Courses
TH 102. Theatre: Form and Content (3)
Foundation course for the Theatre Major and Minor. Introduction to theatre as an art form; its relationship to its audience and the other arts; the collaborative role of theatre artists in preparing and presenting live theatrical productions and analysis of textual form. Regular critical writing assignments and attendance at selected University-sponsored and professional theatre events required. Required during the first semester of registration as a Theatre Major or Minor.
TH 108A. Acting I: Fundamentals (2)
This course develops foundational skills for the actor, with an emphasis on ensemble building, collaboration and creative problem solving. Acting exercises, techniques and methods from a variety of performance styles will provide a comprehensive introduction to the roles and responsibilities of actors and directors. Fundamentals of the actor’s craft, such as developing an effective work ethic, appropriate rehearsal behavior and learning to integrate external evaluation, will provide students with a strong foundation in theater performance. Class meets 4 hours per week.
TH 110. Introduction to Theatre: Text/Drama/Performance (3)
Introduction to theatre through reading and discussing play scripts, analyzing dramatic forms and writing about live performances. Regular critical writing assignments and attendance at live performances are required. (Available for General Education, Arts and Humanities.)
TH 111. Actors and Acting (3)
Prerequisite: Not open to Theatre majors. Introduction to theatre through an emphasis upon its central performer–the actor. Illustrative acting exercises. (Available for General Education, Arts and Humanities.)
TH 120/L. Arts Immersion: Theatre and Lab (1/1)
Prerequisite: Limited to students in the ITEP-Freshman Option. Corequisite: TH 120L. Introductory course in which students engage in the study and practice of theatre and process drama. Exploration of the role of playwright, director, designer, actor, technician and dramaturg/critic as they relate to the art of theatre and the design of drama experiences for children. Focuses on identifying and experiencing the relationship of theatre and drama experiences for children to learning and achievement. Students are expected to apply and integrate the knowledge of the art form under study to all of the arts and to address the five standards of the Visual and Performing Arts Framework in a holistic manner. 1 hour lecture, 2 hours lab per week.
TH 142M. Theatre Movement I (2)
Introduction to movement for performance. This course focuses on the development of individual creativity through physical expression. Movement fundamentals taught include basic anatomy, stretching and strengthening exercises, somatic practices that develop the breath/movement connection, Laban effort vocabulary and compositional projects that foster an expressive use of theatrical space. Course meets 4 hours per week.
TH 143V. Theatre Voice and Speech I (2)
Introduction to fundamentals of voice for the stage, including studio experiences exploring foundation skills in vocal production. Understanding the role of voice training in the development of the actor’s craft and introduction to the methods, systems and techniques of voice training.
TH 155. Color and Design for the Theatre (2)
This course acquaints students with the basic principles of design that govern all forms of visual expression, emphasizing those used in the theatre. It also provides students with the ability to communicate in visual terms.
TH 190. Theatre Production Participation (1-1)
Participation in various aspects of Theatre CSUN’s production program, including acting, directing, technical, or managerial assignments. May be repeated once.
TH 208A. Acting II: Character and Text (2)
Prerequisites: TH 108A, TH 142M and TH 143V. Dramatic structure; methods of text analysis for the actor; and application through lab experience to specific texts and scenes. 6 hours per week.
TH 222. Mapping World Theatre and Drama (3)
Prerequisite: TH 102. Introductory survey of theatre history and dramatic literature of the world from antiquity to the present. Critical writing assignments required.
TH 261. Fundamentals of Scenery and Properties Technology (2)
Corequisite: 261A. Preparatory: TH 155. Practical introduction to the theories and application of construction techniques for the scenic environment; visual language, principles, techniques and tools used in creating scenery and properties; and safety in the theatre.
TH 261A. Scenery and Properties Technology Production Participation (1)
Corequisite: 261. Preparatory: TH 155. Participation in the scenery and/or properties department of a CSUN theatre production.
TH 262. Fundamentals of Costume Technology (2)
Corequisite: 262A. Preparatory: TH 155. A practical introduction to the theory and application of costume and accessory construction for the stage, including use of equipment, fabrics and materials appropriate to costume technology.
