Dramatic Arts
45 courses · San Diego City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
DRAM 103 Acting for Non-majors
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course introduces students to improvisational acting, treating acting as process-centered. The instructor leads the students using a variety of exercises to imagine, enact and reflect upon human experiences, emphasizing problem-solving skills in group improvisational work. This course is designed for introductory drama students and anyone who is interested in studying acting.
DRAM 105 Introduction to Dramatic Arts
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This survey course introduces fundamental practices and creative processes in the dramatic arts. Through experimentation and examination, students gain greater insight and appreciation of the dramatic arts as an agent of change that is vital to the humanities. Aspects of theatre production and collaboration are covered through lecture, group discussion and participation. This course is designed for dramatic arts majors and all students interested in the dramatic arts.
DRAM 106 Voice-Over Performance
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
This course is practical study of the voice-over industry. Emphasis is placed on voice-over performance techniques for radio and television commercials, multimedia, and other audio and video presentations. Students are expected to read aloud extensively as well as to record their voice for critique and self-evaluation. Topics include an overview of the voice-over business, marketing, current technology, and professional work and studio etiquette as well as legal and ethical issues in voice-over performance. Social and cultural constructs, economics, technology, and equity and social justice are explored. This course is designed for students pursuing media-related majors and anyone interested in media-related industries.
DRAM 107 Study of Filmed Plays
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a study of cinematic adaptations of plays, comparing stage and screen versions in the areas of form and structure, writing, and production. Emphasis is placed on developing students' appreciation for dramatic art and providing practice in the art of theatre criticism. This course is designed for Drama majors and any student interested in the Humanities.
DRAM 108 Playwriting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- Eligible to enroll in a transferable English composition course.
This course gives students an opportunity to write dramatic material for the theatre. Topics and exercises include exploring dialogue, monologue, exposition, writing for various voices, and other areas related to playwriting. Students are required to write scenes and monologues that explore issues of structure, in order to develop a technique to explore individual and traditional dramatic ideas and processes. This class is designed for students majoring in theatre and those students interested in the Humanities.
DRAM 109 Theatre and Social Issues
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a study of the role of theatre in society within its cultural, aesthetic, economic, and political manifestations. Emphasis is placed on increasing students' understanding of politics in theatrical representation and comprehension of theatre as a tool for social change. Topics include the nature and function of theatrical representation, moving to historical and contemporary issues in American and World cultures. This class is designed for students majoring in theatre and those students interested in the Humanities and/or social and theoretical issues.
DRAM 111 Chicana/o Theatre
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a survey of Chicana/o drama in the United States and Mexico from 1975 to the present. Emphasis is placed on the historical roots, techniques, styles, and dramatic literature. It explores new trends, influences, and developments in playwriting, directing, and performance styles. This course examines issues facing the Mexican-American community through dramatic forms, focusing on the advent of professionally-oriented Chicana/o theatre, examining significant plays, playwrights, and the theatre groups that produced those plays. This course is designed for Chicana/o Studies majors, Dramatic Arts majors, and anyone interested in literature or theatre.
DRAM 112 Introduction to Script Analysis
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is intended to introduce Dramatic Arts majors, and other interested students, to the fundamental techniques of script analysis. Focus is on the students' ability to interpret and describe concepts and ideas as related to historical and contemporary dramatic literature. The course emphasizes the development of the techniques of script analysis specific its use in acting, directing, and design, as well as critical and social analysis.
DRAM 113 Introduction to Design for Theatre
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- DRAM 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is an introductory course in theatre design. This course is a survey of design concepts and practices that translate to the major areas of design in theatrical production, including costumes, set, lighting, and sound. Emphasis is placed on the process of design creation, from preliminary script analysis and research to the collaborative process of the designer. Students participate in the creation of visual material relating to the four design areas of costume, sets, lighting, and sound. This course is intended for students majoring in drama and all students interested in theatrical design.
DRAM 118 Intermediate Playwriting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- DRAM 108 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course examines themes, structures, and effective material that is written for the theatre at the intermediate level. Topics and exercises include the exploration of dialogue and monologue composition, exposition, autobiography, political and domestic social issues, writing for the opposite gender, and structure. Students are required to write scenes and plays that facilitate the development of a technique that is both individual and based on traditional dramaturgical ideas. Students present a folio of plays as well as critical analyses of plays and other works associated with theatre and playwriting. This course is designed for students majoring in theatre and those interested in creative writing and the humanities.
