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
|
Chair: Andrew Layton Dean: Jonathan Fohrman |
Department: Theatre and Film Office: Building OC4700, 760.795.6844 |
Full-Time Faculty
|
Eric Bishop Andrew Layton Tracy Williams |
Associate Degrees
Degree programs include the completion of a general education (GE) pattern of courses. The knowledge, skills, and abilities gained as a result of completing general education, referred to as GE outcomes, can be viewed here .
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.
Program Student Learning Outcomes Statement:
- Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to demonstrate theatrical techniques-theories and adapt production practices.
| Required courses: | ||
| DRAM 105 | Introduction to Theatre | 3 |
| DRAM 107 | Introduction to Design for Performance | 3 |
| DRAM 123 | Script Analysis for Performance and Design | 3 |
| DRAM 130 | Acting I | 3 |
| DRAM 253 | Stage Makeup | 3 |
| DRAM 256 | Stagecraft | 3 |
| Select at least 3 units from the following: | 3 | |
| Rehearsal and Performance - Technical Theatre | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance -- Acting | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance -- Musical Theatre | ||
| Total Units | 21 | |
Associate in Arts Degree
Associate in Arts in Theatre Arts for Transfer Degree
Students completing this associate degree will have completed lower-division major preparation requirements for a theatre arts degree, an emphasis or option within a theatre arts degree, or a degree considered similar to theatre arts at a participating California State University (CSU) campus. Following transfer to a participating CSU campus, students will be required to complete no more than 60 units to obtain a bachelor’s degree; however, some CSU campuses accepting this degree may require additional lower-division major preparation. This degree may not be appropriate preparation for students transferring to a non-participating CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a MiraCosta counselor for further information regarding the most efficient pathway to transfer as a theatre arts major and to determine which CSU campuses are participating in this program. Career options for those who attain a bachelor’s degree in theatre arts include actor, set designer, stage manager, artist, designer, museum curator, photographer, illustrator, and other related career paths.
To complete the degree, students must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete 60 semester (90 quarter) CSU transferable units
- Complete all courses required in the major with a “C” or better
- Complete the CSU-GE or CSU-IGETC* general education pattern
- Achieve a minimum CSU transferable GPA of 2.0
- Complete a minimum of 12 units in residence at MiraCosta College.
*Students completing UC-IGETC may be awarded the degree, but they will not meet CSU admission requirements.
Program Student Learning Outcome Statement:
- Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to demonstrate theatrical techniques-theories and adapt production practices.
| Required Core: (9 units) | ||
| DRAM 105 | Introduction to Theatre ** | 3 |
| DRAM 130 | Acting I * | 3 |
| Select a maximum of 3 units from courses below: | 3 | |
| Rehearsal and Performance - Technical Theatre | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance -- Acting | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance -- Musical Theatre | ||
| List A: | 9 | |
| Introduction to Design for Performance | ||
| Script Analysis for Performance and Design | ||
| Stage Lighting | ||
| Introduction to Stage Costume | ||
| Acting II | ||
| Stage Makeup | ||
| Stagecraft | ||
| Select a maximum of 3 units from courses below if not used in Required Core above: | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance - Technical Theatre | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance -- Acting | ||
| Rehearsal and Performance -- Musical Theatre | ||
| Total Units | 18 | |
To ensure this degree is completed with no more than 60 units, students should select courses that will also satisfy a general education requirement on the CSU-GE or IGETC-CSU general education pattern. Students are also strongly advised to complete the CSU History, Constitution, and American Ideals requirement prior to transfer.
| * | Course approved for the CSU-GE general education pattern. |
| ** | Course approved for the CSU-GE and IGETC-CSU general education patterns. |
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.
Program Student Learning Outcome Statement:
- Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to participate in and effectively observe, analyze, and critique the strengths and weaknesses of dramatic performances, taking into account various aspects of their design and technical production, including but not limited to scenic design, lighting design, overall stagecraft, lighting, makeup, and sound.
