Theatre Arts
A degree in theatre arts prepares students for performances and technical production in live theatre, film, television and multimedia. California Lutheran University’s Theatre Arts Department offers a series of fundamental and advanced courses in theatre along with numerous opportunities to participate in its Mainstage, Blackbox and Film and Video productions.
An average of four major live theatre productions, including musicals, are staged each year, along with performance opportunities in Improvisational Theater, original films and videos and the student-produced Blackbox series. Students are encouraged to take positions of responsibility in all areas of production including publicity, sound, light, makeup, scene and costume design.
Every theatre arts major has the opportunity to direct or design a play production on campus. CLU students have brought home top regional awards from the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival. Students are encouraged to work as professional theatre interns during the summer with Camp Shakespeare and the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company, a professional theatre company performing on campus. Students also intern at local art centers like the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. The University’s close proximity to Los Angeles provides an arena for students to explore a variety of screen, stage, television and musical presentations and connections with industry professionals.
Many CLU theatre arts graduates have achieved careers in the competitive world of professional theatre, film, and television. The theatre arts curriculum also provides practical performance, management, communication, and work skills that relate to many other career fields. CLU theatre arts graduates have been accepted into graduate theatre programs at universities throughout the United States.
Theatre Arts Scholarship
Visual and Performing Arts scholarships in Theatre Arts are available to those students who have a high school 3.0 grade point average and whose talent, interest, or experience indicates that they would contribute to our program. Awards are made to talented students whether they are theatre arts majors or non-theatre arts majors. Application for the scholarship and scheduling of an audition/interview should be completed prior to February 1. For further information, please contact the Chair of the Theatre Arts Department.
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts
42 credits minimum, 31 credits upper division.
Performance Emphasis Requirements
TA 133 | Acting I | 4 |
TA 160 | Production Lab: Costumes | 1 |
or TA 161 | Production Lab: Scenery | |
TA 167 | Design and Production for the Stage and Media | 4 |
TA 331 | Advanced Scene Study | 4 |
TA 333 | Acting: Styles | 4 |
TA 334 | Stage Speech | 2 |
TA 335 | Movement for the Stage | 2 |
TA 342 | History of Theatre and Drama I | 4 |
TA 343 | History of Theatre and Drama II | 4 |
TA 367 | Light/Sound Design for Stage and Media | 4 |
or TA 368 | Scenic Design for Stage and Media | |
or TA 369 | Costume Design for Stage and Media | |
TA 451 | Creative Project/Portfolio | 1 |
TA 475 | Directing I | 4 |
TA 477 | 20th Century Theatre-Capstone | 4 |
Total Hours | 42 |
Technical Theatre Emphasis Requirements
TA 133 | Acting I | 4 |
TA 160 | Production Lab: Costumes | 1 |
or TA 161 | Production Lab: Scenery | |
TA 162 | Production Lab: Sound/Lighting | 1 |
TA 163 | Production Lab: Makeup | 1 |
TA 167 | Design and Production for the Stage and Media | 4 |
TA 342 | History of Theatre and Drama I | 4 |
TA 343 | History of Theatre and Drama II | 4 |
TA 360 | Advanced Production Lab (2 credits total - 1 credit each) | 1 |
TA 360 | Advanced Production Lab | 1 |
TA 367 | Light/Sound Design for Stage and Media | 4 |
TA 368 | Scenic Design for Stage and Media | 4 |
TA 369 | Costume Design for Stage and Media | 4 |
TA 451 | Creative Project/Portfolio | 1 |
TA 475 | Directing I | 4 |
TA 477 | 20th Century Theatre-Capstone | 4 |
Total Hours | 42 |
Theatre Arts Major (Performance Emphasis) with additional Interdisciplinary Emphasis in Musical Theatre Requirements
12 credits minimum.
MUS 142 | Voice | 1 |
or MUS 342 | Voice | |
MUS 142 | Voice (two courses minimum) | 1 |
or MUS 342 | Voice | |
MUS 107 | Music Theory I | 2 |
MUS 109 | Musicianship Skills I | 1 |
MUS 111 | Keyboard Harmony I | 1 |
MUS 403 | History of Musical Theater | 2 |
TA 337 | Dance for Music Theatre | 2 |
TA 370 | Acting for Music Theatre | 2 |
Total Hours | 12 |
Requirements for a Minor in Theatre Arts
21 credits minimum, 12 credits upper division.
TA 131 | Beginning Acting | 4 |
or TA 133 | Acting I | |
TA 160 | Production Lab: Costumes | 1 |
or TA 161 | Production Lab: Scenery | |
TA 342 | History of Theatre and Drama I | 4 |
TA 475 | Directing I | 4 |
TA 477 | 20th Century Theatre-Capstone | 4 |
One elective in theatre | 4 | |
Total Hours | 21 |
Courses
Lower Division
TA 101. Introduction to the Theatre Arts. (4).