DRAM 119 Film and Television Performance
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
- Advisory
- DRAM 132 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course introduces students to the skills required for on-camera performing techniques as used in the motion picture and television industry. Students participate in the selection, rehearsal, and on-camera performance of material from television and motion picture scripts including drama, sitcoms, daytime dramas, and commercials. Emphasis is placed on cold-reading taped audition skills, improvisational and interview techniques, and the fundamental acting techniques required for on-camera performance. Legal and ethical issues in film and television performance, including the implications of social and cultural constructs, economics, technology, and equity and social justice, are explored. This course is designed for theatre, television, and film majors.
DRAM 123 Beginning Stagecraft
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
This course is a hands-on introduction to technical theatre production. Emphasis is placed on construction, painting, rigging, placement, and manipulation of stage scenery, lighting equipment, sound, projections, properties, and the organization and management of stage activity and stagecraft technology. This course is designed for theatre majors and students interested in backstage production.
DRAM 124 Makeup for the Stage
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
This course is an introductory hands-on study of the materials and techniques used in stage and production makeup design and application. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of a lexicon pertinent to the history and use of makeup in the theater as well as on the actual application of stage makeup in the classroom and as a member of the makeup crew for a theatrical and video production. This course is intended for students majoring in drama, theatre, film, radio and television and cosmetology as well as anyone interested in makeup for the stage.
DRAM 126 Advanced Stagecraft
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DRAM 123 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an advanced study of technical stage production and scene technology. Emphasis is placed on the methods and practices of technical theory and on practical, hands-on experience. Topics include theater design, stage decor and lighting, and the synthesis of all elements of stagecraft within an environment of actual stage production. Students develop crew leadership skills as they create and construct set designs and operate stage equipment for all Dramatic Arts productions throughout the semester. This course is designed for Theatre majors and anyone interested in stagecraft.
DRAM 127 Sound For Theatre
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 16 - 18 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
This course is an introduction to the basic principles of audio production and the craft of sound design. Topics include technique, theory and procedures necessary to develop sound, music and effects integrated into theatre productions. This course is intended for the transfer student planning a major in Dramatic Arts, desiring competency in technical theatre or those interested in developing a deeper understanding of sound design.
DRAM 128 Stage Lighting Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is an introduction to the principles and practice of stage and film lighting design. Emphasis is placed on the operation of basic lighting equipment, design, and digital drafting techniques. Technical preparation for other forms of production, such as outdoors, television, and movies is included. This course is intended for students majoring in Dramatic Arts or those interested in technical theatre.
DRAM 129A Beginning Scene Painting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
This course introduces students to basic techniques and materials used in the painting of scenery for the stage. Emphasis is placed on techniques in faux painting, murals, trompe l'oeil (trick the eye), and decorative motifs for theatre. Students experiment with color mixing, base, layout, ink, lay-in detail, and the use of brushes and tools for application in theatre settings. This course is designed for drama majors, art students, and anyone interested in painting on a large scale.
DRAM 129B Intermediate Scene Painting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DRAM 129A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an intermediate study in the art and practice of theatrical scene painting. Emphasis is placed on the creation of large scale projects designed to allow students the opportunity to apply basic scene painting skills while experimenting with intermediate techniques and tools, including liner and aerial perspective and a variety of spray guns. Students take on leadership roles in scene painting for theatrical productions while developing communication and collaboration skills. The course is designed for students majoring in drama, art, or anyone interested in painting on a large scale.
DRAM 132 Beginning Acting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
This course is a beginning level study, practice and execution of the fundamentals of acting designed to develop a foundation in basic acting technique. Emphasis is placed on the effective communication of ideas and emotions by a dramatic character to audience. Topics include staging techniques, improvisation, theater games, scenes, monologues, stage movement, and an introduction to the lexicon of acting for theater. This course is intended for students who are interested in developing basic acting techniques.
DRAM 133 Intermediate Acting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DRAM 132 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an intermediate level study of the fundamentals of acting. Emphasis is placed on the use of scene work as a tool for sharpening the actor's skill. Students work on scenes by a variety of playwrights as they increase vocal, physical and emotional flexibility as well as their stage presence. This course is designed for students majoring in Drama and anyone interested in honing their acting skill.
DRAM 134 Beginning Voice for Actors
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is a study of the foundations of vocal technique for actors. Emphasis is placed on breath, projection, resonators, and diction. Students apply voice technique through classical and modern monologues. This course is designed for drama majors, multilingual learners, and anyone interested in refining voice and articulation skills.
DRAM 136 Theatre History I: Ancient Greece to the Renaissance
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a survey of the history of theatre from ancient Greece through the Renaissance. Emphasis is placed on the historical, political, cultural, and religious contexts within which plays were developed and performed. Topics include acting styles, theories and theorists, theatre architecture, representative plays and playwrights, production elements, and staging innovations. This course is intended for drama majors and students interested in history.
