Drama
20 courses · Cuesta College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026
DRA 200 ACTING 1
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 5 hours per week: (2.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 151
Explores basic acting theory to performance and develops the skills of interpretation of great dramatic works of the imagination through acting. Special attention is paid to skills for performance: memorization, stage movement, vocal production, and cultural interpretation of text.
DRA 201 ACTING II - ACTING FOR THE CAMERA
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 5 hours per week: (2.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours)
- Prerequisite
- DRA 200
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 152
Continues the exploration of theories and techniques used in preparation for the interpretation of drama through acting. The emphasis will be placed on deepening the understanding of the acting process through character analysis, monologues, and scenes with special emphasis on styles and forms of acting. Students may perform in an Acting Showcase at semester's end.
DRA 207 INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours per week: (3.00 lecture hours/0.00 lab hours)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 111
Focuses on the relationship of theatre to various cultures throughout history, and on the contributions of significant individual artists. This course introduces students to elements of the production process including playwriting, acting, directing, design, and criticism. Students will also survey different periods, styles and genres of theatre through play reading, discussion, films and viewing and critiquing live theatre, including required attendance of theatre productions.
DRA 209 INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE DESIGN
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 5 hours per week: (2.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 172
Introduces the student to the theories and practices of theatrical design as it applies to scenery, properties, lighting, sound, costumes,and make-up. Includes an overview of theatrical equipment and construction techniques necessary to realize the design.
DRA 211 STAGECRAFT
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 5 hours per week: (2.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 171
Explores the theories and practices of scenery and prop construction and introduces the fundamentals of scenic design. Topics include construction materials, techniques, and design.
DRA 212 ENTERTAINMENT LIGHTING
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 5 hours per week: (2.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 173
Explores introductory lighting design concepts and implementation of stage lighting. Topics include control, instrumentation and basic electrical theory. Students will hang, focus and accessorize fixtures for a lighting plot.
DRA 214 SCRIPT ANALYSIS
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours per week: (3.00 lecture hours/0.00 lab hours)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 114
Study a variety of plays and learn how to examine their structure, theme and cultural context. Script analysis is an essential applied skill for actors, designers and directors.
DRA 236 INTRODUCTION TO THEATRICAL COSTUME CONSTRUCTION
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 5 hours per week: (2.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours)
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- THTR 174
Explores the basic areas of costume construction. Topics include fabrics, color, patterns, sewing techniques, costume pieces, and accessories. Period styles, costume analysis, and basic design are also covered. It offers experience in constructing costumes for theatrical productions. Field trips may be required.
DRA 237 THEATRICAL COSTUME CONSTRUCTION II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 5 hours per week: (2.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- DRA 236
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Continues the application of methods, materials, and techniques used in costume construction with additional emphasis on related crafts and design as applied to the creative storytelling process of a public performance, at an advanced level.
DRA 240 TECHNICAL THEATRE PRACTICUM
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 5 hours per week: (2.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 192
Offers skill building lab opportunities in lighting, sound, scenery construction, props, and scenic art. Lab sessions are tailored to students' current area of study. This course may be taken four times for credit.
DRA 241 TECHNICAL THEATER PRACTICUM II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 5 hours per week: (2.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours)
- Prerequisite
- DRA 240
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 192
Offers instruction and intermediate skill building opportunities in theater technology through participation in production preparation and run crew.
DRA 242 THEATRICAL DESIGN PRACTICUM
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 5 hours per week: (2.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours)
- Prerequisite
- DRA 240
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 192
Offers instruction and design opportunities in theatrical lighting, sound, scenery, props or costumes. Projects culminate with a live performance.
DRA 243 TECHNICAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICUM
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 5 hours per week: (2.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours)
- Prerequisite
- DRA 240
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 192
Offers instruction and management opportunities in theatrical lighting, scenery, props, costumes or stage management. Projects culminate with a live performance.
DRA 247 INDEPENDENT STUDIES: DRAMA
- Units
- 0.5 to 2
- Hours
- 1.5 to 6 hours per week: (0.00 - 0.00 lecture hours/1.50 - 6.00 lab hours)
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides an opportunity for an in-depth study or practicum experience by an individual student in a selected topic of drama, under the direction of an instructor.
DRA 253 WORK EXPERIENCE IN DRAMA
- Units
- 0.5 to 4
- Hours
- 1.5 to 12 hours per week: (0.00 - 0.00 lecture hours/0.00 - 0.00 lab hours/1.50 - 12.00 work experience hours)
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides opportunities for students in Drama to connect academic curricula to experiential learning in the workplace as an internship, Service Learning placement or general employment. Allows students to develop and work on learning objectives in workplace competencies and technical skills relevant for their course of study and career pathway. Students must work 54 hours for each unit of credit earned, in half-unit increments (27 hours), up to a maximum of 4 units. Employment can be paid or unpaid.
DRA 260 REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE: CHILDREN'S THEATRE
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 5 hours per week: (2.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours)
- Prerequisite
- Instructor's consent through audition.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 191
Offers the opportunity to play a role in a one-act children's theatre production that will tour county schools. Company members contribute to all aspects of the production, including performance and interpretive elements. This course focuses on the unique challenges of performing for young audiences, as well as adapting to different performance venues.
DRA 261 REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE: SHAKESPEARE/CLASSICAL
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 5 hours per week: (2.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours)
- Prerequisite
- Instructor's consent through audition.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 191
Provides the opportunity to act in a staged classical production that is presented to a live audience. Actors will examine, through lab exploration, all aspects of a classical play production. Participants develop dramatic acting capabilities, skills and disciplines through the audition, preparation and presentation phases of a staged production.
DRA 262 REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE: MUSICAL THEATRE
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 5 hours per week: (2.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours)
- Prerequisite
- Instructor's consent through audition.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 191
Offers the opportunity and preparation to perform in a musical theatre production. The production will be presented on a public stage.
DRA 263 REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE: DEVISED/NEW WORKS
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 5 hours per week: (2.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours)
- Prerequisite
- Instructor's consent through audition.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 191
Provides a setting to collaborate in the creation of an Original Theatre production. Students will demonstrate the skills required in a theatre production from the audition through rehearsal process, culminating in performances of an experimental theatre production before a paying audience.
DRA 264 REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE: MODERN THEATRE
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 5 hours per week: (2.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours)
- Prerequisite
- Instructor's consent through audition.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 191
Provides the opportunity to prepare and perform in a modern theatre production. The production will be presented on a public stage.