Theatre
33 courses · Rio Hondo College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
THTR 101 Introduction to Theatre
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 111, THTR 112
This course is for students seeking an introduction to all aspects of theatre. The course examines the following: the audience, theatre spaces, actors, directors, producers, playwrights, dramatic structure, dramatic characters, theatrical genres, theatrical forms, criticism, and the design elements of scenery, costume, make-up, lighting, and sound. Students will see a college and/or professional theatre production. The course prepares the student for other course offerings in the theatre curriculum.
THTR 105 Theatre History
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 113
In this course, students learn the history and development of theatre and drama in relationship to cultural, religious, political and social conditions of the time. Students read plays for analysis of dramatic structure, plot, and character and explore the general nature of dramatic presentation. Students will see a college and/or professional theatre production.
THTR 105H Theatre History Honors
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 113
In this course, students learn the history and development of theatre and drama in relationship to cultural, religious, political and social conditions of the time. Students read plays for analysis of dramatic structure, plot, and character and explore the general nature of dramatic presentation. Students will see a college and/or professional theatre production. This course is designed for students eligible for the Honors program.
THTR 110 Principles of Acting I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 151
This course is for students who are interested in acting in the areas of theatre, film, and television, whether as a profession or as a hobby. The class explores the theory, practice, and techniques of acting. Emphasis is placed on theatre games and exercises culminating in the presentation of scenes from contemporary dramatic literature.
THTR 111 Principles of Acting II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- THTR 110
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 152
This course is for students who want to continue to explore theories and techniques used in preparation for the interpretation of drama through acting, and to develop their skills past the beginner level. Emphasis will be placed on deepening an understanding of the acting process through exercises, character analysis, monologues, and scenes.
THTR 112 Acting for the Camera
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed for students interested in acting techniques for film, television, and commercials. The class explores the styles, language, and technical demands of each medium. Topics include slating, voice, blocking, and memorizing as well as career advice (including photos and resumes, agents, unions, auditioning, and showcases). Students work with the camera and review the results to develop their skills.
THTR 150 Stagecraft I for Theatre, TV, and Film
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 171
The course is designed for the student who wishes to gain a basic understanding of the technical phases of scene production including construction, painting, rigging, placement and manipulation of stage scenery, lighting equipment, sound equipment, properties and wardrobe as well as the organization and management of stage activity and stagecraft terminology. The student will study the aesthetics and practical application principles of stage scenic, sound and lighting design. Students are assigned a specific crew responsibility that directly relates to a college theatre production.
THTR 151 Stagecraft II for Theatre, TV, and Film
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Prerequisite
- THTR 150
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is designed for the student who wishes to expand the skills and concepts acquired in Stagecraft I for Theatre, TV, and Film (THTR 150). Topics such as the technical phases of scene production including construction, painting, rigging, placement and manipulation of stage scenery, lighting equipment, sound equipment, properties and wardrobe as well as the organization and management of stage activity and stagecraft terminology are revisited and expanded upon. The student will additionally do extensive study of the aesthetics and practical application principles of set design, sound design, and lighting design. Students are assigned a specific crew duty such as light board operator, sound operator or stage crew lead with added responsibility that directly relates to a college theatre production.
THTR 152 Stagecraft III for Theatre, TV, and Film
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Prerequisite
- THTR 151
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is designed for the student who wishes to further expand the skills and concepts acquired in Stagecraft I and II for Theatre, TV, and Film (THTR 150 and 151). Technical phases of scene production including construction, painting, rigging, placement and manipulation of stage scenery, lighting equipment, sound equipment, properties and wardrobe as well as the organization and management of stage activity and stagecraft are examined in greater depth. The student will complete an in depth study of the theatrical design process by designing scenery, properties, lighting and or sound for Rio Hondo College theatrical productions. Students are assigned a specific crew lead with supervisory responsibility that directly relates to a college theatre production.
