Dramatic Arts

DRAM 105: Introduction to Theatre

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1007.00)

This survey course introduces the fundamental practices and creative processes in dramatic arts. Through experimentation and examination, students will gain greater insight and appreciation of the dramatic arts as an agent of change that is vital to the humanities. All aspects of theatre production and collaboration are covered through lecture, group discussion, and participation.

DRAM 106: Study of Filmed Plays

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in DRAM 106 or FILM 106
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (0612.00)

This course studies cinematic adaptations of plays by comparing and contrasting the stage and screen versions in concept, writing, and production. Students will gain insight and appreciation for both art forms through structural analysis, class discussions, and written critiques.

DRAM 109: Practicum of Voice and Diction

Units: 1
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours. (1007.00)

This lab course covers the basics of vocal training. Students learn to improve voice projection, articulation, and expression through acting-oriented exercises and activities. (May be repeated two times.)

DRAM 110: Voice and Diction

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in COMM 110 or DRAM 110.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1007.00)

Emphasizes training to improve the speaking voice in quality, flexibility, and effectiveness.

DRAM 111: Oral Interpretation of Literature

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in DRAM 111 or COMM 111.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1007.00)

This course introduces the oral interpretation and analysis of literary works of art in their intellectual, emotional, and aesthetic forms. Class readings include prose, poetry, and drama. Students develop vocal and physical expressiveness, variety, and flexibility through oral presentations of literature.

DRAM 120: Dramatic Literature (Ancient Greeks to Shakespeare)

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1007.00)

This course introduces students to dramatic literature from the Greeks to the Seventeenth Century. It emphasizes the analysis of dramatic structure and practice, including reading strategies, character and plot analyses, and production practices and styles of the historical periods covered. Students may be required to attend live performances.

DRAM 121: Dramatic Literature (Restoration to Present)

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1007.00)

This course is a reading survey of plays which begins at the Restoration Period, continues through the 20th century and concludes in the present both in practice and theory. Play structure, textual analysis and historical backgrounds of dramatic literature are studied. Attendance may be required at several performances or rehearsals.

DRAM 125: Beginning Acting Lab

Units: 1
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours. (1007.00)

Students will learn the basics of acting: how to sustain a character in performance to function in an ensemble and to use techniques of acting. They will also learn about ensemble building and the art of theatre.

DRAM 126: Shakespearean Acting Lab

Units: 1
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours. (1007.00)

This lab course will focus on the basics of classical acting techniques, including comprehension and delivery of Shakespeare's works. It will include ensemble work, exercises, games, and examining universal themes. (May be repeated two times.)

DRAM 130: Acting I

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1007.00)

This course teaches the fundamentals of acting and techniques based on Stanislavski's principles. Emphasis on ability to express thought, emotion, and character through the effective use of voice, movement, and script analysis.

DRAM 133: Performance and Design Portfolio Practicum

Units: 1
Prerequisites: By audition, nomination, or interview.
Laboratory 3 hours. (1007.00)

This course focuses on the study and practical application of theatre techniques in competitive performance and design. Students enter their performance/design practicum project into a competitive field for evaluation and feedback from outside professionals and educators. At the end of this course, acting/design students prepare a performance work/design portfolio to demonstrate skills and maximize their strengths. Students also compare and contrast their work with peers at other educational institutions and tour other college/university theatre programs in conjunction with the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival. Students enter this course by audition/interview or nomination by the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival.(May be repeated two times.)

DRAM 139: Stage and Concert Management

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1006.00)

This course offers an introduction to the skills and procedures involved in stage managing a theatrical, dance, or music production. Through hands-on experience, students will learn to develop the knowledge and skills involved in running a live performance. Students will learn how to prep and run rehearsals, create a production book and prompt script, run dimmer and sound checks, organize scenic shifts and call light, and sound cues in live performance. (Formerly DRAM 296-5.; may be repeated two times.)

DRAM 141: Stage Lighting

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1006.00)

This course teaches the basics of stage lighting for theatrical productions through instruction and practical experience. Students learn and implement proper lighting theory, lighting design, equipment use, and safety precautions. (May be repeated one time.)

DRAM 148: Acting for the Camera

Units: 3
Prerequisites: DRAM 130.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1007.00)

This course offers an introduction to performance for the camera concerning the mediums of film, video, and television. Students will examine pragmatic approaches and techniques specifically required for each different medium to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between performance and media. (May be repeated once.)

DRAM 149: Directing for the Stage

Units: 3
Prerequisites: DRAM 130.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1007.00)

This course offers an introduction to the fundamentals of directing for the stage where students experiment with directing techniques, acting, reading, and theatre exercises. Student directors make choices about themes, casting, focus of scenes, scripts, dramatic structure and script analysis, pacing, rhythm, and mood. Second and third semester directors direct public presentations of plays in tandem with the One Act Play Production course, DRAM 230. (May be repeated two times.)

DRAM 192: Audio Equipment Maintenance

Units: 2
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in DRAM 192 or MUS 192.
Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 3 hours. (1006.00)

This course introduces audio maintenance, calibration, and minor repair as well electronic building tips as they pertain to music and theatre. Students learn basic electronic principles and how they relate to matching audio components in various system design applications for recording and sound reinforcement. Topics include impedance matching, power rating, and parallel and series type wiring as well as hands-on work with basic electronic maintenance/repair kits. The course emphasizes safety issues with electricity.