TH 262A. Costume Technology Production Participation (1)
Corequisite: TH 262. Preparatory: TH 155. Participation in the costume department of a CSUN theatre production.
TH 263. Fundamentals of Lighting and Sound Technology (2)
Corequisite: 263A. Preparatory: TH 155. Introduction to technical principles and applications of stage lighting and sound, including basic lighting and sound equipment, nomenclature, and skills and practices used in creating lighting and sound for stage productions.
TH 263A. Lighting and Sound Technology Production Participation (1)
Corequisite: 263. Preparatory: TH 155. Participation in the scenery and/or properties department of a CSUN theatre production.
TH 290. Theatre Production Participation (1-1)
Participation in various aspects of Theatre CSUN’s production program, including acting, directing, technical or managerial assignments. May be repeated once.
TH 296A-Z. Experimental Topics Courses in Theatre (1-3, 1-3)
Prerequisite: Consult Theatre department office. Experimental courses in theatre, with course content to be determined. May be repeated once.
TH 304. Process Drama and the Child (1)
Prerequisites: TH 120; Restricted to students in the ITEP-Freshman Option. Provides students the opportunity to revisit Theatre and apply their knowledge of this area to working with children and develop skills as a leader of drama experiences for children through the practice of planning, implementing and evaluating drama experiences with peers and in the context of field based-settings. Two hours of lab per week.
TH 308A. Acting III: Scene Study (3)
Prerequisite: TH 208A. Corequisites: TH 342M, TH343V. Studio course emphasizing text analysis, character development and scene study; application of these skills to modern and contemporary dramatic texts. 6 hours per week.
TH 310. Theatre in Performance (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the Lower Division writing requirement. Not open to Theatre majors. Introduction to the theatre through the experience of attending performances, preparatory lectures and post- performance discussions and critiques. Critical writing assignments required. (Available for General Education, Arts and Humanities.)
TH 315. World Drama (3)
Prerequisites: Completion of the Lower Division writing requirement; Upper Division standing. Not open to Theatre majors. Survey of world dramatic literature from primitive times to the present. Studies masterpieces of drama from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. (Available for General Education, Arts and Humanities.) (IC)
TH 321A. World Theatre and Drama I (3)
Prerequisite: TH 222. This course is the first part of an integrated study of world theatre and drama. It encompasses theatre history and dramatic literature of Asia, Africa and Europe. Critical writing assignments required.
TH 321B. World Theatre and Drama II (3)
Prerequisite: TH 222. This course is the second part of the integrated study of the world theatre and drama. It encompasses theatre history and dramatic literature of the Middle East, Latin America and the West. Critical writing assignments required.
TH 325. World Drama and Performance (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the Lower Division writing requirement and Upper Division standing. Not open to theatre majors. Survey of world dramatic literature and performance styles from the Ancient world to the present, with particular focus on the cultural, political, social and aesthetic factors that shaped these works. We will examine masterpieces from Western and non-Western theatre traditions to understand how these plays negotiate between performers and audiences, individual and national identities and across cultures. (Available for General Education, Comparative Cultural Studies.) (IC)
TH 339. Improvisational Comedy (3)
Prerequisite: Audition. Introduction to the techniques of improvisational comedy. Develops as an improvisation troupe and subsequently presents public performances.
TH 342M. Theatre Movement II (3)
Prerequisite: Theatre 142M. Intermediate training of the body for stage movement, including exercise for strength, flexibility, relaxation, control, physicalization and movement as a part of character development. 6 hours lab.
TH 343V. Theatre Voice and Speech II (3)
Prerequisite: TH 143V. Intermediate theory and practice of voice and speech in the theatre. Exercises in stage diction, vocal techniques and phonetics. 6 hours lab.
TH 345. Acting On Camera (3)
Prerequisites: TH 208A; Completion of Lower Division requirements in Theatre major. Non-Theatre majors, consult department for equivalency. Prepares the student for the particular demands of acting in front of the camera. Techniques of blocking, text analysis, cold-reading, character presentation, scene preparation, vocabulary and camera shots. 6 hours per week.
TH 346. Musical Theatre Workshop I (3)
Prerequisites: MUS 238A; TH 208. Study of the special acting, vocal and movement skills required for performance in musical theatre. 6 hours per week.
