Theatre
23 courses · El Camino College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
THEA 95 Cooperative Work Experience Education
- Units
- 2-4
- Hours
- hours to be arranged
- Formerly
- Theatre 95abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU
Through a set of learning objectives established by the student, supervisor, and instructor, each student will work with and learn from experts in the Theatre Arts field. These experiences will enable students to improve job skills, analyze career opportunities and requirements, and compare them to personal abilities and career expectations.
THEA 99 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- hours to be arranged
- Formerly
- Theatre 99abc
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides special advanced studies in a subject field of Theatre not covered in the regular departmental offerings. Regular conferences with the instructor are coordinated with assigned Theatre projects (54 hours per unit).
THEA 103 Theatre Appreciation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000)
- Formerly
- Theatre 1
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a survey of theatre focusing on the theory and practice of modern theatre. Topics include acting, directing, design of scenery, architecture, lighting, costuming, makeup, stage properties, and the American musical. Elements of playwriting, critical analysis, and career opportunities are also covered. Attendance is required at selected theatre events at El Camino College presented by the Theatre Department, El Camino College Center for the Arts, and selected master classes related to professional events.
THEA 104 Dramatic Literature
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000)
- Formerly
- Theatre 4
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course, students survey selected plays from classical tragedy and comedy to contemporary drama. Emphasis is place on reading, discussing, and critically analyzing dramatic literature influenced by social and cultural forces. Attendance at selected local theatre events is required.
THEA 105 Playwriting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Advisory
- [not named in the college's catalog] or [not named in the college's catalog]
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course students learn the introductory skills necessary to create original one-act plays. Theme, character, plot, and dialogue are discussed and developed by means of writing exercises. Students gain a greater understanding of how to write for the stage through reading plays, analyzing play structure, peer feedback on writing assignments, participation in the play development process, understanding the business elements involved in writing for the stage professionally, and having original works performed in front of an audience.
THEA 113 Introduction to Acting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000)
- Formerly
- Theatre 8
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Designed for the non-theatre major, this course introduces the fundamental elements and techniques of acting. Emphasis is placed on the development of effective acting techniques through physical and vocal exercises, improvisation, and pantomime, culminating in the performance of scenes from selected plays. Attendance is required at selected theatre events.
THEA 114 Fundamentals of Acting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000)
- Formerly
- Theatre 14A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a study of the techniques, styles, and disciplines of acting. The student is provided theory and practical experience with varied characterizations. Emphasis is placed on individual growth and acquired skills demonstrated through play and character analysis followed by presentation of scenes from contemporary realistic plays. Attendance is required at selected theatre events offered by the El Camino College Center for the Arts and in the community.
THEA 115 On-Camera Performance for Actors
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture/3 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This introductory course prepares students for the real world demands of acting work/performance in the film, television, and theater industries. This includes in-depth scene study and professional protocol used on set.
THEA 175abcd Student Performance Production Workshop
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab per week to be arranged
- Advisory
- completion of or concurrent enrollment in the following: 1. Student performers: THEA 113 or THEA 114 2. Student directors: THEA 240
- Formerly
- Theatre 75abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a theatre workshop in which students participate in a production under faculty supervision as directors or performers. Students will demonstrate their theatrical skills and be ranked on their acting and/or directorial abilities in a live theatrical performance through participation in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) competition.
THEA 184 Stagecraft
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000)
- Formerly
- Theatre 84
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course emphasizes both theoretical and practical experience in the technical aspects of play production, including scene design, set construction, scenery painting, rigging and equipment, properties, and the manipulation of stage scenery. Students participate in shop procedures and practices, safe tool usage, material selection, and fabrication methods. Attendance and participation in selected theatre events at El Camino College is required.
THEA 185 Introduction to Stage Lighting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Formerly
- Theatre 90
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course emphasizes the operation of stage lighting equipment, planning and rigging of lighting units, operation of control systems and related equipment, light sources, stage electricity, color in light, and the design of stage lighting. Students must attend selected theatre events at El Camino College Center for the Arts.
THEA 188 Fundamentals of Stage Makeup
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Formerly
- Theatre 88
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a study of basic makeup tools, materials, techniques and methods used in creating various character effects for stage and television. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of practical skills from assignments that cover straight, corrective, and character makeup, including the effects of aging, beards, hair styles, fantasy, and facials distortions.
