This is an archived copy of the 2011-2012 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.miracosta.edu

Dramatic Arts

The Dramatic Arts Program includes theoretical and practical courses in all aspects of theatre. Students take courses to prepare for a transfer major in dramatic arts, for professional training, or to fulfill general education requirements. Performance and technical theatre opportunities are available to both majors and non-majors. Career options include both creative and technical work in the performing arts/entertainment industry, such as live theatre, film, television, and broadcasting; academic research and teaching; and other communications-related fields, such as advertising and public relations.

Contact Information

Department Chair: Eric Bishop

Dean: Dana Smith

www.miracosta.edu/DRAM

Department: Theatre and Film

Office: Building 2000, 760.795.6816

Full-Time Faculty

Eric Bishop
Andrew Layton
Tracy Williams

 


She Loves Me, Spring 2011

Associate Degrees

Associate in Arts Degree

Dramatic Arts

The Dramatic Arts Program offers lower-division preparation for students who plan on transferring to pursue a bachelor's degree in dramatic arts. Students planning to transfer and/or earn this associate degree may also need to complete additional requirements or electives required by the transfer institution, as many CSUs and UCs have unique admissions and preparation-for-the-major requirements. Students should meet with a MiraCosta College counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written plan for their targeted university.

Required courses: 
DRAM 105Introduction to Theatre3
DRAM 120Dramatic Literature (Ancient Greeks to Shakespeare)3
or DRAM 121 Dramatic Literature (Restoration to Present)
DRAM 130Acting I3
DRAM 253Stage Makeup3
DRAM 256Stagecraft3
Select at least 3 units from the following:3
Rehearsal and Performance - Technical Theatre
Rehearsal and Performance - Acting
Rehearsal and Performance - Musical Theatre
Total Units18

 

Associate in Arts Degree

Design and Technology

Students may earn the above-named associate degree by completing a certificate of achievement and the general education courses required for MiraCosta College's Associate in Arts degree (see Associate Degrees). Students should meet with a MiraCosta counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written educational plan for the specific degree or certificate they wish to earn.

 

Certificate

Certificate of Achievement

Design and Technology

This is an occupational certificate in Performing Arts Design and Technology in which the student learns the skills necessary in scenery, lighting, sound, and makeup in order to pursue a professional career in theatre, film, television, music, and/or dance.

Required courses: 
DRAM 105Introduction to Theatre3
DRAM 139Stage and Concert Management3
DRAM 141Stage Lighting3
DRAM 253Stage Makeup3
DRAM 256Stagecraft3
DRAM 270Rehearsal and Performance - Technical Theatre *4
MUS 185Sound Reinforcement I2
Total Units21

*

To complete the DRAM 270 requirement, multiple sections must be taken in any unit combination to fulfill a total of 4 units.

How to Read Course Descriptions

Courses

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 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 credit in COMM 110.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1007.00)

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

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 introduces students to dramatic literature from the 18th century to the present. It emphasizes the analysis of dramatic structure and practice, including reading strategies, character and plot analyses, and production practices and styles of the historical period covered. Students may be required to attend live performances.

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: None
Enrollment Limitation: Audition, nomination, or interview.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
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. (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. (May be repeated two times.)

DRAM 226: Advanced Performance Lab

Units: 1
Prerequisites: DRAM 126.
Enrollment Limitation: Audition if prerequisite not met.
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 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
Enrollment Limitation: Audition.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 3 hours. (1007.00)

This course creates an environment in which students explore 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: None
Enrollment Limitation: Audition.
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: None
Enrollment Limitation: Audition.
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: None
Corequisite: Complete 60 non-paid or 75 paid hours of work per unit.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
(1007.00)

This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or intern at a new site upon each repetition. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.

DRAM 296: Topics in Dramatic Arts

Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
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 298: Directed Study in Dramatic Arts

Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor and department chair approval and successful completion of 12 units of college work with at least a 3.0 grade-point average.
Repeatability Rule: May be taken for a total of 3 units.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Laboratory 3 hours.
Laboratory 6 hours.
Laboratory 9 hours. (1007.00)

This course allows students to pursue a special area of interest in order to achieve specific goals beyond the scope of existing courses within the discipline. Students work independently and interact directly with an instructor on an individual basis and as prescribed by the Directed Study Agreement.

DRAM 299: Occupational Cooperative Work Experience

Units: 1-4
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Employed in a position related to major; complete 60 non-paid or 75 paid hours of work per unit.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
(1007.00)

Cooperative Work Experience is intended for students who are employed in a job directly related to their major. It allows such students the opportunity to apply the theories and skills of their discipline to their position and to undertake new responsibilities and learn new skills at work. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.

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