DRAM 137 Theatre History II: Restoration to the Present
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a survey of theatre from the English Restoration to the present. Emphasis is placed on the historical, political, and cultural contexts within which plays were developed and performed. Topics include acting styles, theories and theorists, theatre architecture, representative plays and playwrights, production elements, and staging innovations. This course is intended for drama majors and students interested in history.
DRAM 143 Beginning Costuming
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
This lecture and laboratory course emphasizes student involvement in the techniques and methodology of costume construction. Topics include practical experience in sewing, fabrics and their modification, costume craft techniques such as millinery, masks, footwear and accessories, and service on costume crews. Students explore costume production procedures with regards to time, budgets, and labor. This course is designed for students majoring in performance and technical theatre or anyone interested in clothing and fashion.
DRAM 153 Intermediate Costuming
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DRAM 143 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or FASH 130 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This lecture/laboratory course develops intermediate skills in theatrical costuming including costume design for various styles, historical research methods, costume construction, and fabric identification and modification. Emphasis is placed on the role of the costume designer from the pre-production/design phase to the execution of costume design for the stage. This course is designed for drama majors and anyone interested in costume design, cosplay, or fashion.
DRAM 165 Introduction to Stage Movement
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is an introduction to basic techniques of movement for the stage. Emphasis is placed on the actor's body as an expressive instrument. Students acquire flexibility, strength, and physical repertoire of stage movement. This course is designed for drama and dance majors and anyone interested in honing stage movement skills.
DRAM 205 The American Musical on Stage and Screen
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a survey of the American musical on stage and film with an emphasis on the evolution of this unique American art form. Students explore the role of social, political, and demographic changes on Musical Theatre from late-nineteenth century stage productions to recent live, filmed, and digital manifestations. This class is designed for Dramatic Arts majors, Film majors, and anyone with an interest in musical theatre.
DRAM 240A Musical Theatre Repertoire I
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 192-216 hours lab
This introductory class is designed for the rehearsal and performance of a play from the musical theatre repertoire. Emphasis is placed on rehearsal and performance as students are introduced to working in collaboration with directors, cast members, and production crew members on a musical theatre production. This course is intended for students majoring in drama, dance, music, and all students interested in participating in a musical theatre production.
DRAM 240B Musical Theatre Repertoire II
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 192-216 hours lab
- Advisory
- DRAM 240A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is designed for the intermediate level of rehearsal and performance of a play from the musical theatre repertoire. Emphasis is placed on rehearsal, performance, and the synthesis of singing, dancing and acting throughout the rehearsal and performance processes. This course is intended for students majoring in drama, dance, or music, and all students interested in participating in musical theatre production and performance.
DRAM 240C Musical Theatre Repertoire III
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 192-216 hours lab
- Advisory
- DRAM 240B with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is designed for the intermediate-advanced level of rehearsal and performance of a play from the musical theatre repertoire. Emphasis is placed on refinement of the process through the development of one's work ethic. Students are expected to demonstrate professionalism and consistent practice throughout the rehearsal process. This course is intended for students majoring in drama, dance, or music, and all students interested in participating in musical theatre production.
DRAM 240D Musical Theatre Repertoire IV
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 192-216 hours lab
- Advisory
- DRAM 240C with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This class is designed for the advanced level of rehearsal and performance of a play from the musical theatre repertoire. Emphasis is placed on professional decorum, adaptability, and leadership throughout the rehearsal and performance processes. This course is intended for students majoring in drama, dance, or music, and all students interested in participating in musical theatre production.
DRAM 242A Rehearsal and Performance I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 144-162 hours lab
This is the first in a series of courses in theatre production. Emphasis is placed on an introduction to the rehearsal and performance process of a departmental theatre production based on the unique aspects of the selected play. Topics include collaboration with directors, cast members, and production crew members. This course is intended for students majoring in drama and all students interested in participating in theatre production
DRAM 242B Rehearsal and Performance II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 144-162 hours lab
- Advisory
- DRAM 242A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is the second in a series of courses in theatre production. Emphasis is placed on an intermediate-level rehearsal and performance of a departmental theatre production based on the unique aspects of the selected play. Topics include a deeper analysis of the selected piece through researching the playwright, more thorough character development, and collaboration with directors, cast members, and production crew members. This course is intended for students majoring in drama and all students interested in participating in theatre production.
