Theatre Arts
54 courses · Santa Ana College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
THEA 100 Introduction to Theatre
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 111
An introduction to the art and concepts of theatre through a study of modern and historical theories of dramatic structure, playwriting, directing, design, and acting. Attendance of live theatre required.
THEA 105 Theatre History 1
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 113
The study of the history of theatre from the origins of theatre through the 17th Century. The history and development of theatre and drama are studied in relationship to cultural, political and social conditions of the time. Plays are read for analysis of structure, plot, character and historical relevance.
THEA 109 Stage Management
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Exploration of the study and practical application practices of the stage manager as they pertain to the theatrical production process. Emphasis is placed on the duties, responsibilities, and procedures from pre-production to post-production.
THEA 110 Acting Fundamentals
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 18 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 151
A study of acting involving the development of acting techniques, styles, and disciplines. Provides theory and practical experience with varied characterizations. Emphasizes individual growth and acquired skills necessary to the acting craft.
THEA 111 Intermediate Acting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 18 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in:
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 152
Further study in the art of acting for the stage, investigating in-depth character study, role portrayal, special problems, and personal technique. Acting skills developed through use of exercises, monologues, and scenes from contemporary theatre.
THEA 113 Acting for the Camera
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Techniques and disciplines of acting as applied to film and television production. Opportunity to practice and perform with emphasis on developing talents and skills required in acting for the screen (Same as Theatre Arts 113).
THEA 114 Acting for the Camera II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: THEA 113
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An intermediate and immersive on-camera experience in which the student will have opportunities to practice skills and techniques in several styles of camera production: movie/TV narrative drama, comedy, and reality TV. The material from these performances is edited, screened, and discussed.
THEA 117 Introduction to Technical Theatre
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A project-based course involving the study and execution of technical theater principles. Students will learn the theatrical design and technical practices that apply to scenery, lighting, sound, costumes, make up, properties, and scene painting.
THEA 118 Fundamentals of Scene Study
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A continued study for the beginning actor in the preparation and presentation of scenes from modern comedies, the plays of William Shakespeare, and plays from influential playwrights such as Anton Chekov and Henrik Ibsen. Students prepare scenes with partners for performance and critique.
THEA 120 Musical Theatre History
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the history of the uniquely American art form that is musical theatre from its early development in the colonial period to the present time. Emphasis will be placed on the chronological examination of various musical theatre productions. Students will learn how the composers, librettists, lyricists, choreographers, directors, and designers contributed to the formation and the popularity of musical theatre as it exists today.
THEA 123 Introduction to Drama and Acting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to acting and dramatic literature that includes analysis of plays, dramatic structure, and performance criticism. This course explores the history and development of acting styles and methodologies specific to the major historical periods of drama in which they were created. Intended to enhance imagination and creativity and emphasize intellectual growth through the exploration of the cultural significance of drama and performance.
THEA 128 Introduction to Sound Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A study of sound design principles and practices and the sound technology used to bring sound to the stage and the concert hall. Project-based learning provides the student with an introduction to audio equipment and an understanding of the craft and process of sound design.
THEA 130 Introduction to Lighting Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 18 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An overview of the methods and techniques of the lighting designer. The course includes training in the creative concepts of design and the practical operation of the equipment used to execute the design.
THEA 131 Stagecraft
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 18 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 171
An introduction to technical theatre and the creation of scenic elements including design concepts, painting techniques, set construction, set movement, prop construction, backstage organization, and stage management.
THEA 132 Stage Makeup
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 175
Basic techniques and artistry of stage makeup and its relation to the total production. Covers history, aesthetics and design theory, color theory, materials, and application procedures for varied characterizations. Practical application of learned skills are applied to departmental productions.
