Theatre Arts
23 courses · Gavilan College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
THEA 1 Theatre History 1
- Units
- 3
- C-ID
- THTR 113
A survey of the history of theatre from its origins through the 17th century, including: early Greek, Roman, Asian, Medieval, Renaissance, and English Restoration theatre. The history and development of theatre and dramatic literature are studied in relationship to cultural, political, and social conditions. Plays are read for analysis of structure, plot, character, and historical relevance. (C-ID: THTR 113)
THEA 2A Children's Theatre Repertory
- Units
- 3
This course focuses on formal dramatic presentations for child audiences. Activities will include acting, set design, costuming and makeup. May be taken out of sequence. This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass.
THEA 2B Children's Theatre Repertory
- Units
- 3
Preparation and performance of touring plays for young audiences. Special activities in creative dramatization, improvisation and script development will be studied. May be taken out of sequence.
THEA 3 El Teatro Campesino
- Units
- 3
Reading, viewing, discussing and analyzing the development of the Chicano (Mexican American) culture in American Society reflected in the works of playwright and director Luis Valdez and El Teatro Campesino (The Farm Worker's Theatre) are the focus of this course. It traces the historical, cultural and racial influences of the theatrical company from its creation in 1965 to the present. Students will read actos, and plays and view film and video produced by El Teatro Campesino. This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass.
THEA 4 Oral Interpretation
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- Eligible for English 1A
- C-ID
- COMM 170
An introduction to the analysis, preparation and dramatic presentation of literature, including classical and contemporary prose, poetry and drama. Students prepare, analyze, interpret and present great works of theatre and literature for an audience. This course is also listed as CMUN 2. (C-ID: COMM 170) ADVISORY: Eligible for English 1A.
THEA 7 Theatre Appreciation
- Units
- 3
- C-ID
- THTR 112
This survey course will foster a student's appreciation of theatre and the Performing Arts. The course examines the duties and responsibilities of the various creative artists such as director, actor, designers, and playwrights and the process of creating live performances. (C-ID: THTR 112)
THEA 11A Dance and Movement for the Theatre, A
- Units
- 2
A survey and introduction to basic dance genres and movement techniques suitable for Theatre Arts, including ballet, modern, jazz, social dance, musical improvisation and yoga. Emphasis on body awareness, movement in space, focus, breathing techniques, pantomime, choreography, musicality, rhythm and timing. This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass. Courses should be taken in sequential order.
THEA 11B Dance and Movement for the Theatre, B
- Units
- 2
Intermediate levels of various dance genres and movement techniques suitable for Theatre Arts are explored further, including ballet, modern, jazz, social dance, musical theatre, improvisation and yoga. Increased body awareness, broader movements in space and choreography with character development will be explored at the intermediate level. This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass. Courses should be taken in sequential order.
THEA 11C Dance and Movement for the Theatre, C
- Units
- 2
High intermediate to advanced levels of various dance genres and movement techniques suitable for Theatre Arts are explored further, including ballet, modern, jazz, social dance, musical theatre, improvisation and yoga. Students in THEA 11C have the option to take on more of a leadership role and learn assistant techniques in movement and dance for the theatre. This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass. Courses should be taken in sequential order.
THEA 12A Acting I
- Units
- 3
- C-ID
- THTR 151
This course explores the physical and psychological resources of the actor. Students achieve proficiency in individual and group contact, collaboration, theatre games, improvisation, basic theatre vocabulary, and sound and movement dynamics. Students emerge in formal scene presentations as well as critique live theatrical productions. (C-ID: THTR 151)
THEA 12B Acting II
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- THEA 12A
- C-ID
- THTR 152
This course follows Acting I and continues the exploration 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. This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass. (C-ID: THTR 152) PREREQUISITE: THEA 12A.
THEA 13A Actor's Workshop
- Units
- 1-3
- C-ID
- THTR 191
Audition, rehearsal and performance of a theatrical production for public performance. Repeatable for a maximum of 3 units. (C-ID: THTR 191) This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass.
THEA 13B Actor's Workshop
- Units
- 1-3
Audition, rehearsal and performance of a theatrical production for public performance. This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass. Courses should be taken in sequential order.
THEA 13C Actor's Workshop
- Units
- 1-3
Audition, rehearsal and performance of a theatrical production for public performance. This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass. Courses should be taken in sequential order.
THEA 13D Actor's Workshop
- Units
- 1-3
Audition, rehearsal and performance of a theatrical production for public performance. This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass. Courses should be taken in sequential order.
THEA 14 Stage Production
- Units
- 3
- C-ID
- THTR 192
An introduction to technical theatre and the creation of scenic elements. Includes basic concepts of design, painting techniques, set construction, set movement, prop construction, backstage organization, and career possibilities. May include stage management, lighting and/or sound techniques. Lecture, reading, projects, and practical experience. This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass. (C-ID: THTR 192)
THEA 15 Introduction to Design for Stage, Television and Film
- Units
- 3
Students will be offered a survey of scenery, lighting, sound, costumes, makeup, properties, theatrical equipment and construction techniques through demonstrations and laboratory experience. Information is applicable to all formal theatrical applications. C-ID: (THTR 172).
THEA 20 Introduction to Scriptwriting
- Units
- 3
An introductory course on script development and writing for film, television, and electronic media. Emphasis on preparing scripts in proper formats, conceptual and stylistic issues related to writing fiction and non-fiction scripts. This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass.
THEA 23 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-2
Designed to afford selected students specialized opportunities for exploring areas at the independent study level. The courses may involve extensive library work, research in the community, or special projects. May be repeated until six units of credit are accrued. This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass. REQUIRED: The study outline prepared by the student and the instructor must be filed with the department and the dean.
THEA 25 Fundamentals of Costume Design
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- THEA 15, Introduction to Design or THEA 7, Theatre Appreciation
- C-ID
- THTR 174
Students will study costume history, design, and basic construction techniques as an introduction to basic theatrical costuming. Fabrics and their various uses will be investigated. (C-ID: THTR 174) ADVISORY: THEA 15, Introduction to Design or THEA 7, Theatre Appreciation.
THEA 26 Script Analysis
- Units
- 3
- C-ID
- THTR 114
Principles, theories and techniques of playscript analysis for theatrical production. (C-ID: THTR 114)
THEA 27 Fundamentals of Lighting
- Units
- 3
- C-ID
- THTR 173
This course involves the study and execution of stage lighting with emphasis on equipment, control, color and their relationship to design. (C-ID: THTR 173)
THEA 31 Improvisation
- Units
- 2
Improvisation is a Theatre Course designed to provide the student training in body movement, voice techniques, stage presence, spontaneity, acting techniques and character development. This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass.