Theatre Arts
22 courses · College of the Desert · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
TA 001 Introduction to Theatre
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 111
This course is designed as a general survey of the history, theory and practice of theatre art from its origins to the present time. The study includes elements of drama, historic structures of the theatre, characteristics of plays, the contribution of the director, actors, designers, and contemporary production techniques. (C-ID THTR 111)
TA 002 Acting I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 36, Lab Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 151
This course provides basic instruction in acting technique while focusing on characterization, improvisation, vocal projection, and movement. Emphasis is also placed on monologue preparation/performance and group scene study. Students will develop an appreciation and respect for acting, while becoming aware of how their feelings, senses, and relationships in the world around them influence their acting choices. (C-ID THTR 151)
TA 003 Acting II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 36, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- TA 002.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 152
This course furthers the study of acting and acting styles. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of character analysis/development, improvisation techniques, vocal projection, stage movement, monologue preparation/performance, group scene study/performance, and script analysis. Students will also be introduced to basic directing techniques and theory. (C-ID THTR 152)
TA 004 Script Analysis
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- TA 001.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 114
Script Analysis is an introduction to theatre research methods and a study of the play from page to stage. The class will focus on critical analysis of structure, genre, theme, style, character, language, and dramatic event from the point of view of the actor, director, critic, and designer. (C-ID THTR 114)
TA 007 History of Musical Theatre
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the history of musical theatre from its early origins to the Broadway shows of today. The evolution of musical style and literature is traced through a variety of musical genres. Included are operettas, cabarets, follies and traditional musicals as well as a review of famous composers, lyricists and performers. (Equivalent to MUS 007)
TA 009 Stagecraft
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 36, Lab Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 171
This course offers the student an introduction to all aspects of technical theatre including: lighting, set construction, costume, prop, and sound design. (C-ID THTR 171)
TA 010 Introduction to Design & Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 36, Lab Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 172
An introductory course in the theory and practice of theatrical design, its construction and its execution. The lab explores the application of a theatrical design through construction, execution, and use of proper technical theatre practices. This course is offered in the Spring semester. (C-ID THTR 172)
TA 012 Introduction to Costume Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Advisory
- TA-001 or concurrent enrollment recommended.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the study of costume history, design, and basic construction techniques as an introduction to basic costuming for Theatre, Film, Television, and Live Events. Topics covered include the design process, drawing and rendering, fabrics and their various uses, and costume construction.
TA 013 Introduction to Lighting Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- .
- Advisory
- TA 001 completed or concurrent enrollment recommended.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the study of lighting history, design, and implementation, as an introduction to basic lighting design for Theatre, Film, Television, and Live Events. Topics covered include the design process, the use of equipment, control, color, and their relationship to lighting design.
TA 020 Play Production - Acting
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 191
This course exposes the student to the methods and execution of acting as it applies directly to a faculty directed stage production or workshop. The style and artistic discipline vary with each production. It is designed to give the student practical application of acting skills and actual acting experience with an emphasis on rehearsal and performance techniques. Play Production - Acting courses (TA 020, TA 021 and TA 022) may be taken for a maximum of 4 times up to a total of 12 units. (C-ID THTR 191)
TA 021 Play Production - Acting
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 108
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 191
This course exposes the student to the methods and execution of acting as it applies directly to a faculty directed stage production or workshop. The style and artistic discipline vary with each production. It is designed to give the student practical application of acting skills and actual acting experience with an emphasis on rehearsal and performance techniques. Play Production - Acting courses (TA 020, TA 021 and TA 022) may be taken for a maximum of 4 times up to a total of 12 units. (C-ID THTR 191)
TA 022 Play Production - Acting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 162
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 191
This course exposes the student to the methods and execution of acting as it applies directly to a faculty directed stage production or workshop. The style and artistic discipline vary with each production. It is designed to give the student practical application of acting skills and actual acting experience with an emphasis on rehearsal and performance techniques. Play Production - Acting courses (TA 020, TA 021 and TA 022) may be taken for a maximum of 4 times up to a total of 12 units. (C-ID THTR 191)
TA 028 Introduction to Stage Management
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Advisory
- TA 001 or concurrent enrollment recommended.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the artistic and organizational techniques and practices required of Stage Managers for Theatre, Film, Television, and Live Events. Topics covered include production preparation, safety, rehearsal documentation styles, execution, and calling of shows. The course also addresses the necessary collaborations and relationships with other artists and staff.
TA 029 Fabrication Techniques - Props, Furniture, and Detailed Objects
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- .