DRAM 226: Advanced Performance Lab

Units: 1
Prerequisites: DRAM 126 or successful audition.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours. (1007.00)

This lab course will focus on advanced process and methodology, performance styles, and performance approaches to heightened language centered plays including the works of William Shakespeare, application of scansion and other verse analysis techniques, advanced soliloquy and scene work; project work coordinated with acting class curriculum. (Formerly DRAM 296-4; may be repeated two times.)

DRAM 230: One Act Play Production

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1007.00)

Students engage in production theory and practical application of producing a one act play for public performance. Student participation includes acting, stage managing, and technical aspects. (May be repeated two times.)

DRAM 231: Acting II

Units: 3
Prerequisites: DRAM 130.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1007.00)

In-depth application of the techniques explored in Acting I with an emphasis on characterization, scene study, methodology, and process. Acting studies focus on performance from varied acting philosophies, styles, and genres. (May be repeated one time.)

DRAM 232: Movement for the Stage

Units: 2
Prerequisites: None
Repeatability Rule: Allow two completions in any combination of DNCE 232, DRAM 232.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 3 hours. (1007.00)

This course is designed to create an environment in which students can explore more dynamic movement. It emphasizes not only physical control, strength, flexibility, and creative imagination, but also the integration of mind, body, and emotion. (May be repeated two times.)

DRAM 253: Stage Makeup

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1006.00)

This course will instruct students in the practical application of theatre makeup in a lab setting. Under close supervision, students engage in all phases of theatrical makeup. Students also plan and execute the makeup for college productions. (May be repeated two times.)

DRAM 256: Stagecraft

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1006.00)

Technical problems of organizing a stage production. Practical applications center on construction of stage scenery for dramatic productions. (May be repeated three times.)

DRAM 270: Rehearsal and Performance - Technical Theatre

Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: May not enroll in two sections of the same course in any given semester.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours.
Laboratory 6 hours.
Laboratory 9 hours. (1007.00)

Composed of students who are assigned crew positions in the main stage productions. Emphasis is placed on the rehearsal process and culminates in public performances. (May be repeated three times.)

DRAM 271: Rehearsal and Performance - Acting

Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: By audition only.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours.
Laboratory 6 hours.
Laboratory 9 hours. (1007.00)

This course is composed of students who are cast in main-stage, non-musical productions. Emphasis is placed on the rehearsal process and culminates in public performances. (May be repeated three times.)

DRAM 272: Rehearsal and Performance - Musical Theatre

Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: By audition only.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours.
Laboratory 6 hours.
Laboratory 9 hours. (1007.00)

This course is composed of students who are cast in the main-stage musical productions. Emphasis is placed on the rehearsal process and culminates in public performances. (May be repeated three times.)

DRAM 292: Internship Studies

Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisites: Complete 6 units at MCC prior to internship; permission of instructor and department chair required.
Corequisite: Must currently be enrolled in 3 units and complete 60 hours of non-paid or 75 hours of paid work per unit of credit.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
(1007.00)

Individualized study linking classroom learning to the workplace. Approval form must be signed by instructor and department chair before registration. (May be taken for a total of 12 units.)

DRAM 293: Topics in Dramatic Arts

Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Repeatability Rule: Allow four completions in any combination of DRAM 293, DRAM 296.
Lecture 1 hour.
Lecture 2 hours.
Lecture 3 hours. (1007.00)

A study of relevant topics in the discipline not covered in the current selection of courses. Designed to meet special needs; content determined by participating faculty members in consultation with students and the community. Non-transfer topics only.

DRAM 296: Topics in Dramatic Arts

Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Repeatability Rule: Allow four completions in any combination of DRAM 293, DRAM 296.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour.
Lecture 2 hours.
Lecture 3 hours. (1007.00)

A study of relevant topics in the discipline not covered in the current selection of courses. Designed to meet special needs; content determined by participating faculty members in consultation with students and the community.

DRAM 297: Topics in Dramatic Arts

Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Laboratory 9 hours. (1007.00)

A study of relevant topics in the discipline not covered in the current selection of courses. Designed to meet special needs; content determined by participating faculty members in consultation with students and the community. (May be repeated three times.)

DRAM 298: Directed Studies in Dramatic Arts

Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and department chair.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Laboratory 3 hours.
Laboratory 6 hours.
Laboratory 9 hours. (1007.00)

Individualized study, project, or research in area of particular interest to the student and not included in the regular courses of the college. Approval form must be signed by instructor and department chair before registration.

DRAM 299: Cooperative Work Experience--Occupational

Units: 1-4
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Students must be employed in a position directly related to their declared major and must complete 75 hours of paid work or 60 hours of non-paid work per unit of credit.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
(1007.00)

For students whose work is directly related to their major. To participate in occupational cooperative work experience education, students must be employed in a position directly related to their declared major and undertake new or expanded responsibilities at their work site. Students must develop one learning objective for each unit of credit in which they enroll and they must complete 75 hours of paid work or 60 hours of non-paid work per unit of credit. A maximum of four units of occupational work experience may be earned each semester and a combined maximum of 16 units of occupational and general work experience may be earned during community college attendance and applied as electives toward graduation. Students may receive G.I. Bill benefits for work experience only if required for their specific program. (May be repeated three times.)