Theatre Arts
38 courses · Antelope Valley College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
THA 101 Introduction to Theatre
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 111
A broad-based introduction to the various elements of theatre including interpretation of plays, understanding of the various elements of a play in production, and survey of theater history and the development of the dramatic form. Play readings are supplemented by discussions and audiovisual aids to increase the student's understanding of the play in performance.
THA 101H Introduction to Theatre Honors
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
This honors course, intended for students in the Honors Transfer Program, is a broad-based introduction to the various elements of theater including interpretation of plays, understanding of the various elements of a play in production, and survey of theater history and the development of the dramatic form. Play readings are supplemented by discussions and audiovisual aids to increase the student's understanding of the play in performance. The honors course provides more content and requires greater intensity and depth of study than the non-honors class. (UC, CSU, AVC) Note: Students may take either THA 101 Introduction to Theatre or THA 101H Introduction to Theatre Honors. Duplicate credit will not be awarded.
THA 102 Introduction to Stagecraft
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 lecture hours, 27 lab hours, 72 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 171
A broad based introduction to technical theatre including basic principles of scenic design, construction, painting, and handling of scenery and scenic effects, prop construction, backstage organization, career opportunities and safety procedures within the operation of the stage. Also included is an introduction to the basic elements of scenic design which allows the student to develop an aesthetic understanding for theatrical productions relating to stagecraft. Hours may include working on AVC theatrical productions.
THA 103 Introduction to Stage Lighting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 lecture hours, 27 lab hours, 72 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 173
This course focuses on the study and execution of stage lighting with an emphasis on equipment, controls, color and their relationship to design. It introduces students to the fundamentals of electricity as it applies to theatrical lighting. These elements are incorporated into an introduction to the basic concepts of lighting design, which allows the student to develop an aesthetic understanding of theatrical productions through lighting. Additional hours may be required for AVC theatrical productions.
THA 104 Introduction to Costume Design for Theatre
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours, 54 lab hours, 90 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 174
Instructional materials fee required for this course and must be paid at registration. This course explores the process of costume design from script to stage. Students learn to see as a designer, think like an artist, and communicate ideas visually and verbally. A study of the history of the costume and clothing as an expression and indicator of status, class, culture, and historical era is also covered. The class also uses projects to enhance practical design and sewing skills. Note: Course hours may include work on AVC theatre arts productions.
THA 106 Introduction to Theatre Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to theatre design with an emphasis on the technical elements and principals of design incorporated for staging live theatrical events. Survey of scenery, lighting, sound, costumes, makeup, properties, theatrical equipment and construction techniques. Students will also gain an understanding and appreciation for designers and their contribution to live performance.
THA 110 Fundamentals of Acting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 lecture hours, 27 lab hours, 72 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 151
Introduction to the various techniques and methods of acting, emphasizing theater games, improvisation, mime, observation, concentration, and physical release which are intended to unleash the actors imagination and intuition. The student will also be introduced to the fundamentals of text and character analysis applied to the performance of a monologue.
THA 111 Theatre History I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The study of the history of theatre from the Origins of Theatre- East and West- through the 20th Century. The history and development of theatre are studied in relationship to cultural, political, and social conditions of the time. Plays are read for analysis of structure, plot, character, and historical relevance.
THA 115A Rehearsal and Performance: Drama
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 191
Students will participate in a departmental production, performing a role in a dramatic play or serving in a specific production-related function assigned by the director.
THA 115B Rehearsal & Performance: Drama
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 108 lab hours, 108 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 191
Students will participate in a departmental production, performing a role in a dramatic play or serving in a specific production-related function assigned by the director.
THA 115C Rehearsal & Performance: Drama
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 9 lecture hours, 135 lab hours, 144 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will participate in a departmental production, performing a role in a dramatic play or serving in a specific production-related function assigned by the director.
THA 116A Rehearsal and Performance: Comedy
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 191
Students will participate in a departmental production, performing a role in a comedic play or serving in a specific production-related function assigned by the director. This course requires 54 hours of Lab in rehearsal and participation.
THA 116B Rehearsal and Performance: Comedy
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 108 lab hours, 108 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 191
Students will participate in a departmental production, performing a role in a comedic play or serving in a specific production-related function assigned by the director. This course requires 108 hours of Lab in rehearsal and participation.