TH 350. Cultural and Historical Perspectives for Theatre (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of Lower Division requirements in Theatre major. Preparatory: TH 321A/B. Historical elements as they relate to the staging of period plays, including history of architecture, furniture, costume, social modes and manners. Development of dramaturgical research skills. Extensive writing and analysis required.
TH 355. Principles of Stage Design (2)
Prerequisites: Completion of Lower Division requirements in Theatre major. Non-Theatre majors, consult Theatre department advisor. Introduction to the discursive and non-discursive aspects of stage design, including process, techniques and language of collaborative production artists and conceptualization of dramatic action, mood and style through a range of media. Extensive critique of work in progress. 4 hours per week.
TH 361A. Intermediate Scenery and Properties Technology (2)
Prerequisites: TH 261, 261A. Intermediate principles of realizing technical designs for the stage, including construction technology, finishing, rigging and materials. Required participation in a University-sponsored production.
TH 361B. Intermediate Scenic Art Techniques (2)
Prerequisites: TH 261, 261A. Practical experience in the media, tools and techniques used in the art of scene painting. Includes class projects.
TH 362A. Intermediate Costume Technology (2)
Prerequisites: TH 262, 262A. Intermediate principles of theory and application of costume construction for the stage, including use of equipment, fabrics and materials appropriate to costume technology. Required participation in a University-sponsored production.
TH 362B. Intermediate Costume Crafts (2)
Prerequisites: TH 262, 262A. Intermediate principles of theory and application of costume crafts for the stage, including use of equipment, fabrics and materials appropriate to costume accessory and craft making, and preparation of appropriate accessories. Required participation in a University-sponsored production.
TH 363A. Intermediate Lighting Technology (2)
Prerequisites: TH 263, 263A. Non-Theatre majors, consult department advisor for equivalency. Intermediate course exploring stage lighting, projection equipment, lighting control systems, optical systems, color theory and current lighting graphic standards as they apply to stage, film and video. Required participation in a University-sponsored production.
TH 363B. Intermediate Sound Technology (2)
Prerequisites: TH 263, 263A. Study of the use of sound technology in live theatre production. Extensive work with sound generation and sound modification equipment, and study of contemporary practices in sound design and implementation. Required participation in a University sponsored production.
TH 367. Advanced Makeup (2)
Prerequisite: Completion of Lower Division requirements in Theatre major. Practical experience in the application and design of makeup for the stage. Required participation in a University-sponsored production.
TH 371/L. Creative Drama and Lab (2/1)
Corequisite: TH 371L. Theory and techniques for developing the creative capacities of children and young people through dramatization; participation and leadership in creative drama. 4 hours per week.
TH 376. Production Preparation and Performance: Theatre for Young Audiences (3-3-3)
Prerequisite: Audition/Interview. Preparation and performance of a University-sponsored production for young audiences. May be taken up to three times for credit.
TH 381. Management Techniques for the Theatre (2)
Prerequisite: Completion of Lower Division requirements in Theatre major. Basic principles in management, with emphasis on theatrical applications; personnel, time, budgeting, procedures, organization, safety; setting and achieving objectives. 6 hours per week.
TH 382A-C. Theatre Management Practicum (1-3)
Prerequisites: TH 381; Completion of Lower Division requirements in Theatre major. Practical application of theatre management techniques. Required participation in a University-sponsored production. Maximum of 3 units may be earned.
TH 383. Theatre Administration (3)
Prerequisites: TH 381; Completion of Lower Division requirements in Theatre major. Management theories and techniques in theatre administration, including organization of personnel media preparation and utilization, fiscal management and public relations. Required participation in a University-sponsored production.
TH 384. Touring Theatre (3-3-3)
Prerequisite: Audition/Interview. Theory and practice in the artistic and management aspects of producing theatrical performances for touring, including practical experience in producing and presenting touring productions. Required participation in a University-sponsored production. May be taken up to three times for credit.
TH 390A-C. Theatre Production Participation (1-3)
Participation in various aspects of Theatre CSUN’s production program, including acting, directing, technical or managerial assignments. Maximum of 4 units may be earned.
