California State University, Fresno
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Theatre - Courses



You are in the official 1998-99 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.


Department of Theatre Arts


COURSES


Theatre Arts (Drama)

10. The Art of Theatre (3)
Fundamental knowledge and skills required for study in the Theatre Arts Program which includes the literary basis, technique, visual impact, and presentation of drama.

15. Dramatic Arts Laboratory (1-2; max total 6)
(Same as Drama 115.) Group laboratory experience in presentation of major productions for public performance. Not available for CR/NC grading.

22. Fundamentals of Interpretation (3)
Discovering and communicating intellectual and emotional meaning of the printed page through preparation and presentation of selected readings from prose, poetry, and drama. General Education BREADTH, Division 4.

30. Voice and Speech for Performance (3)
Open to theatre arts majors and minors only. Principles of voice and speech for stage performance including the International Phonetics Alphabet, breathing, relaxation, resonance, enunciation, articulation, pronunciation, projection, expressiveness, and vocal characterization. (Can Dram 6)

31. Fundamentals of Voice and Articulation (3)
Open to nonmajors only. Principles of voice and articulation with demonstration in various aspects of oral communication.

32. Introduction to Acting (3)
Not open to theatre arts majors except dance option. Open to theatre arts minors. Fundamentals of acting, voice, and movement. Characterization process and dramatic text analysis which include exploration of diverse cultural perspectives. Development of stage presence, ensemble awareness, and rehearsal/performance techniques. General Education BREADTH, Division 4.

33. Fundamentals of Acting (3)
Open to theatre arts majors and minors only. Non-majors and minors, see Drama 32. Fundamental techniques and theories of acting; development of individual insight, skill, and discipline in the presentation of dramatic materials. (Can Dram 8)

34. Theatre Crafts (3)
Introduction to the crafts in technical theatre scene construction, scene painting, property selection, stage lighting, sound production; costume construction, and make-up; laboratory experience in preparing major plays for public performance. General Education BREADTH, Division 4.

35. Intermediate Acting (3)
Prerequisite: Drama 33. Intermediate studies in acting including text analysis, expansion of the actor's character range and audition techniques.

41. Make-up for Theatre (3; max total 6)
Theory and practice of make-up for theatre; techniques for characterization, style, and technical processes. Emphasis on basic techniques; introduction to prosthetics. Preparing plays for major public performances. (Formerly Drama 135)

62. Theatre Today (3)
Not open to theatre arts majors. Perspectives on contemporary theatre forms and productions. General Education BREADTH, Division 5.

77. Community Service - Theatre (1-3; max total 6)
Directed field experience developing skills in theatre or dance through a performance or design project; projects may include work with community service or other nonprofit organizations, public schools, special events, and other projects approved by the faculty supervisor.

83. Touring Theatre (1-3; max total 6)
(Same as Drama 183.)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Experience in touring major productions for public performance.

89. Projects in Production (1-3; max total 9)
(Same as Drama 189.)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Group projects in all phases of production in laboratory theatre.

110. Design for the Theatre (3)
Comprehensive study of design aesthetics and application of design to theatrical production, including scenery, costume, lighting, sound, and make-up. Laboratory application, material for major public performance.

115. Dramatic Arts Laboratory (1-2; max total 9)
(See Drama 15.) Not available for CR/NC grading.

130. Screenwriting (3; max total 9)
Principles and techniques in the preparation and marketing of film scripts. (Formerly Drama 188T section)

131. Fundamentals of Playwriting (3; max total 9)
Exercises in plotting, characterization, exposition, and stage business, critical analysis, and revision of manuscripts.

132. Advanced Acting: Period Styles (3; max total 6)
Prerequisite: Drama 35. A study of styles of acting ranging from Greek Tragedy to Theatre of the Absurd with special emphasis on playing Shakespeare. (Formerly Drama 133B)

133. Advanced Acting: Scene Study (3; max total 6)
Prerequisite: Drama 35. Advanced techniques including script analysis, characterization, physicalization, and emotional commitment, developed through improvisation and scene study. (Formerly Drama 133A)

134A-B. Advanced Theatre Craft (3-3)
Prerequisite: Drama 34. (A) Advanced training in scenic techniques and allied technology. Laboratory application to major public productions. (B) In-depth survey of each phase of the costume design and production process. Laboratory application to major public performances.

136. Puppetry (3)
Introduction to the art of puppetry: history, construction of various types of puppets and theatre, practice in manipulation, script writing, use of puppets in education and recreation.

137. Creative Dramatics (3; max total 6)
(Same as CTET 137.) Basic techniques for the use of dramatization in elementary education; sociodrama, dramatization of school subjects, creative dramatic play; simplified staging techniques.