A fundamental survey of the theatre arts that
explores playwriting, criticism, direction,
acting, and technical and design aspects from
concept to production. The class emphasizes the
ways gender and diversity issues have affected
and continue to affect theatre.
TA 104. Voice Development for Broadcasting, Film And Communication Industries. (4).
This course will enable students to develop voice
acting skills, which can be applied to
broadcasting, instructional film, animation,
commercials and documentaries. The course will
also provide an introduction to the history of
the voice acting field and will provide
information about professional opportunities.
(cross-listed with COMM 104).
TA 112. Alexander Technique. (1-2).
Introduces students to the principles of the
Alexander Technique and the application of these
principles in their major areas. The principles
develop increased mind and body coordination and
are most commonly applied to acting, singing,
public speaking, musical instrument performance
and athletic performance. (cross-listed with
ACTV 112).
TA 120. Aerobic Dance. (1).
TA 121. Folk and Square Dance. (1).
TA 122. Modern Dance I. (1).
TA 123. Modern Dance II. (1).
TA 124. Polynesian Dance. (1).
TA 125. Swing Dance. (1).
TA 126. Ballroom Dance. (1).
TA 127. Ballet. (1).
TA 130. Tap Dance. (1).
TA 131. Beginning Acting. (4).
An introduction to the fundamental techniques of
acting as a basis for developing oral and
physical communication skills. Individual and
group participation is emphasized.
TA 133. Acting I. (4).
Emphasizes the study of external and internal
approaches to characterization; students
participate in the analysis and performance of
monologues and scenes. For majors, minors or
students with acting experience.
TA 152. Mainstage Productions. (1).
Credit may be received for significant
participation in a Mainstage Theatre production.
152 is intended for freshmen and sophomores. 352
is intended for juniors and seniors.
TA 160. Production Lab: Costumes. (1).
An introduction to the tools and materials used
in the production of costumes for the stage.
Involves significant participation in the
technical phase of stage production.
TA 161. Production Lab: Scenery. (1).
An introduction to the tools and materials used
in the production of scenery and props for the
stage. Involves significant participation in the
technical phase of stage production.
TA 162. Production Lab: Sound/Lighting. (1).
An introduction to the tools and equipment used
in the production of sound and lighting for the
stage. Involves significant participation in the
technical phase of stage production.
Prerequisites: TA 160, TA 161, or TA 167.
TA 163. Production Lab: Makeup. (1).
Students explore the basic concepts and
techniques of makeup used on stage and in media
through lectures and practice and work on
university productions.
TA 167. Design and Production for the Stage and Media. (4).
An introduction to the theories and practices of
design and production for the stage and in the
studio, including venue structures, design
conceptualization and drawing, color theory,
visual styles, basic CAD drafting, light theory
and theatre safety.
TA 232. The Oral Interpretation of Literature. (4).
A study of literature from the point of view of
the oral reader. The course is designed to aid
students in their appreciation of prose, poetry,
and drama.
TA 282. Selected Topics. (1-4).
Upper Division
TA 305. Playwriting. (4).
This workshop course focuses on basic playwriting
skills, with an emphasis on mastering plot,
character, and dialogue development. Students
will write and revise an original piece
(cross-listed with ENGL 305).
TA 312. Alexander Technique. (1-2).
Introduces students to the principles of the
Alexander Technique and the application of these
principles in their major areas. The principles
develop increased mind and body coordination and
are most commonly applied to acting, singing,
public speaking, musical instrument performance
and athletic performance. (cross-listed with
ACTV 312 and MUS 312).
TA 325. History of the Theatrical Arts. (4).
A survey of forms and styles of theatre
production in all world cultures from primitive
periods through the 19th century and modern Asia
and Africa.
TA 331. Advanced Scene Study. (4).
Advanced study of acting approaches focusing on
19th and 20th century plays. Students will
analyze characters and perform scenes from
selected realistic plays. Prerequisite: TA 131 or
TA 133.
TA 332. Introduction to Improvisation. (1).
An introduction to the principles of
improvisation as applied to acting technique.
Students will perform comedy and serious
improvisation.
TA 333. Acting: Styles. (4).
Intensive work in acting styles from various
theatrical periods, including Greek, Shakespeare,
Restoration, 20th century, and Avant-Garde.
Prerequisites: TA 131 or TA 133 or consent of
instructor.
TA 334. Stage Speech. (2).
The class will focus on the principles of vocal
production for the stage, including alignment,
respiration, phonation, resonance, and
articulation. In addition, students will become
familiar with the International Phonetic
Alphabet, and utilize it for dialect work.
Prerequisite: TA 131 or TA 133.
TA 335. Movement for the Stage. (2).
The study of the theories, applications and
practices of body awareness, direction and
movement as applied by actors in a variety of
theatrical styles. Prerequisite: TA 131 or TA 133.