Certificate of Achievement
Design and Technology
This occupational certificate program prepares students for professional careers in theatre, film, television, music, and/or dance by teaching skills in scenery, costumes, lighting, sound, and makeup.
Program Student Learning Outcome Statement:
- Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to participate in and effectively observe, analyze, and critique the strengths and weaknesses of dramatic performances, taking into account various aspects of their design and technical production, including but not limited to scenic design, lighting design, overall stagecraft, lighting, makeup, and sound.
| Required courses: | ||
| DRAM 105 | Introduction to Theatre | 3 |
| DRAM 107 | Introduction to Design for Performance | 3 |
| DRAM 123 | Script Analysis for Performance and Design | 3 |
| DRAM 139 | Stage and Concert Management | 3 |
| or DRAM 253 | Stage Makeup | |
| DRAM 141 | Stage Lighting | 3 |
| DRAM 146 | Introduction to Stage Costume | 3 |
| DRAM 256 | Stagecraft | 3 |
| DRAM 270 | Rehearsal and Performance - Technical Theatre * | 3 |
| Total Units | 24 | |
| * | To complete the DRAM 270 requirement, multiple sections must be taken in any unit combination to fulfill a total of 3 units. |
Courses Related in Content (CRC)
Active participatory dramatic arts courses that are related in content are grouped together. Students are allowed four enrollments within each CRC group, but each course may be taken only once unless its catalog description indicates it is repeatable. Enrollments include any combination of course completions (with an evaluative or nonevaluative symbol recorded on the student's transcript), withdrawals, and repetition.
| Acting CRC | ||
| Acting I | ||
| Acting for the Camera | ||
| Acting II | ||
| Audition & Interview Prep CRC | ||
| Audition Preparation for the Stage | ||
| Performance and Design Portfolio Practicum | ||
| Actor's Academy CRC | ||
| Shakespearean Acting Lab | ||
| Advanced Performance Lab | ||
| Dramatic Improvisation | ||
| Voice and Movement CRC | ||
| Practicum of Voice and Diction | ||
| Voice and Diction | ||
| Movement for the Stage | ||
How to Read Course Descriptions
For more detailed information about a course, such as its content, objectives, and fulfillment of a degree, certificate, or general education requirement, please see the official course outline of record, available at http://www.miracosta.edu/governance/coursesandprograms/courseoutlines.html.
Courses
DRAM 105: Introduction to Theatre
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1007.00)
Course Typically Offered: F, SP
This course exposes students to fundamental practices and creative processes in dramatic arts, focusing on the relationship of theatre to various cultures throughout history and on the contributions of significant individuals. It introduces elements of the production process, including collaboration, playwriting, acting, directing, design, and criticism, and it explores differing periods, styles, and genres of theatre through reading, discussion, films, and live theatre critique. Students are required to attend college theatre performances. C-ID THTR-111.
DRAM 107: Introduction to Design for Performance
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1006.00)
Course Typically Offered: F
This course explores the principles, elements, techniques, and practices of design for performance. Topics include analysis of space, movement, mood, period, style, texture, materials, and color using industry-standard techniques of rendering, model-making, drafting, and presentation. The classroom experience stresses the importance of working collaboratively on projects and understanding critique as part of the design process. Students are required to attend college theatrical performances. C-ID THTR-172.
DRAM 109: Practicum of Voice and Diction
Units: 1
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours. (1007.00)
Course Typically Offered: SU
This course emphasizes vocal training for actors. It includes the basics of vocal training: projection, articulation, expression, breathing techniques, and relaxation as needed for theatrical productions.
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)
Course Typically Offered: F, SP
This course introduces students to techniques for improving the quality, flexibility, and effectiveness of the speaking voice. Students examine and practice clear articulation of American English sounds. Topics include vocal expressiveness and variety, physical relaxation, posture, breath control techniques, and the International Phonetic Alphabet. Attendance at local theatrical productions is required.
