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. Cal Lutheran 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 Cal Lutheran 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. Cal Lutheran 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 102. Introduction to Dance. (4).
A lecture/activity course devoted to the study of dance in its many cultural and societal contexts. The course is designed to increase knowledge of the aesthetic, socio-cultural, and vocational roles played by dancers from the art form's historical roots to contemporary trends. Reading, writing, critical analysis and physical activity are included.
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 222. Drafting/Computer Aided Drafting (CAD). (2).
The purpose of this course is to learn the basics of drafting for the theatre through not only traditional hand drafting, but also through the use of CAD programs such as AutoCAD and VectorWorks. This will be done through the introduction of drafting standards and principles with relation to hand drafting. Those principles will then be shifted into execution through the use of CAD.
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 267. Introduction to CAD. (2).
TA 282. Selected Topics. (1-4).
TA 282C. ST: (core). (1-4).
Select Topic approved for core.
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 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 338. Beginning Mesiner Technique. (1).
Beginning Meisner is the study of an acting technique developed by actor Sanford Meisner based upon the Stanislavski system. The goal of his technique is to live truthfully in imaginary circumstances and may be applied to any style of acting. Course work will include application to monologue and scene work.
TA 339. Advanced Meisner Technique. (1).
Advanced Meisner is based on the teachings of Sanford Meisner. It builds on techniques from the beginning class adding character elements, shared circumstances and independent activities. This technique promotes living truthfully in imaginary circumstances and may be applied to any acting style. Prerequisite: TA 338.
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 482C. ST: (core). (1-4).
Select Topic approved for core.
TA 490. Independent Study. (1-4).
TA 492. Internship. (1-4).
(graded P/NC only).
TA 496. Directed Research. (1-3).
Faculty
Professors
Arndt
Diaz
Gardner
Lecturer
Miller