THA 116C Rehearsal and Performance: Comedy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 9 lecture hours, 135 lab hours, 144 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will participate in a departmental production, performing a role in a comedic play or serving in a specific production-related function assigned by the director.
THA 117A Rehearsal and Performance: Musical Theatre
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 191
Students will participate in a departmental production, performing a role in a musical theater production or serving in a specific production-related function assigned by the director.
THA 117B Rehearsal and Performance: Musical Theatre
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 108 lab hours, 108 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 191
Students will participate in a departmental production, performing a role in a musical theater performance or serving in a specific production-related function assigned by the director.
THA 117C Rehearsal and Performance: Musical Theatre
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 162 lab hours, 162 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will participate in a departmental production, performing a role in a musical theater performance or serving in a specific production-related function assigned by the director.
THA 118A Rehearsal and Performance: Theatre for Young Audiences
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 191
Students will participate in a departmental production, performing a role in theatre for young audiences or serving in a specific production-related function assigned by the director.
THA 118B Rehearsal and Performance: Theatre for Young Audiences
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 108 lab hours, 108 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 191
Students will participate in a departmental production, performing a role in theatre for young audiences or serving in a specific production-related function assigned by the director.
THA 118C Rehearsal and Performance: Theatre for Young Audiences
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 162 lab hours, 162 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will participate in a departmental production, performing a role in theatre for young audiences or serving in a specific production-related function assigned by the director.
THA 119A Rehearsal and Performance: New Works, One Acts, or Small Venue Performance
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will participate in a departmental production, performing a role in a short play/new work/material created for small venue spaces or serving in a specific production-related function assigned by the director.
THA 119B Rehearsal and Performance: New Works, One Acts, or Small Venue Performance
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 108 lab hours, 108 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will participate in a departmental production, performing a role in a short play/new work/material created for small venue spaces or serving in a specific production-related function assigned by the director.
THA 119C Rehearsal and Performance: New Works, One Acts, or Small Venue Performance
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 162 lab hours, 162 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will participate in a departmental production, performing a role in a short play/new work or material created for small venue spaces or serving in a specific production-related function assigned by the director.
THA 121A Technical Theatre Production
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 192
An introduction to technical theatre and the construction, painting, assembly, and movement of scenery and properties. Includes basic concepts of design, prop construction and procurement, backstage organization, and career opportunities. Also includes stage management, lighting and/or sound techniques. Required stage crew activity for departmental productions. This course may be scheduled using the "To Be Arranged" (TBA) scheduling format.
THA 121B Technical Theatre Production
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 108 lab hours, 108 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 192
An introduction to technical theatre and the construction, painting, assembly, and movement of scenery and properties. Includes basic concepts of design, prop construction and procurement, backstage organization, and career opportunities. Also includes stage management, lighting and/or sound techniques. Required stage crew activity for departmental productions. This course may be scheduled using the "To Be Arranged" (TBA) scheduling format.
THA 121C Technical Theatre Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 162 lab hours, 162 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
An introduction to technical theatre and the construction, painting, assembly, and movement of scenery and properties. Includes basic concepts of design, prop construction and procurement, backstage organization, and career opportunities. Also includes stage management, lighting and/or sound techniques. Required stage crew activity for departmental productions. This course may be scheduled using the "To Be Arranged" (TBA) scheduling format.
THA 125 Intermediate Acting Workshop
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours, 54 lab hours, 90 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of THA 110.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 152
Introduces the acting student to more in-depth work with character and text through analysis and performance of monologues and scenes from theatrical literature. Students will prepare performance-level scene/monologue studies with written analysis and then revise their work based on class critiques.
THA 130 Improvisation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 lecture hours, 27 lab hours, 72 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will gain skill in performing theater improvisations and related acting techniques. Class sessions will cover a progression of structured theater games leading to improved performance skills and practice with improvisational activities presented in a performance setting.
THA 133 Makeup for the Stage
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 lecture hours, 27 lab hours, 72 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 175
Introduction to the materials, principles, techniques, and methods of makeup application for the stage. This course will introduce students to basic corrective, period, character, old-age, and stylized make-up. Students will be encouraged to experiment and form their own designs. Instructional materials fee required for this course and must be paid at registration. Note: Additional hours may be required to work on AVC productions.
