General Studies, Theatre Pathway

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS

Students who are interested in transferring to a baccalaureate program in theatre can begin their college career by choosing the A.A. in general studies with a theatre pathway option. The theatre pathway offers students foundational course work in acting, theatrical production, and performance as well as opportunities to participate in campus theatre productions each semester.  Degrees in theatre provide a base from which to pursue careers in acting, production, directing, stage management, and set design. 

Program Course Requirements

Click here to view Core IMPACTS General Education Curriculum requirements.

Core IMPACTS General Education Curriculum requirements42
NOTE: Core IMPACTS courses can also satisfy requirements in your Program of Study. Please review the requirements for your major to prevent taking extra courses. The USG Core IMPACTS curriculum is designed to ensure that students acquire essential knowledge in foundational academic areas and develop career-ready competencies. There are seven Core IMPACTS areas. Students at all USG institutions must meet the Core IMPACTS requirements in all specified areas.
Field of Study: Major Related
Basic Theory and Performance9
Theatre Appreciation
Practicum in Theatre (must be taken three times to receive credit here)
Fundamentals of Acting
Fundamentals of Acting II
Children's Theatre
Fundamentals of Directing
Basic Technical Theatre and Design3
Fundamentals of Set Design
Humanities/Fine Arts/History Electives*6
Art Appreciation
World Literature I
World Literature II
British Literature I
British Literature II
American Literature I
American Literature II
Intro to Film as Literature
World Civilization to 1500 CE
World Civilization since 1500
United States History to 1877
United States Hist since 1877
Expressions of Culture I
Expressions of Culture II
Music Appreciation
World Music
American Music
Total Hours60
*

Courses used to satisfy Core IMPACTS or Basic Theory and Performance cannot be used to satisfy Field of Study electives.

Courses

THEA 1100. Theatre Appreciation. 3-0-3 Units.

Survey and critical appreciation of theatre. Provides an overview of theatre history, the elements of a play as literature, insight into how a play is analyzed from preproduction and production point of view, an understanding of theatre as an art from, and knowledge of technical aspects of theatre. No previous experience required. (F,S,M) Pre- or co-requisite ENGL 0999, unless exempt.

THEA 2000. Practicum in Theatre. 0-3-1 Unit.

Provides students with experience in the College’s main stage or experimental theatre productions (acting, sound, lighting, publicity, costumes, set construction, etc.) for at least 30 hours, assisting the director. Offered C session. May be repeated for up to three credits. Note: THEA 2000 needs to be taken three times to receive credit in Area F.(F, S)

THEA 2100. Play Development. 3-0-3 Units.

Provides a practical introduction to the creation and development of a theatrical production from inception to completed presentation.(F,S)

THEA 2200. Fundamentals of Acting. 3-0-3 Units.

Offers an introduction to the basics of stage acting, including physical and vocal work, acting exercises and improvisations, acting terminology, character development, and work on monologues and scenes with others.(Offered as needed)

THEA 2201. Fundamentals of Acting II. 3-0-3 Units.

Provides an in-depth approach to stage acting that teaches the actor to portray all aspects of a character by employment of the acronym TEAM which stands for thoughts + emotions + action = manifestation. It means acting enriched by delving into what drives the character and teaches acting students behavior which translates as genuine, truthful, powerful, and believable.(Offered as needed)
Prerequisites: THEA 2200 or special permission from instructor.

THEA 2300. Children's Theatre. 3-0-3 Units.

Provides an introduction to the basics of creative dramatics with an emphasis on performing a children’s theatre touring show. Students will engage in improvisation exercises, study the theory behind performing for children, and rehearse for a play. Students will also engage in practical and creative applications of scene and costume design to accompany the show.(F)

THEA 2400. Fundamentals of Set Design. 3-0-3 Units.

THEA 2400 prepares the student to analyze a play script for designing a performance set, conceptualize a set design with knowledge of standard design terminology, create that set in a three-dimensional form, and experience the building, set-up, and striking (taking down) of a play set. This course requires hands-on participation and an oral presentation.

THEA 2500. Fundamentals of Directing. 3-0-3 Units.

THEA 2500 will focus on beginning directing skills. The goal in the class is to gather directing information as to how to analyze a play, the basic tools necessary to direct a play, develop an understanding of the collaborative art form of directing,including the casting process, and then make it applicable by directing a scene as the final project.
Prerequisites: THEA 1100.