TH 391. Production Practicum (0-0-0-0)
Prerequisite: Required of all Upper Division Theatre majors. Carries no unit credit, but validates production participation associated with selected courses. (Credit/No Credit only)
TH 393. Directed Qualifying Studies: Theatre History and Literature (3)
Prerequisites: Recommendation of department director of graduate studies; Instructor consent. Enrollment restricted to conditionally classified graduate students. Intensive review and coverage of the fundamentals of theatre history and literature covered in the undergraduate Theatre core courses. (Credit/No Credit only)
TH 394. Directed Qualifying Studies: Acting (3)
Prerequisites: Recommendation of department director of graduate studies; Instructor consent. Enrollment restricted to conditionally classified graduate students. Intensive review and coverage of the fundamentals of acting covered in the undergraduate Theatre core courses. (Credit/No Credit only)
TH 395. Directed Qualifying Studies: Technical Theatre (3)
Prerequisites: Recommendation of department director of graduate studies; Instructor consent. Enrollment restricted to conditionally classified graduate students. Intensive review and coverage of the fundamentals of technical theatre covered in the undergraduate Theatre core courses. (Credit/No Credit only)
TH 396A-Z. Experimental Topics Courses in Theatre (1-3, 1-3)
Prerequisite: Consult Theatre department office. Experimental courses in theatre, with course content to be determined. Maximum of 6 units may be earned.
TH 397. Theatre Honors Tutorial (1-1-1)
Prerequisite: Admission to Theatre Honors Program. Intensive investigation in a small group of a topic related to some aspect of theatre practice or theory. Maximum of 3 units may be earned.
TH 408A. Acting IV: Advanced Acting (3)
Prerequisites: TH 308A and completion of Lower Division requirements in Theatre major. Not available for graduate credit. Performance course emphasizing advanced text analysis, character development and scene study as applied to a wide variety of periods and genres. 6 hours per week.
TH 422. Theatre and Drama of Greece and Rome (3)
Prerequisites: TH 321A/B; Theatre major or minor. Non-Theatre majors, consult department advisor for equivalency. Study of the history and literature of the theatre of Greece and Rome. Critical writing assignments required. Available for graduate credit.
TH 425. Theatre and Drama of Europe and America from Naturalism to the Mid-20th Century (3)
Prerequisites: TH 321A/B; Theatre major or minor. Non-Theatre majors, consult department advisor for equivalency. Study of the history and literature of the European and American theatre from the beginnings of naturalism to the mid-20th century. Critical writing assignments required. Available for graduate credit.
TH 426. Contemporary Theatre and Drama of Europe and America (3)
Prerequisites: TH 321A/B; Theatre major or minor. Non-Theatre majors, consult department advisor for equivalency. Study of contemporary theatre movements in Europe and America. Critical writing assignments required. Available for graduate credit.
TH 432. Theatre and Drama of the United States (3)
Prerequisites: TH 321A/B; Theatre major or minor. Non-Theatre majors, consult department advisor for equivalency. Study of the history and literature of the American theatre from colonial times to the mid-20th century. Critical writing assignments required. Available for graduate credit.
TH 433. The Musical Theatre in the United States (3)
Prerequisites: Theatre major or minor; TH 321A/B., Music Theatre Minor; TH 102. Non-Theatre Majors, consult Department advisor for equivalency. Study of the history and literature of the musical theatre in the U.S. from its beginnings to the present. Critical writing assignments required. Available for graduate credit.
TH 442M. Theatre Movement III (2)
Prerequisites: TH 342M. Not available for graduate credit. Performance course in advanced stage movement techniques; modes and manners of theatrical periods from ancient to modern; dance forms of the same periods, and application of these studies to the creation of character in period drama. 6 hours per week.
TH 443V. Theatre Voice and Speech III (3)
Prerequisites: TH 343V; Completion of Lower Division requirements in Theatre major. Not available for graduate credit. Development of advanced voice, speech, analytical and interpretative skills for the actor, including application to the speaking and acting of Shakespearean texts.
TH 444. Principles of Directing (3)
Prerequisites for Theatre major: Completion of Lower Division requirements in Theatre major; Senior standing. Prerequisites for Theatre minor: Completion of Lower Division requirements in Theatre minor; Senior standing. Not available for graduate credit. Theories and techniques of directing plays. 6 hours per week.