THA 142 Musical Theatre Performance Workshop
- Units
- 1-2
- Hours
- 108 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students should have at least high school level performance experience in the course medium of vocals and theatre. The course is designed to provide instruction and experience in musical theatre allowing students to rehearse and perform scenes from popular and classical works. Students will receive instruction in technique, musical style, and stage presence culminating in a final performance.
THA 199 Work Experience Education
- Units
- 1-8
- Hours
- 432 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students must also attend a scheduled orientation or meet individually with the supervising instructor for an individual orientation. Work Experience Education is supervised employment designed to provide students a realistic learning experience through work. The ultimate goal is to teach students skills and attitudes that will equip them to function and adapt as an employee in a variety of situations and jobs. Work Experience Education is supervised employment extending classroom-based occupational learning in an on-the-job learning situation related to the students' educational major or occupational goal. Credit may be accrued at the rate of one to eight units per semester.
THA 215 Acting for the Camera
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 lecture hours, 27 lab hours, 72 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of THA 110.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduces the acting student to the principles and techniques of various performance methods involved in acting for the camera, including physical motivation, using the camera as a character, takes and retakes. Students will prepare performance level scene studies, including written analysis, and then revise their work based on class critiques.
THA 218 Audition Techniques for the Actor
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 lecture hours, 27 lab hours, 72 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Prerequisite THA 110. This class is designed to equip students with the necessary tools to audition confidently and become knowledgeable with the audition process as they pursue careers in film, theatre, and/or television. The course is a valuable asset to the student as they learn, experience, and explore not only the techniques of a successful audition but also the challenges of being a working professional actor.
THA 220 Fundamentals of Directing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours, 54 lab hours, 90 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to the fundamental techniques of stage directing, including text analysis, stage composition, blocking, picturization, working with actors, styles and genres, working with designers, and formulating a creative vision. These techniques will be applied to in-class scene work.
THA 225 Script Analysis
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 114
This course explores the basics of analyzing play scripts and the various components within scripts such as: plot, theme, character, language, and setting. The course also investigates techniques used to determine how to critically read scripts for dramatic structure and also guide students in a discovery of production alternatives for all artists: directors, actors, designers, etc.
THA 239 Intercultural and Women's Theatre
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 lecture hours, 27 lab hours, 72 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores African-American, Latinx, Asian-American, and Native-American representation, as well as, women and LGBTQ+ representation in American theatre through selected plays. The course covers the evolution of racial, ethnic, and sexual stereotypes, including the racist and sexist origins of those stereotypes, and the efforts to more accurately and fairly portray sexual, racial, and ethnic diversity in the American theater. In addition, contributions from theater artists from various backgrounds are highlighted. Representative plays are used as the basis for class discussion.
THA 239H Intercultural and Women's Theatre Honors
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 lecture hours, 27 lab hours, 72 contact hours total
This honors course, intended for students in the Honors Transfer Program, studies African American, Latino/a, Asian American, Native American, women, gay and lesbian works in the American theatre through selected plays and materials. This course covers the evolution of racial, ethnic, and sexual stereotypes in theatre, including the racist and sexist origins of those stereotypes, and efforts to portray sexual, racial, and ethnic diversity more accurately and fairly on the American stage. In addition, contributions from theater artists from various backgrounds are highlighted. This course utilizes representative plays, student performance, and other multimedia resources as a basis for class discourse. The honors course provides more content and requires greater intensity and depth of study than the non-honors class. (UC, CSU, AVC) Note: Students may take either THA 239 Intercultural and Women's Theatre or THA 239H Intercultural and Women's Theatre Honors. Duplicate credit will not be awarded.
THA 240 LGBTQ+ Theatre
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 lecture hours, 27 lab hours, 72 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course examines the role and impact of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) community in American theatre. Through the analysis of dramatic literature, performance, and multimedia resources, students will explore the historical, political, and social contexts that have shaped LGBTQ+ theatre. Topics include archetypes and stereotypes, gender politics, sexual identities, the ‘coming out’ narrative, the AIDS crisis, and the movement toward mainstream visibility and inclusion. The course also addresses the intersection of homophobia, racism, and sexism in both society and the arts, highlighting how theatre has challenged dominant narratives and contributed to broader cultural understanding.