THTR 153 Lighting Design and Production for Theatre, TV, and Film
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 173
This course is designed for students who want to gain an understanding and appreciation of the roles light and lighting design play in a theatrical production. Students gain understanding in lighting design theory, function, and aesthetics. Students learn to hang, focus, color, cable, and strike conventional and automated lighting fixtures, as well as to identify and select appropriate types of lighting fixtures, cables, control, and power distribution equipment for a given purpose. Electrical and operational safety receive special emphasis. Students who complete the course successfully are able to operate lighting consoles proficiently.
THTR 154 Sound Design and Production for Theatre, TV, and Film
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is designed for students who want to gain an understanding and appreciation of the roles sound and sound design play in a theatrical production. Students gain an understanding in sound design, function, and aesthetics. Students learn to rig, cable, troubleshoot, strike, and maintain analog and digital audio equipment, as well as to identify and select appropriate types of microphones, cables, speakers, and sound amplification equipment for a given purpose. Electrical and operational safety receive special emphasis. Students who complete the course successfully are able to operate audio mixing consoles proficiently.
THTR 159 Stage Crew Activity
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 54-162 Lab
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.; THTR 150
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 192
This course offers students practical experience in the technical preparation and operation of theatrical, musical, or dance productions presented to the community. Students will be involved in one or more of the following areas of concentration and responsibility: stage management, house management, stage crew, scenery building and painting, props, lighting, costumes, make-up, sound and/or special effects. Students will identify a preference for stage crew/technical theatre production assignments through the interview process. This course may be taken once and repeated three times for credit.
THTR 160 Introductory Playwriting/Screenwriting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed for students interested in the art of writing for theater and/or film. The course includes writing exercises, theater field trips, and a final staged reading of finished scripts. Students complete a one-act or 10-minute play which is considered for production at Río Hondo College.
THTR 161 Playwriting/Screenwriting for Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- THTR 160
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed for students who want to work on their playwriting/screenwriting craft with an eye to the professional market. Students write, rewrite, and refine written works for production and also read plays, screenplays, and teleplays that have been produced recently. In addition, students realistically appraise the marketability of their script through staged readings by student actors for an audience.
THTR 164 Theatre Production Lab I
- Units
- 1-2
- Hours
- 54-108 Lab
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This class is intended for students interested in exploring a career in entertainment production. The course provides a hands-on introduction to all aspects of entertainment production including scenery, lighting, audio, costumes and properties. Students will learn the fundamentals of constructing, painting and rigging scenery, hanging and focusing lighting equipment, setting up audio systems and/or building costumes or props for the performing arts programs at Rio Hondo College.
THTR 165 Theatre Production Lab II
- Units
- 1-2
- Hours
- 54-108 Lab
- Prerequisite
- THTR 164
- Transfers to
- CSU
This class is intended for students interested in careers in entertainment production. The course builds upon the basic skills acquired in THTR 164, with more sophisticated tasks and greater responsibilities in scenic construction, painting and rigging, stage lighting operations, stage audio systems and/or costume shop assignments for the performing arts programs at Rio Hondo College.
THTR 166 Theatre Production Lab III
- Units
- 1-2
- Hours
- 54-108 Lab
- Prerequisite
- THTR 165
- Advisory
- It is advised that students have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This class is intended for students pursuing careers in entertainment production. The course builds upon the skills acquired in THTR 165, providing leadership roles in scenic construction, painting and rigging, stage lighting operations, stage audio systems and/or costume shop assignments for the performing arts programs at Rio Hondo College.
THTR 170 Theatre Rehearsal & Performance
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Advisory
- THTR 110, THTR 150
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 191
This course offers students practical experience in the rehearsal and performance of a theatrical production. Students are provided an opportunity to be part of a theatre company in the organization of full-length and/or one-act plays under the guidance of a faculty director. During the public performance at Rio Hondo College, students will be evaluated by judges representing the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), and some will be chosen to compete at the regional and national festivals in the areas of acting, writing, stage management, directing, dramaturgy, design, and technical production. Actors will be selected through audition. All others will identify a preference for production assignments through the interview process. This course may be repeated three times for credit.