TA 337. Dance for Music Theatre. (2).
This course provides students the opportunity to
learn and perform dance styles most common to
musical theatre. Tap, jazz, character and basic
partnering will be choreographed into three or
four dances that will be performed at the end of
the course. Course will also cover the history of
dance in musical theatre in America.
Prerequisite: Previous dance experience.
(cross-listed with MUS 337).
TA 342. History of Theatre and Drama I. (4).
This course is the first half of a two semester
historical survey sequence that provides students
with a solid grounding in the development of
theatre and drama from the ancient Greeks to the
present. Prerequisite: ENGL 111 (cross-listed
with ENGL 342).
TA 343. History of Theatre and Drama II. (4).
This course is the second half of a two semester
historical survey sequence that provides students
with a solid grounding in the development of
theatre and drama from the ancient Greeks to the
present. Prerequisite: ENGL 111 (cross-listed
with ENGL 343).
TA 352. Mainstage Productions. (1).
Credit may be received for significant
participation in a Mainstage Theatre production.
152 is intended for freshmen and sophomores. 352
is intended for juniors and seniors.
TA 360. Advanced Production Lab. (1).
Involves significant participation in the
supervision and execution of scenery, costumes,
props, sound, lights, or publicity in a
University production. Prerequisite: TA 160,
TA 161, TA 162 or TA 163.
TA 365. Makeup Design I for Stage and Media. (2).
Students explore the concepts of corrective
makeup design through lecture and practice.
TA 366. Makeup Design II for Stage and Media. (2).
Students explore the concepts of character and
special effects makeup design through lecture and
practice.
TA 367. Light/Sound Design for Stage and Media. (4).
The study of lighting and sound as art forms with
an emphasis on design concepts. Practical
explorations of theories of light, color, and
sound; the technology of production and control
as applied to designing for the stage and media.
Prerequisite: TA 167 or consent of instructor.
TA 368. Scenic Design for Stage and Media. (4).
Presents problems in scenic design, painting,
perspective, and execution of models and working
drawings. Prerequisite: TA 167 or consent of
instructor.
TA 369. Costume Design for Stage and Media. (4).
A practical study of costumes for the stage. The
course examines the history of clothing design,
color theory, rendering techniques and design
process from concept to execution. Students also
explore the concepts of theatrical makeup and
design through lecture and practice.
Prerequisite: TA 167 or consent of instructor.
(cross-listed with ART 369).
TA 370. Acting for Music Theatre. (2).
Musical Theatre Workshop is designed to develop a
technique for musical solo and audition
performances. The course will include song
analysis, an acting approach to song and choice
of material and technique. (cross-listed with
MUS 370).
TA 403. History of Musical Theater. (2).
TA 420. Perspectives on Theatrical Performance. (3).
Analyzes the elements of the well-made play
through readings, lectures, discussion and
attendance of at least one production. Students
examine the collaborative process of theatre.
TA 431. Advanced Improvisation Techniques. (1).
The course is an advanced course in techniques
and theories of improvisation. Students will hone
improvisational skills in games and exercises and
prepare for monthly performances.
Audition/Permission of instructor required.
TA 432. Acting Shakespeare. (1).
This course is an advanced study of Shakespeare
for actors. Students will develop an
understanding of preparing Shakespearean
characters and text for audition and performance.
Prerequisite: TA 133 or permission of instructor.
TA 433. Acting for the Camera. (4).
Acting for the Camera provides students with
techniques applicable to film and television
performance. Students will apply skills to
hands-on experience in front of the camera.
Topics will include audition techniques,
subtleties between film, television and
commercial performance, and methods for
transitioning from stage to camera. Prerequisite:
TA 131 or TA 133.
TA 440. Creative Dramatics for Children and Youth. (3).
Surveys the techniques and resources for children
to express themselves through informal dramatics
within the classroom or recreational situation.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
(cross-listed with EDUC 440).
TA 451. Creative Project/Portfolio. (1).
A faculty supervised and reviewed demonstration
of significant theatrical creative work in
portfolio, production or showcase format. Senior
Theatre Arts majors only.
TA 452. Shakespeare. (4).
A study of selected plays and the sonnets of
Shakespeare, with attention to theatrical,
cultural and literary background. (cross-listed
with ENGL 452).
TA 475. Directing I. (4).
The study of stage direction theory, play
analysis, directorial practices and
interpretation. Emphasis is placed on preparation
and direction of scenes for class performance.
TA 477. 20th Century Theatre-Capstone. (4).
Further intense study of directing and dramaturgy
for the stage covering 20th century drama.
Included is the preparation and direction of a
scene for class presentation.
TA 482. Selected Topics. (1-4).
TA 490. Independent Study. (1-4).
TA 492. Internship. (1-4).
(graded P/NC only).
Professors
Arndt | ||
Diaz | ||
Gardner |
Lecturer
Miller |