TH 449. Tutorial in Performance Skills (1-1-1-1)
Prerequisite: Audition. Not available for graduate credit. Diagnosis of individual strengths and weaknesses in performance skills through individual tutorials directed at improvement of skills and correction of problems. Complements work in CSUN’s Theatre production program. May be repeated 3 times. (Credit/No Credit only)
TH 457. Theatre Design Tutorial (3-3-3)
Prerequisites: TH 350, 355, 357. Individual work in theatre design, with emphasis on scenery, costumes, or lighting. Focuses on developing and presenting design concepts for selected theatre productions. May be repeated twice. Portfolio review required for repeat credit. Maximum of 3 units may be earned for graduate credit.
TH 459. Theatre Design Practicum (3)
Prerequisites: Completion of Lower Division Theatre core courses; Instructor consent. Practical execution of design for a theatre production with an emphasis in scenery, costumes, lighting, sound, projections or properties. Student enrolled in this course will serve as designer for a CSUN Department of Theatre Production and will present a portfolio of their design work at the end of the course. Required participation in a University-sponsored production.
TH 473/L. Dramatic Performance in the Secondary Language Arts Curriculum and Lab (2/1)
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. Corequisite: TH 473L. Study and practical application of dramatic performance in secondary-education language arts curriculum. Introduction to and application of artistic and aesthetic tools and sensitivities required for creative expression. (Fulfills General Education, Section C.2 requirements for English Subject Matter Program majors only.)
TH 479. Issues in Contemporary Theatre (3)
Prerequisites for Theatre majors: Completion of Core requirements in Theatre major. Prerequisites for Liberal Studies majors: TH 315, 475; and 376 or 384. Not available for graduate credit. Investigation of selected contemporary issues and practices in theatre, including consideration of selected ethical dimensions of the field. Significant research paper or project required.
TH 490. Theatre Production Participation (1-2-3)
Prerequisite: Not available for graduate credit. Participation in various aspects of CSUN’s Theatre production program, including acting, directing, technical or managerial assignments. Maximum of 4 units may be earned.
TH 496A-Z. Experimental Topics Courses in Theatre (1-3, 1-3)
Prerequisite: Consult Theatre department office. Not available for graduate credit except when specifically approved by the department. Consult the director of graduate studies. Experimental courses in theatre, with course content to be determined. Maximum of 6 units may be earned.
TH 498A. Senior Theatre History/Literature Thesis (3)
Prerequisites: Theatre History/Literature Option; Approved Thesis proposal. Not available for graduate credit. Writing of a Thesis resulting from research on a significant topic in theatre history, theatrical literature, or theory and criticism. (Credit/No Credit only)
TH 498B. Senior Theatre Performance Project (3)
Prerequisites: Acting/Directing Option; Approved project proposal. Not available for graduate credit. Weekly seminar with additional rehearsal/lab work on a major performance. (Credit/No Credit only)
TH 498C. Senior Theatre Design Project (1-3, 1-3, 1-3)
Prerequisites: TH 457; Theatre Design/Technology Option; Portfolio review. Not available for graduate credit. Production design for theatre. Required participation in a University-sponsored production. Maximum of 9 units may be earned. (Credit/No Credit only)
TH 498D. Senior Theatre Technology PROJECT (1-3, 1-3, 1-3)
Prerequisites: TH 457; Theatre Design/Technology Option; Interview. Not available for graduate credit. Technical supervision for theatre. Required participation in a University-sponsored production. Maximum of 9 units may be earned. (Credit/No Credit only)
TH 498E. Senior Creative Drama/theatre for Young Audiences Project or Thesis (3)
Prerequisites: Creative Drama/Theatre for Young Audiences Option; Approved Project or Thesis proposal. Not available for graduate credit. Completion of a Project or writing of a Thesis resulting from the investigation of a significant topic or problem in creative drama or in theatre for young audiences. (Credit/No Credit only)
TH 498F. Senior Honors Project or Thesis (3)
Prerequisites: Theatre Honors Program; Approved Project or Thesis proposal. Not available for graduate credit. Completion of an artistic Project or writing of a Thesis resulting from the investigation of a significant topic or problem in theatre. (Credit/No Credit only)
TH 530. Theatre and Drama of Latin America (3)
Prerequisites: TH 321A/B; Theatre major or minor. Non-Theatre majors, consult department advisor for equivalency. Study of the history and literature of the Latin American theatre from pre-Columbian times to the present. Critical writing assignments required.
