerequisite: Completion of THEA 22A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 80 activity
Provides an opportunity for students to participate in a college production as a member of the technical crew or production staff at an intermediate level of responsibility. Focus on one or more of the following areas during the development of the play: scenery building and painting, stage lighting, make-up, costuming, stage operations, publicity, and/or house management. (C-ID THTR 192) (CSU, UC)
THEA 0022C. Production Crew III
Units: 2
Formerly known as DRMA 22C
Prerequisite: Completion of THEA 22B with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 80 activity
Provides an opportunity for students to participate in a college production in an intermediate leadership level as a member of the production crew. Focus on one or more of the following areas during the development of the play: scenery building and painting, stage lighting, make-up, costuming, stage operations, theatrical design, stage management, publicity, and/or house management. (C-ID THTR 192) (CSU, UC)
THEA 0022D. Production Crew IV
Units: 2
Formerly known as DRMA 22D
Prerequisite: Completion of THEA 22C with grade of "C or better
Hours: 80 activity
Provides an opportunity to participate at an advanced leadership level as a member of the production crew, technical staff or design team of a college production. Focus on one or more of the following areas during the development of the play: scenery, lighting, make-up, costuming, stage operations, stage management, publicity, and/or house management. (C-ID THTR 192) (CSU, UC)
THEA 0023A. Rehearsal and Performance - Cast I
Units: 3
Formerly known as DRMA 12B, DRMA 23A
Hours: 120 activity
The first of four courses that provides an opportunity for students to perform in their first role in a Sierra College production as a member of the cast. Students develop fundamental rehearsal and performance techniques. All actors are required to audition for roles. Acceptance into the class is determined on being cast in the production. (C-ID THTR 191) (CSU, UC)
THEA 0023B. Rehearsal and Performance - Cast II
Units: 3
Formerly known as DRMA 23B
Prerequisite: Completion of THEA 23A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 120 activity
The second of four courses that provides an opportunity for students to perform in their second role in a Sierra College production as a member of the cast. Students investigate more sophisticated performance techniques as well as develop intermediate approaches to script analysis and characterization. All actors are required to audition for roles. Acceptance into the class is dependent upon being cast in the production. (C-ID THTR 191) (CSU, UC)
THEA 0023C. Rehearsal and Performance - Cast III
Units: 3
Formerly known as DRMA 23C
Prerequisite: Completion of THEA 23B with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 120 activity
The third of four courses that provides an opportunity for students to perform in their third role in a Sierra college production as a member of the cast. Students apply increasingly advanced rehearsal and performance techniques to the study of characters with great complexity and depth. All actors are required to audition for roles. Acceptance into the class is determined on being cast in the production. (C-ID THTR 191) (CSU, UC)
THEA 0023D. Rehearsal and Performance - Cast IV
Units: 3
Formerly known as DRMA 23D
Prerequisite: Completion of THEA 23C with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 120 activity
The fourth of four courses that provides an opportunity for students to perform in their fourth role in a Sierra College production as a member of the cast. Students apply an advanced skill set of acting techniques toward rehearsal and performance, and will be expected to chart in detail with critical analysis of the process from page to stage. This will include background research of their character, the playwright, reviews, and previous productions. All actors are required to audition for roles. Acceptance into the class is determined on being cast in the production. (C-ID THTR 191) (CSU, UC)
THEA 0024. Stage Management
Units: 3
Advisory: Completion of THEA 22A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (18 lecture, 72 activity)
Introduces students to the step-by-step process of stage managing a full-scale, live theatrical production. Students will learn the requisite pre-production, post-production, and performance day responsibilities in order to effectively manage the production. Skills acquired for this course include methods of communication with director, designers, cast and crew in a leadership position, writing rehearsal reports, monitoring rehearsals, and posting adjustments to the rehearsal schedule, running paper tech, cue-to-cue rehearsals, and calling cues for the performance over headset. (C-ID THTR 192) (CSU, UC)
THEA 0028. Independent Study
Units: 1-3
Formerly known as DRMA 28
Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level in an area where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study might include, but is not limited to, research papers, special subject area projects, and research projects. See Independent Study page in catalog. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)
THEA 0029. One Act Workshop
Units: 3
Hours: 81 (27 lecture, 54 activity)
Students will learn the basic requirements for mounting a one-act play from the perspectives of the director, backstage crew and actor. Classes will include lecture and rehearsal time culminating in a public performance of a one-act play. (CSU)
THEA 0095. Internship in Theatre Arts
Units: 0.5-4
Formerly known as DRMA 95
Designed for advanced students to work in an area related to their educational or occupational goal. Provides new on-the-job technical training under the direction of a worksite supervisor, allowing students to expand knowledge and skills in the chosen field. Mandatory orientation session and faculty approval to determine eligibility. One unit of credit is equal to each 60 hours of non-paid work, or each 75 hours of paid work. Students may earn up to a total of 16 units in internship courses (any course numbered 95 and PDEV 94). (CSU-with unit limitation)
THEA 0809. Selected Topics in Film Studies
Units: 0
Formerly known as DRMA 809
Hours: 8 to 54 lecture as scheduled
Course designed for older adults. Introduction to a series of films examined for originality, creative virtuosity, impact, structure, and direction. Selected films illustrate a specific dimension of film genre. Genres change with each offering. May be repeated. (noncredit)
Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)
- Differentiate and evaluate verbally or in written form a theatre-related assignment or project (self-analysis and class work of other students) in terms of technical and aesthetic success.
- Analyze problem, formulate/invent idea then execute and use appropriate techniques to build or construct a solution/project that meets assignment criteria.
- Practice and demonstrate appropriate, safe and sustainable rehearsal/production practices, when inventing and producing solutions, to meet assigned project criteria.
- Use pre-compiled knowledge and devise alternative knowledge structures to demonstrate understanding (including scene breakdown) of plays or musicals.
- Identify, analyze, and communicate understanding of performed works or objects built for production.
- Identify, recognize and express through discussion and written analysis the achievements and contributions of significant and diverse artists (playwrights, designers, directors, actors, producers, stage technicians) and cultures throughout history.
