Dramatic Arts
Associate of Arts Degree Dramatic Arts · San Diego Mesa College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Summary
The Associate of Arts Degree in Dramatic Arts requires participation in the Mesa College Theatre Company (MCTC), a practical, hands-on production experience combined with intensive course work in the areas of acting, design, technical theatre, marketing and management. In addition to course work, students are encouraged to experience all of the craft areas utilized in the presentation of a play, providing a broad range of practical training. Successful completion of the AA Degree in Dramatic Arts prepares students for transfer with both the theory and practical experience necessary for either entry-level employment in the entertainment industry or transfer to a four-year institution.
The courses required for the major are intended to introduce the student to all aspects of theatre. Emphasis is placed on production, as participation results in active learning, allowing the student valuable hands-on experience. Through the course of the two year program, students will study acting scenery, costuming, lighting, and audio as well as being introduced to production and state management techniques and responsibilities.
While the required courses for the major in Dramatic Arts are intended to give the student a broad understanding of the various areas of study in the Dramatic Arts, required elective classes give the student the option to pursue one of those areas in more detail. For the student interested in acting, additional acting classes. movement classes or voice classes are recommended. The technician/design student would pursue classes in art history, fashion history or practical lab courses. The student interested in production management should enroll in accounting and business classes that would further their base of knowledge in that area.
Award Note: The Associate Degree requires a minimum of 60 degree applicable semester units.
Learning Outcome(s): Students who complete the Dramatic Arts Program will be able to:
- Analyze and articulate the ideas and questions posited by the experience and study of theatre and film.
- Expand their knowledge of the world and society through the engagement of dramatic arts.
- Contribute effectively in the creative collaborative process.
Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE MAJOR: | 29-33 | |
| DRAM 105 | Introduction to Dramatic Arts | 3 |
| DRAM 100A | Fundamentals of Performance and Production I | 4 |
| DRAM 100B | Fundamentals of Performance and Production II | 4 |
| DRAM 104A | Theatre Company Performance I | 1-2 |
| DRAM 104B | Theatre Company Performance II | 1-2 |
| DRAM 112 | Introduction to Script Analysis | 3 |
| DRAM 124 | Makeup for the Stage | 3 |
| DRAM 200A | Fundamentals of Performance and Production III | 4 |
| DRAM 200B | Fundamentals of Performance and Production IV | 4 |
| DRAM 204A | Theatre Company Performance III | 1-2 |
| DRAM 204B | Theatre Company Performance IV | 1-2 |
| Choose six units from the following: | 6 | |
| DRAM 106 | Voice-Over Performance | 3 |
| DRAM 107 | Study of Filmed Plays | 3 |
| DRAM 109 | Theatre and Social Issues | 3 |
| DRAM 114A | Digital Storytelling I | 3 |
| DRAM 114B | Digital Storytelling II | 3 |
| DRAM 119 | Film and Television Performance | 3 |
| DRAM 123 | Beginning Stagecraft | 3 |
| DRAM 127 | Sound For Theatre | 2 |
| DRAM 128 | Stage Lighting Design | 3 |
| DRAM 129A | Beginning Scene Painting | 3 |
| DRAM 132 | Beginning Acting | 3 |
| DRAM 133 | Intermediate Acting | 3 |
| DRAM 134 | Beginning Voice for Actors | 3 |
| DRAM 143 | Beginning Costuming | 3 |
| DRAM 165 | Introduction to Stage Movement | 3 |
| DRAM 205 | The American Musical on Stage and Screen | 3 |
| DRAM 235 | Literature to Life-A Scene Study Course | 2 |
| DRAM 244A | Theatre Workshop I | 1-2 |
| DRAM 244B | Theatre Workshop II | 1-2 |
| DRAM 244C | Theatre Workshop III | 1-2 |
| DRAM 244D | Theatre Workshop IV | 1-2 |
| DRAM 268 | Experimental Theatre | 1-3 |
| DRAM 290 | Independent Study | 1-3 |