TH 531. Theatre and Drama of Asia (3)
Prerequisites: TH 321A/B; Theatre major or minor. Non-Theatre majors, consult department advisor for equivalency. Study of the history and literature of the Asian theatre from the beginnings to the present. Critical writing assignments required.
TH 535. Theatrical Theory and Criticism (3)
Prerequisites: TH 321A/B; Theatre major or minor. Non-Theatre majors, consult department advisor for equivalency. Study of the history of theatrical theory and criticism from antiquity to the present. Major theories pertaining to all aspects of theatrical production, including staging, acting, scenography and the script is examined. Critical writing assignments required.
TH 545. Advanced Directing (3)
Prerequisite: TH 444. Advanced study of theories and styles of directing plays. Practical experience through production of scenes from different historical periods. 6 hours per week.
TH 594. Internship in the Arts (3-3)
Prerequisites: Senior or graduate standing; Portfolio review or audition; Instructor consent. Academic Internship course. May be repeated once. Maximum of 3 units may be earned for graduate credit. (Credit/No Credit only)
TH 599. Independent Study (1-3, 1-3)
Prerequisites: Completion of all core requirements in Theatre major; Instructor consent to serve as sponsor; Permission of the department chair. Enrollment restricted to Theatre majors who have completed the full sequence of courses in the area of study to be pursued by independent study. Not open to classified graduate students. Maximum of 6 units may be earned.
TH 600. Seminar in Research Methods and Bibliography in Theatre (3)
Introduction to theatre research, involving bibliographical methods, the tools of research and the organization and writing of the research study.
TH 620. Seminar in Theatre History (3)
Prerequisites: TH 600; Advanced course in theatre history/literature (TH 422 through 535, or equivalent). Investigation of selected problems in theatre history from antiquity through the present. Consideration of theatre architecture, audiences, staging and production, acting and performance organization.
TH 621. Seminar in Theatrical Literature (3)
Prerequisites: TH 600; Advanced course in theatre history/literature (TH 422 through 535, or equivalent). Investigation of selected problems in theatrical literature from antiquity to the present. Consideration of the text, playwright, theatrical genres and periods and movements.
TH 625. Seminar in Popular Theatre and Entertainment (3)
Prerequisite: TH 600. Investigation of selected popular theatrical and para-theatrical forms of theatre and entertainment from antiquity through the present. Consideration of relationships between popular theatre and formal literary theatre.
TH 630. Seminar in Theatre Aesthetics (3)
Prerequisites: TH 600; Advanced course in directing or design (TH 457, 545 or equivalent). Analysis of the aesthetic principles and techniques of the theatre, including selected problems in the philosophy of dramatic art.
TH 640. Seminar in Acting and Directing (3)
Prerequisites: TH 600; Advanced course in acting or directing (TH 408A, 545 or equivalents). Selected theoretical problems and their application to acting and directing.
TH 670. Seminar in Child Drama (3)
Prerequisites: TH 600; TH 371, 475 or equivalent experience. Examination of child drama theories and practices, including creative drama and theatre for children.
TH 695A-Z. Theories in Drama and Theatre (3-3-3)
Prerequisite: TH 600. Development of dramatic theory and practice through selected topics, including theories in American drama and theatre, European drama and theatre, and dramatic criticism. May be repeated twice.
TH 698. Thesis or Graduate Project (3)
Prerequisites: Classified graduate status; Approval of appropriate area faculty to form a Thesis or Graduate Project Committee; Formation of an approved Thesis or Graduate Project Committee; Completion of all additional requirements for the degree. (Credit/No Credit only)
TH 699. Independent Study (1-3)
Prerequisites: Classified graduate status; Consent of an instructor to serve as sponsor; Review by the department director of graduate studies. Maximum of 6 units may be earned.