THEA 189 Costuming for the Stage
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Formerly
- Theatre 94
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course covers the theory and practice of costuming for the stage, including historical background, basic costume design techniques, cutting, fitting, sewing, patternmaking, fabric design and dyeing, proper use and maintenance of equipment, and the duties of wardrobe crews and chiefs. Students must attend selected theatre events at El Camino College Center for the Arts.
THEA 197abcd Technical Theatre Production
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- minimum 3 hours lab per week to be arranged
- Formerly
- Theatre 97abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a performance and rehearsal laboratory designed to support the public presentations of the Theatre Department. Emphasis will be placed on the roles and production needs of the technical theater team including stage management, properties, costume, sound, lights, makeup, and deck crew. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their technical theater skills and be ranked on their ability to successfully crew a live performance through participation in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) competition.
THEA 214A Intermediate Acting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- THEA 114 with a minimum grade of C
- Formerly
- Theatre 14B
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a continuation of THEA 114 and focuses on continued study in the methodology and process of acting for the stage and includes in-depth character study through use of personalization skills, imagery, environment, stage life, situation and motivation, given and imaginary circumstances, emotional and sense-memory recall, obstacles and objectives, through-line of action and character biographies. Attendance is required at selected theatre events at El Camino College Center for the Arts and in the community. This course is required for the theatre major.
THEA 215 Improvisation
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- THEA 113 or THEA 114
- Formerly
- Theatre 15abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces students to improvisational acting through games, exercises, and unrehearsed scenes. Emphasis is placed on working without a script, trusting one's instincts, and expanding one's expressive range.
THEA 216 Acting: Audition and Cold Reading
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- THEA 114 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
- Formerly
- Theatre 16abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course prepares students to audition for university placement or professional theatre. Topics will include interpreting and developing a character at the audition-ready level, completion of a portfolio and resume, interpreting assigned scripts according to the Shurtleff "Guideposts" for successful cold reading, and preparation and maintenance of at least three monologues for auditions.
THEA 217 Acting Shakespeare
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- THEA 113 or THEA 114 with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite or equivalent
- Formerly
- Theatre 22ab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course focuses on the technique of understanding and playing selected works of Shakespeare through research, exercises and scene study. The student's training will include textual analysis, historical research, scansion, imagery, vocal technique and period movement, song and dance.
THEA 240 Fundamentals of Stage Direction
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- THEA 214A with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment
- Formerly
- Theatre 40A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a study of the director's approach to play analysis, dramatic and aesthetic values, thematic choices, characterizations, casting, rehearsal techniques, and the organization of performances. The final project is the preparation and presentation of a ten-minute one-act play complete with promptbook, master movement plan, ground plan, rehearsal schedule, prop list, and a complete written play analysis. Attendance is required.
THEA 270abcd Beginning Theatre Production
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab per week to be arranged
- Formerly
- Theatre 70abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This theatre production course is an acting workshop in which students learn performance skills and rehearsal discipline through active participation in a major theatrical production. Students will demonstrate their performance skills and be ranked on their acting abilities in a live performance through participation in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) competition.
THEA 274abcd Musical Theatre Production
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab per week to be arranged
- Formerly
- Theatre 74abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a musical theater workshop. Students learn performance skills and rehearsal discipline through active participation in a live major musical theater production that integrates singing, dancing, and acting. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate and be ranked on their singing, acting, and dancing skills and insights into creating a musical theater character through competition in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF).
THEA 297ab Advanced Technical Theatre Production
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- minimum 3 hours lab per week to be arranged
- Prerequisite
- four semesters of THEA 197abcd with a minimum grade of C
- Formerly
- Theatre 98ab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an advanced rehearsal and performance laboratory to support the public presentations of the Theater Department. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the technical theater production needs focusing on stage management and including properties, costume, sound, lights, makeup, and deck crew. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate and be ranked on their technical theater skills and abilities to successfully crew a live performance through competition in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF).
THEA 500 Scene Study for the Older Adult
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 0.44 hours lecture
This fun and engaging course for older adults involves acting out dramatic and comedic scenes from film/television and theatre by notable writers. Emphasis is on dramatic analysis, memorization, movement, and discussion. This course meets the needs of many mature adults seeking to stay mentally, physically, and socially fit.