- Advisory
- TA 009 completed or concurrent enrollment recommended.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces the student to the processes and skill-sets that are used on a daily basis in the field of stage properties for Theatre, Film, Television, and Live Events. Topics covered include the design process, research methods, the study and execution of property construction, upholstery, molding, and casting. This course will also introduce students to the various facets of properties, as they relate to a Properties Master and a Properties Artisan or Designer.
TA 030 Technical Theatre Production
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 192
This course permits progressive participation and instruction in technical play production. Students have hands-on experience in execution of technical roles for actual productions, such as set construction, prop building, scene painting, and running crew. Students learn the safe and proper use of power tools, and the various skills and techniques used in technical theatre. Repetition of the course work will require the student to expand their focus in the various areas of technical theatre. Technical Theatre Production courses (TA 030, TA 031 and TA 032) may be taken for a maximum of 4 times up to a total of 12 units. (C-ID THTR 192)
TA 031 Technical Theatre Production
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 108
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course permits progressive participation and instruction in technical play production. Students have hands-on experience in execution of technical roles for actual productions such as set construction, prop building, scene painting, and running crew. Students learn the safe and proper use of power tools and the various skills and techniques used in technical theatre. Repetition of the course work will require the student to expand their focus in the various areas of technical theatre. Technical Theatre Production courses (TA 030, TA 031 and TA 032) may be taken for a maximum of 4 times up to a total of 12 units.
TA 032 Technical Theatre Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 162
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course permits progressive participation and instruction in technical play production. Students have hands-on experience in execution of technical roles for actual productions such as set construction, prop building, scene painting, and running crew. Students learn the safe and proper use of power tools and the various skills and techniques used in technical theatre. Repetition of the course work will require the student to expand their focus in the various areas of technical theatre. Technical Theatre Production courses (TA 030, TA 031 and TA 032) may be taken for a maximum of 4 times up to a total of 12 units.
TA 080 Theatre Makeup
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 36, Lab Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course teaches the basic principles and application techniques of theatrical, film, print, television, and special effects makeup. It executes the learned skills in a laboratory atmosphere utilizing current sanitation rules and regulations as established by the state of California. Students will create an accurate pictorial dictionary, a "morgue," and use it as a reference in creating makeup executions. Students will learn to create characters from scripts using design, timeline plots, visual renderings, and written descriptions. Students learn facial anatomy and its relationship to make-up placement and color. Students will learn product knowledge, including how to access appropriate materials. Other topics include pre- and post-production responsibilities of a makeup designer/artist applicable to various venues. C-ID: THTR 175
TA 094 Musical Theatre Performance
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the techniques and practices of musical theatre performance in the context of a main-stage musical theatre production. Rehearsals expose students to the creative process as they prepare for public performances that showcase all three areas of musical theatre performance: acting, singing, and dancing. Musical Theatre Performance courses (MUS 084, MUS 085, MUS 086, TA 094, TA 095, and TA 096) may be taken for a maximum of 4 times up to a total of 12 units. (Equivalent to MUS 084.)
TA 095 Musical Theatre Performance
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 108
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the techniques and practices of musical theatre performance in the context of a main-stage musical theatre production. Rehearsals expose students to the creative process as they prepare for public performances that showcase all three areas of musical theatre performance: acting, singing, and dancing. Musical Theatre Performance courses (MUS 084, MUS 085, MUS 086, TA 094, TA 095, and TA 096) may be taken a total of four times up to a total of 12 units. (Equivalent to MUS 085.)
TA 095A Theatre Arts Work Experience
- Units
- 1-5
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 270
- Transfers to
- CSU
This work experience course of supervised employment provides students the opportunity to connect academics to applied experiential learning in the workplace. It assists students in developing transferable employability skills, career awareness, learning industry culture, competencies and norms, and developing professional networks that support career mobility. To enroll, students must have a job or internship placement in a part-time or full-time capacity. Credit may be accrued at the rate of one to five (1-5) units per semester based on the student's ability to meet the hours required per unit enrolled. Students must work 54 hours per unit earned. This Work Experience course is available to students whose job or internship placement is directly related to Theatre Arts.
TA 096 Musical Theatre Performance
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 162
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the techniques and practices of musical theatre performance in the context of a main-stage musical theatre production. Rehearsals expose students to the creative process as they prepare for public performances that showcase all three areas of musical theatre performance: acting, singing, and dancing. Musical Theatre Performance courses (MUS 084, MUS 085, MUS 086, TA 094, TA 095, and TA 096) may be taken a total of four times up to a total of 12 units. (Equivalent to MUS 086.)