DRAM 242C Rehearsal and Performance III
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 144-162 hours lab
- Advisory
- DRAM 242B with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is the third in a series of courses in theatre production. Emphasis is placed on an intermediate-advanced level of rehearsal and performance of a departmental theatre production based on the unique aspects of the selected play. Topics include a deeper analysis of the selected piece through more complex character arc explorations, receiving and incorporating feedback from the director/s, and role modeling effective collaboration with directors, cast members, and production crew members. This course is intended for students majoring in drama and all students interested in participating in theatre production.
DRAM 242D Rehearsal and Performance IV
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 144-162 hours lab
- Advisory
- DRAM 242C with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is the fourth and final course in a series of courses in theatre production. This course prioritizes the advanced level of rehearsal and performance of a departmental theatre production based on the unique aspects of the selected play. Topics include a deeper analysis of the selected piece through research of its impact in historical and cultural contexts, creating more complex character creations and their relationships, effectively assisting the directors, taking on leadership roles in the production in collaboration with directors, cast members, and production crew members. This course is intended for students majoring in drama and all students interested in participating in theatre production.
DRAM 243A Technical Theatre Practicum - Costume and Makeup
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 96-108 hours lab
This technical theatre practicum is designed to provide students with hands-on training in the intricacies of running a theatre production, with special emphasis on costume and makeup. Students work as part of the costume and makeup crew during the rehearsal and production processes for theatre or dance productions. This course is intended for students majoring in drama and all students interested in participating in the theatre production process.
DRAM 243B Technical Theatre Practicum - Lighting and Sound
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 96-108 hours lab
This technical theatre practicum is designed to provide students with hands-on training in the intricacies of running a theatre production, with special emphasis on lighting and audio. Students work as part of the lighting and audio crew during the rehearsal and production processes for theatre or dance performances. This course is intended for students majoring in drama and all students interested in participating in the theatre production process.
DRAM 243C Technical Theatre Practicum - Scenic
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 96-108 hours lab
This technical theatre practicum is designed to provide students with hands-on training in the intricacies of running a theatre production, with special emphasis on scenic elements. Students work as part of the scenic crew during the rehearsal and production processes for theatre or dance productions. This course is intended for students majoring in drama and all students interested in participating in the theatre production process.
DRAM 243D Technical Theatre Practicum - Stage Management
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 96-108 hours lab
This technical theatre practicum is designed to provide students with hands-on training in the intricacies of running a theatre production, with special emphasis on stage management. Students work as part of the stage management crew during the rehearsal and production processes for theatre or dance productions. This course is intended for students majoring in drama and all students interested in participating in the theatre production process.
DRAM 244A Theatre Workshop I
- Units
- 1-2
- Hours
- 48-108 hours lab
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This introductory class is designed for the rehearsal and performance of original, established, touring, or devised works. Aspects of theatre covered including acting, playwriting, and production support. This course is intended for introductory drama majors and all students interested in theatre arts.
DRAM 244B Theatre Workshop II
- Units
- 1-2
- Hours
- 48-108 hours lab
- Advisory
- DRAM 244A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This class is designed for the intermediate level of rehearsal and performance of original, established, touring, or devised works. Various aspects of theatre are covered including acting, playwriting, directing, design, and production support. This course is intended for intermediate drama majors and all students interested in theatre arts.
DRAM 244C Theatre Workshop III
- Units
- 1-2
- Hours
- 48-108 hours lab
- Advisory
- DRAM 244B with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This class is designed for the intermediate-advanced level of rehearsal and performance of original, established, touring, or devised works. All aspects of theatre are covered including acting, directing, playwriting, design, and production support. This course is intended for intermediate-advanced drama majors and all students interested in theatre arts.
DRAM 244D Theatre Workshop IV
- Units
- 1-2
- Hours
- 48-108 hours lab
- Advisory
- DRAM 244C with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This class is designed for the advanced level of rehearsal and performance of original, established, touring, or devised works. All aspects of theatre are covered including acting, directing, playwriting, design, and production support. This course is intended for advanced drama majors and all students interested in theatre arts.
DRAM 270 Theatre Arts Internship / Work Experience
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 54 - 216 hours other
This course provides on-the-job learning experiences for students employed in a Theatre Arts-related job or internship. Students develop workplace competencies, critical thinking skills, and problem solving abilities through the creation and achievement of job-related behavioral learning objectives. This course may be taken up to four times. One unit of credit may be earned for every 54 hours of work experience. A maximum of fourteen credit hours for all work experience subject areas may be earned during one enrollment period. This course is intended for students majoring or interested in the Dramatic and/or Theatre Arts.
DRAM 290 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 48-162 hours other
Advanced special work in dramatic arts: acting, design, lighting, film, business, makeup, costumes, direction or play production.