THTR 171 Musical Theatre Rehearsal and Performance
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Advisory
- THTR 110, THTR 150
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 191
This course offers students practical experience in the rehearsal and performance of a musical theatre production. Under the guidance of a faculty director and other theatre, music, and dance professionals, students will experience the principles of acting, dancing, solo and choral singing, stage management, technical theatre techniques, and audition techniques for musical theatre. During the public performance at Rio Hondo College, students will be evaluated by judges representing the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), and some will be chosen to compete at the regional and national festivals in the areas of acting, singing, dancing, writing, stage management, directing, dramaturgy, design, and technical production. Actors will be selected through audition. All others will identify a preference for production assignments through the interview process. This course may be taken once and repeated three times for credit.
THTR 172 Comedy Theatre Rehearsal and Performance
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Advisory
- THTR 110, THTR 150
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course offers students practical experience in the rehearsal and performance of a comedic theatrical production. Students explore comedic plays, genres, acting techniques, and physical communication. Students are provided an opportunity to be part of a theatre company in the organization of full-length and/or one-act plays under the guidance of a faculty director. During the public performance at Rio Hondo College, students will be evaluated by judges representing the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), and some will be chosen to compete at the regional and national festivals in the areas of acting, writing, stage management, directing, dramaturgy, design, and technical production. Actors will be selected through audition. All others will identify a preference for production assignments through the interview process.This course may be taken once and repeated three times for credit.
THTR 173 Classical Theatre Rehearsal and Performance
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Advisory
- THTR 110, THTR 150
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course offers students practical experience in the rehearsal and performance of a classical theatrical production (Greek, Roman, Elizabethan and 16th through 20th centuries). Students learn how to use performance styles and acting techniques in a variety of play styles including: tragedy, comedy of manners, melodrama, surrealism, realism, expressionism, futurism and more. Students are provided an opportunity to be part of a theatre company in the organization of full-length and/or one-act plays under the guidance of a faculty director. During the public performance at Rio Hondo College, students will be evaluated by judges representing the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), and some will be chosen to compete at the regional and national festivals in the areas of acting, writing, stage management, directing, dramaturgy, design, and technical production. Actors will be selected through audition. All others will identify a preference for production assignments through the interview process. This course may be taken once and repeated three times for credit.
THTR 174 Costume Design and Production for Theatre, TV, and Film
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at the early college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 174
This course is designed for students who seek to gain an understanding and appreciation of costume techniques used for the theatre and other entertainment industries. Students gain the practical knowledge and experience necessary to work in a costume shop, including an understanding of costume history; basic costume design including sketching; basic costume construction including alteration and sewing; costume design tools, materials, fabrics, textiles, and crafts; costume sourcing practices; and backstage costume preparation and practices for productions. Students identify period costumes (garments and accessories), analyze the effectiveness of costumes in a production, draft a pattern in order to sew/construct a garment, and source costumes needed for a production through vendors.
THTR 175 The Original Play in Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Advisory
- THTR 110
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is designed for students who want to take part in the creation of a new play. Students learn play structure, character development, and collaborative creation; and are involved in acting, directing, writing, and/or crew in the creation of a full-length, one-act, or devised play. Auditions will determine specific assignments.
THTR 176 Makeup Design and Production for Theatre, TV, and Film
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 175
This course is designed for students who seek to gain an understanding and appreciation of makeup techniques used for the theatre and other entertainment industries. In addition, students gain the practical knowledge and experience necessary to apply theatrical makeup; an understanding of makeup history; basic makeup design, including sketching; basic application, including wigs and facial hair; makeup design tools, materials, and crafts; makeup sourcing practices; and dressing room makeup preparation and practices for productions. Students identify period makeup styles and analyze the effectiveness of character makeup in a production. Students will design, create, and source makeup supplies needed for a production.
THTR 180 Touring Theatre Local I
- Units
- 2-4
- Hours
- 18-36 Lecture, 54-108 Lab
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at the early college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is designed for students who want to gain a basic understanding of the rigorous requirements of a touring theatre production, including acting; lighting; and maintaining props, costumes and sets. Students are assigned a specific responsibility that relates directly to a production that tours locally.