DRAM 120: Dramatic Literature (Ancient Greeks to Shakespeare)
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1007.00)
Course Typically Offered: F
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)
Course Typically Offered: SP
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 123: Script Analysis for Performance and Design
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1007.00)
Course Typically Offered: SP
This course explores the principles, theories, and techniques of play script analysis and script scoring for theatrical production. Students learn how to read and break down a play for textual analysis, script scoring, dramatic structure, imagery, and character development. Students are required to attend live theatrical performances. C-ID THTR-114.
DRAM 126: Shakespearean Acting Lab
Units: 1
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Audition.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours. (1007.00)
Course Typically Offered: SU
This lab course focuses on the basics of classical acting techniques, including comprehension and delivery of Shakespeare's works. It includes ensemble work, exercises, games, and the examination of universal themes. Students are required to attend local theatrical productions.
DRAM 130: Acting I
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1007.00)
Course Typically Offered: F, SP
This course focuses on the fundamentals of acting and performance techniques based on Stanislavski's principles. It emphasizes the ability to express thought, emotion, and character through the effective use of voice, movement, and script analysis. Students are required to attend live theatrical performances. C-ID THTR-151.
DRAM 131: Audition Preparation for the Stage
Units: 2
Prerequisites: DRAM 130.
Enrollment Limitation: Maximum of four enrollments between/among DRAM 130 and DRAM 133.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 3 hours. (1007.00)
Course Typically Offered: SP
This course teaches theatre audition techniques: monologue and song presentation; staging; cold-reading techniques; self-directed rehearsal; presentation; self-marketing through cover letters, resumes, and headshots; material selection; audition etiquette and professionalism.
DRAM 133: Performance and Design Portfolio Practicum
Units: 1
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Audition and maximum of four enrollments between/among DRAM 130 and DRAM 133.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Laboratory 3 hours. (1007.00)
Course Typically Offered: SP
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 three times.)
DRAM 134: Introduction to Performance
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1007.00)
Course Typically Offered: F(EVEN)
This course explores the theories, principles, techniques, and practices of performance. Topics include ritual, play, performativity, performing, performance process, and global and intercultural performances. The classroom experience requires performance application and includes performances to entertain, create beauty, mark or change identity, make or foster community, heal, teach, or persuade. Students are required to perform and to attend live performances both on and off campus.
DRAM 139: Stage and Concert Management
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1006.00)
Course Typically Offered: F
This course introduces the skills and procedures involved in stage managing a theatrical, dance, or music production. Through hands-on experience and observation, students learn to develop the knowledge and skills involved in managing a live performance. They also learn how to properly devise and design scheduling systems to prep, organize, and run rehearsals; design and develop a production book and prompt script; run appropriate dimmer and sound checks; design, organize, and format scenic shifts and their execution; and develop systems for calling lighting and sound cues during live performance. Students are required to attend two live performances.
DRAM 141: Stage Lighting
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1006.00)
Course Typically Offered: SP
This course introduces students to the technique and practices of theatrical stage lighting, and it develops skills relative to common applications in the field. Students engage in both lecture and practice, gaining hands-on experience while demonstrating skills learned in coursework. Creating and designing lighting projects in class as well as working on current MiraCosta College Theatre productions, students evaluate and analyze the effectiveness of their skills and creations and critically reflect on their execution. Students are required to attend local theatrical productions. C-ID THTR-173.
DRAM 146: Introduction to Stage Costume
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1006.00)
Course Typically Offered: SP
This course gives students the opportunity to study costume history, design, and basic construction techniques as an introduction to costuming. Students learn about fabrics and conventional and non-conventional costume materials. Students are required to attend college theatrical productions. C-ID THTR-174.
DRAM 148: Acting for the Camera
Units: 3
Prerequisites: DRAM 130.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1007.00)
Course Typically Offered: F
This course introduces performance for the camera concerning the mediums of film, video, and television. Students examine practical approaches and techniques specifically required for each different medium to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between performance and media.
DRAM 226: Advanced Performance Lab
Units: 1
Prerequisites: DRAM 126.
Enrollment Limitation: Audition.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours. (1007.00)
Course Typically Offered: SU
This advanced performance lab course focuses on advanced process and methodology, performance styles, and performance approaches. Students are required to attend live theatrical performances.
DRAM 227: Dramatic Improvisation
Units: 1
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Laboratory 3 hours. (1007.00)
Course Typically Offered: SU
Students explore in-depth personal connections to issues, ideas, and themes through dramatic improvisation. These dramatic improvisations stimulate questions about characterization and provide answers toward defining a character's motivations, actions, and traits within these imaginary circumstances. Process drama develops an actor's creativity, positive choice-making, flexibility, and ability to improvise dialogue, act, react, connect, and disconnect in a real, truthful human experience. This advanced course is offered in conjunction with The Actor's Academy.
DRAM 231: Acting II
Units: 3
Prerequisites: DRAM 130.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1007.00)
Course Typically Offered: F, SP
This course provides an in-depth application of Stanislavski's principles with an emphasis on characterization, scene study, methodology, and process. Acting studies focus on performance from varied acting philosophies (e.g., Meisner, Michael Chekhov, Hagen), styles, and genres. Students are required to attend live theatrical performances. (May be repeated one time.) C-ID THTR-152.
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)
Course Typically Offered: SU
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 one time.)
DRAM 253: Stage Makeup
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1006.00)
Course Typically Offered: SP
This course introduces students to the technique and practices of theatrical makeup, and it develops skills relative to the common applications for stage and film. Students engage in the practice hands-on and create looks ranging from basic corrective makeup to fantasy character makeup. Students evaluate and analyze the effectiveness of their creations, reflect on their skills, produce proper design documentation, and put makeup into practice backstage during MiraCosta College Theatre productions. (Materials Fee: $70.00) C-ID THTR-175.
DRAM 256: Stagecraft
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1006.00)
Course Typically Offered: F, SP
This course introduces students to the technique and practices of theatrical stagecraft, and it develops skills relative to the common applications found backstage. Students engage in both lecture and practice, gaining hands-on experience while demonstrating skills learned in course work. Creating scenic environments for current MiraCosta College Theatre productions, students evaluate and analyze the effectiveness of their creations, critically reflect on their skills, and put them into practice. (Materials Fee: $25.00) C-ID THTR-171.
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 9 hours. (1007.00)
Course Typically Offered: F, SP
This course provides students with theatre production experience. All students participate in the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival academic theatre competition. Production crew positions include stage or house management, construction, scenery, properties, costume, lighting, sound, and running crews. The course emphasizes the rehearsal process and culminates in public performances. Students are required to attend theatrical productions. (May be repeated three times.) C-ID THTR-192.
DRAM 271: Rehearsal and Performance -- Acting
Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Audition.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 9 hours. (1007.00)
Course Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
This course provides students with the opportunity to perform in non-musical theatrical productions. All students participate in the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival academic theatre competition. The course emphasizes the rehearsal process and culminates in public performances. (May be repeated three times.) C-ID THTR-191.
DRAM 272: Rehearsal and Performance -- Musical Theatre
Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Audition.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 9 hours. (1007.00)
Course Typically Offered: SP
This course provides students with the opportunity to perform in main-stage musical productions. All students participate in the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival academic theatre competition. The course emphasizes the rehearsal process and culminates in public performances. (May be repeated three times.) C-ID THTR-192.
DRAM 292: Internship Studies
Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor, dept chair, and Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Course Typically Offered: TBA
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)
Course Typically Offered: TBA
This course gives students an opportunity to study topics in Dramatic Arts that are not included in regular course offerings. Each Topics course is announced, described, and given its own title and 296 number designation in the class schedule.
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.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Laboratory 3 hours
Laboratory 6 hours
Laboratory 9 hours. (1007.00)
Course Typically Offered: TBA
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: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Course Typically Offered: TBA
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.