138A-B. Children's Theatre (A-3) (B-3; max total 6)
(A) Theory, practice, and applications of theatre for children and adolescents; children's plays are examined through reading, discussion, and scene study. (B) Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Theatre for Young Audiences Tour; experience touring children's theatre productions for public performance.

139. Fundamentals of Play Direction (3)
Prerequisite: Drama 33. Fundamental techniques and theories of stage direction; function, responsibility, movement, analysis, style; practice in directing scenes.

140. Experimental Techniques in Play Direction (3)
Experimental techniques of play direction: prerehearsal problems and procedures; structural analysis of plays, composition, picturization, pantomimic dramatization, movement, rhythm.

151. Stage and Production Management (3)
Principles and techniques of stage and production management as applied to professional, educational, and community theatre and applied media; production, audition, rehearsal process, and organization; technical and performance process and procedures; production personnel and cost management. (Formerly Drama 188T section)

155. Sound in the Theatre (3)
Theory, techniques, and procedure necessary to develop and integrate sound, music, and effects in theatre production; hearing, acoustics, environment, sources, transducers, control, systems, equipment; organization and planning. Laboratory experience in preparing plays for a major public performance.

157. Theatre Graphics (3; max total 6)
Development of rendering technique and other graphic skills essential to design for the theatre. (Computer lab fee, $15)

160. Field Studies in Theatre and Dance (1-6; max total 8)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Supervised off-campus study of the theatre arts and dance. Submission of project or term paper required.

163. Dramatic Literature (3)
Critical analysis of various types and styles of plays with respect to their form, meaning, and theatricality. General Education BREADTH, Division 5.

164. 20th Century Drama (3)
Study of the plays of major 20th Century dramatists encompassing various nations and cultures, with emphasis on the contemporary scene. Also includes dramatic theory and analysis, and consideration of social and political issues reflected in these authors' works.

177. Community Service: Theatre Arts
(1-3; max total 6)
Directed field experience developing skills in theatre or dance through a performance or design project; projects may include work with community service or other nonprofit organizations, public schools, special events, and other projects approved by the faculty supervisor.

178. Oral Studies of Shakespeare (3)
Prerequisite: Drama 22. Appreciation and communication of representative histories, comedies, and tragedies; problems of content and structure from the point of view of the oral interpreter.

179. Playwrights' Theatre (1-2; max total 6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Presentation and readings of original and classical plays.

180A-B. Scene Design for Theatre (3-3; 180B max total 6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. (A) Styles, techniques, and methods of scene design; history. Laboratory application, material for major public performance. (B) Scenery design; design problems of a complicated play; experimental ideas; new materials. Laboratory application, material for major public performance.

181A. Costume History for Theatre (3)
A survey of historical periods of dress from early Egyptian civilizations to present day with an emphasis on application to stage usage.

181B. Costume Design for Theatre (3; max total 6)
Costume design for theatre and dance incorporating analysis of script, research of historical period, selection of fabric, preparation of budget, and rendering of plates. Emphasis on illustration and design elements.

182A-B. Stage and Television Lighting (3-3)
Prerequisite: Drama 34 or 134A-B. (A) Instruments, control, color, electromechanical factors and simplified design and planning lighting leading to and resulting in a major public performance. (B) Lighting as an art, design concepts; lighting plots, projections, sequential cue relationships. Laboratory application, material for major public performance.

183. Touring Theatre (1-3; max total 6)
(See Drama 83.)

185. History of the Theatre and Drama I (3)
History of European theatre and component arts from ancient Greece through the mid-19th century; analysis of representative examples. General Education CAPSTONE Cluster course.

186. History of the Theatre and Drama II (3)
Prerequisite: Drama 163. From Ibsen to the present; analysis of representative examples.

188T. Topics in Theatre Arts (1-6; max total 9)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Selected topics may include acting, children's theatre, creative dramatics, play direction, technical theatre, theatre history, dramatic literature, and theatre administration. (May include lab hours)

189. Projects in Production (1-3; max total 9)
(See Drama 89.)

190. Independent Study (1-3; max total 6)
See Academic Placement -- Independent Study. Approved for SP grading.

194. Shakespeare (4)
(See Engl 189.)


IN-SERVICE COURSE


(See Course Numbering System.)

Theatre Arts (Drama)

303. Topics in Theatre Arts (1-3)
In-service training in selected areas of drama/theatre arts.



Dance (Dance)

A maximum of 12 units of dance technique courses (Dance 116, 117, 155, 158) may be credited toward the minimum B.A. graduation requirement of 124 units for dance majors.

16. Introduction to Dance (3)
Exploration of basic concepts, techniques and styles through study problems, video and critical readings. Dance concert attendance may be required. General Education BREADTH, Division 4. (Formerly Dance 116)

20. Physical Theatre (3)
Incorporates the study of body awareness techniques, contact improvisation, commedia dell' arte, clown work, and other physical theatre traditions in an active exploration of actor training and expression.

115. Dance Laboratory (1; max total 9)
Group laboratory experience in presentation of productions for public performance. Not available for CR/NC grading.

117A. Modern Dance Technique (1; max total 2)
Basic aspect of modern dance technique. Emphasis on importance of breath, body alignment, and rhythmic coordination; total movement awareness.

117B. Modern Dance Technique (1; max total 2)
Beginning-intermediate level study of movement fundamentals, locomotor activities, and expressive qualities; development of balance, strength, breath coordination, and technical ability.

117C. Modern Dance Technique (2; max total 6)
Intermediate level of modern dance technique; center practice and locomotor movement, stress on increased movement awareness through individual technical development and personal expression.

117D. Modern Dance Technique (2; max total 12)
Advanced level in modern dance technique; elements of alignment, flexibility, strength, rhythm, and energy flow. Exposure to techniques of Limon, Nikolais, Humphrey, Graham, and others.

155A. Modern Jazz Dance (1)
Prerequisite: Dance 116 or 158A. Rhythmic and stylistic devices of jazz and rock movement using modern dance technique as a movement foundation.

155B. Modern Jazz Technique (1)
An in-depth study of jazz dance techniques and different jazz idioms; emphasis on individual style, freedom of expression.

158A. Ballet Technique (1; max total 2)
Beginning level of ballet technique. Basic principles of tournout, plier, etentre, relever, sauter, tomber, tourner, muscular control, and balance. Partial barre work, port de bras, adagio, centre barre, petit allegro, and grand allegro.

158B. Ballet Technique (1; max total 2)
Beginning-intermediate level of ballet technique. Introduction to important theories of French, Russian, Italian, and Danish techniques. Extended practice of complete class; barre, port de bras, adagio, centre barre, and allegro.

158C. Ballet Technique (2; max total 12)
Intermediate-advanced level of ballet technique. Concentrated study and practice of French, Russian, Italian, and Danish concepts and theories of technique.

158D. Ballet Technique (2; max total 12)
Advanced level of ballet technique. Advanced practice and study of French, Russian, Italian, and Danish concepts and theories of technique.

158P. Ballet Pointe (1)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Advanced level of ballet technique and technical training for ballet pointe work. Advanced study of style and theory used for ballet pointe.

159. Music as Dance Accompaniment (3)
Study of Western Classical Music Theory and History as it relates to dance exposure to world music. Rhythmic analysis and 20th century approaches to music composition and dance. Development of dancer's percussive and vocal abilities.

160. Creative Movement for Children (3)
Introduction to the basic concepts, principles, and methodology needed to develop an awareness of the aesthetic experience through dance and creative movement. The aesthetic qualities of dance are stressed to develop the use of creative intelligence and imagination.

161. Musical Theatre (3)
Training of actors for musical auditions through fundamental voice and movement techniques, study of how music and lyrics combine to suggest character, and study of relationship of song, scene, and choreography in various styles.

162. Physical Theatre (3)
Development of actor's physical instrument of flexibility, strength, and control. Geared to extraverted physical theatre forms, i.e., Commedia Dell'Arte, Melodrama, and Vaudeville. Scripts developed through ensemble improvisation.

163. Portable Dance Troupe Company Class (2; max total 8)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. By audition only, held in fall semester and meets for two semesters. A repertory class consisting of rehearsing, understudying, and performing roles. This laboratory experience leads toward performances and touring.

164. Dance History (3)
The historical development of dance from its origins to contemporary forms including diverse cultural perspectives. (Formerly Dance 164A, Dance 164B)

166. Dance Choreography (2; max total 16)
Choreography is approached through the exploration of resources, including improvisation, use, and development of ideas, knowledge of forms, and development of craft. Choreography will be presented in class and performed.

168. Awareness Through Movement (3)
An introduction to the Feldenkrais Method -- movement sequences that create new movement skills in the individual. Designed to include movement and observation, analysis and the application of this work in the fields of education and performance.

170. Balance BodyMind (3)
Study of the alignment of the body and continuum between inner, cellular awareness and outer awareness of body through space. Promotes greater ease in movement; reduced emotional stress; knowledge of the body as process. Nondancers encouraged to enroll.

171. Philosophical Bases and Trends in Dance (3)
The elements and principles common to all arts and their relationship to dance. General Education BREADTH, Division 5.

173. Theories of Improvisational Movement (3; max total 9)
Philosophical and physiological ideas in the possibilities of spontaneity as they relate to the actual process of human movement.

174T. Topics in Dance (1-3; max total 12)
Selected topics may include philosophy, psychology, art, theatre, and music as related to dance.

Theatre Arts Degrees

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