THTR 181 Touring Theatre Local II
- Units
- 2-4
- Hours
- 18-36 Lecture, 54-108 Lab
- Prerequisite
- THTR 180
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is designed for students who want to build upon the skills and concepts acquired in THTR 180 related to the rigorous requirements of touring a theatre production, including acting, directing, scenic design, management, lighting, construction, and maintaining props, costumes, and sets. Students are assigned a specific responsibility that directly relates to a production that tours locally.
THTR 186 Touring Theatre: The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival
- Units
- 2-4
- Hours
- 18-36 Lecture, 54-108 Lab
- Prerequisite
- THTR 170 or THTR 171 or THTR 172 or THTR 173 or THTR 175
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is intended for students who want to compete for theatre scholarships and recognition, and is open to students who have been nominated for an Irene Ryan scholarship, partner, production, or any other award for the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF). Students prepare for competition, compete in their nominated area, see invited plays, audition for plays, and attend a variety of workshops under the supervision of the instructor. This course may be repeated 3 times for credit. A 5-day field trip in February is usually required.
THTR 210 Acting Workshop: Devising
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- THTR 110
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This class is for students who want to create their own work, whether they are actors or non-actors. Students study the history of devising (also known as collective creation; learn techniques of devising; and create, research, develop, rehearse, and present a devised project. Some knowledge of traditional theatre is helpful for this class. Some semesters a public performance is presented.
THTR 215 Acting: Audition and Cold Reading
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- THTR 110
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed for students who want to be prepared for academic, community, or professional auditions. Students work on selecting and presenting material, personal appearance, cold readings, and resumes. By the end of the semester, students have a variety of audition pieces ready.
THTR 230 Principles of Directing I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- THTR 110
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces students to the directing process for the stage. Students learn about the history and techniques of the stage director, use of the stage, play selection and analysis, casting the play, working with actors, blocking the action, picturization, character development, rhythm, and the organization of the audition and rehearsal process. Emphasis is placed on class activities such as exercises in staging techniques and directing short scenes. Students also explore career opportunities including stage management and assistant directing.
THTR 231 Principles of Directing II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- THTR 230
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is designed for students majoring in theatre arts, and is a continuation of Theatre Arts 230. Students direct a ten-minute play performed by other students; and techniques in casting, rehearsing, picturization, characterization, tempo, and climax in play direction are covered.
THTR 290 Work Experience Education/Internship for Theatre Arts-Related Fields
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 3 Lecture, 54-216 Lab
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course supports and reinforces on-the-job training in business and industrial establishments under the supervision of a college instructor. Training is informed by learning objectives. Students work in a skilled or professional-level assignment in their area of vocational interest, and meet performance objectives related to instruction that are above and beyond the conditions of regular employment. This course is intended for students whose job is related to the field of theatre arts and have completed or enrolled in the appropriate coursework. The course may be taken once and repeated for a maximum of 16 units. Contact the Work Experience Education Office regarding re-enrollment procedures.
THTR 299 Directed Study: Theatre
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 54-162 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Independent Study/Directed Study is intended for students who have the ability to assume responsibility for independent work and to prepare written or oral reports and/or appropriate projects. To enroll in an independent study/directed study course, students must possess a 2.5 overall grade point average, a 3.0 grade point average in the discipline of study being requested, or receive an exception from the instructor. Independent Studies/Directed Studies may be developed from any topic arising from or related to a course of study that will result in developing depth and breadth in that subject area. Students will be expected to meet on a regular basis with their faculty sponsor and submit a final report or project, and student progress shall be evaluated at regular intervals. Academic standards for Independent Studies/Directed Studies shall be the same as those for other courses. Units are awarded in accordance to Title V regulations with one unit of credit awarded for 54 hours of Directed Studies, six (6) hours of which must be with an instructor. The instructor is responsible for monitoring student progress through the semester. Students may take directed study courses for a maximum of three (3) units within a discipline, and may not accumulate more than a total of nine (9) units college wide.