THEA 133 Lighting Fundamentals
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 173
Theory and practices of lighting including control systems and instruments as well as the techniques for proper installation, operation, maintenance, and safety. (same as DM 260)
THEA 135 Technical Production
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 70 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 192
Supervised instruction and practical experience in backstage production responsibilities including stage management, scenery construction and movement, properties, costuming, lighting, sound, and running crews.
THEA 136 Introduction to Stage Costume
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 18 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- 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. (Same as FDM 136).
THEA 137 Costume Design and Construction
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Explores the many aspects of costume design, including the breakdown of a script, artistic rendering of the literature, development of themes and design concepts, research sources, examination of the social and economic mores that govern dress, and the history of dress. Students will analyze, research, and design two plays to present to the class. The course will include film and theatre industry standards in the area of costume design.
THEA 138 Costume Periods and Styles
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A study of the changes in dress from ancient times to the present. Social and political influences, as well as the historical accuracy of period dress, are considered relative to the practical needs of costuming for stage, film, and television.
THEA 140A Theatre Performance
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to theatre performance emphasizing acting technique, theatre vocabulary, and creative individual expression. Students learn the process of presenting a role on stage. Prepares the student for Theatre Performance 140B. All actors must audition and be cast prior to enrolling.
THEA 140B Theatre Performance II
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: THEA 140A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Continued study in theatre performance emphasizing acting technique, theatre vocabulary, and creative individual expression. Students perfect the process of presenting a role on stage. Theatre Arts 140B is a continuation and refinement of the work begun during Theatre Arts 140A. All actors must audition and be cast prior to enrolling.
THEA 140C Theatre Performance III
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: THEA 140B
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Provides the continuing theatre performance student opportunity to concentrate on more advanced acting methods and development of technique. Emphasizes the development of the individual actor’s performance style connecting the voice and body with the emotional life of a character. All actors must audition and be cast prior to enrolling.
THEA 140D Theatre Performance IV
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: THEA 140C
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Continuing study of acting technique including more complicated methodology and advanced script material. Emphasizes the combination of the individual actor’s performance style with the demands of the professional theatre arena. All actors must audition and be cast prior to enrolling.
THEA 150A Rehearsal and Performance in Production
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 70 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 191
Practical experience in performance production culminating in a series of public performances. All actors must audition and be cast prior to enrolling.
THEA 150B Technical Theatre in Production
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 70 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 192
Students will gain practical experience in the application of production responsibilities in any of the following: stage management, scenery construction, properties, costuming, lighting, or sound. This course culminates into a series of public performances. All student technicians must obtain instructor approval prior to enrolling.
THEA 151 Showcase I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 191
An introduction to theatre performance emphasizing acting technique, theatre vocabulary, and creative individual expression. Students learn the process of presenting a role on stage. Prepares the student for Showcase II.
THEA 152 Tour Ensemble
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 191
An introduction to theatre performance emphasizing acting techniques as applied to performing a role in multiple venues.
THEA 153 Introduction to Directing
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The study and application of directing theory, process, script analysis, designer collaboration, character development, staging, actor coaching, and presenting.
THEA 154 Performance Ensemble
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 191
A study of the standards and expectations for an actor in auditions, rehearsals, and performances of an ensemble production. Students desiring an acting role must audition.
THEA 155 Children's Theatre Ensemble
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 70 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 191
Intensive rehearsal and performance production experience culminating in the presentation of a live production for young audiences.
THEA 157 Directing for Single-Camera Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An active examination of the principles of directing for the camera. Focus is placed on the practical application of the pre-production, filming, and post-production phases of film directing. Topics include script analysis, directorial presentation skills, converting a script into a shooting script, creating call sheets, casting actors, blocking actors, giving actors direction, rehearsal techniques, leading a cinematographer and camera crew, and overseeing the editing of a completed scene. Same as DM 157.
THEA 161 Tour Ensemble II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: THEA 152
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Continued study in theatre performance emphasizing acting techniques as applied to performing a role in a touring company. Students perfect the process of presenting a role in multiple venues.
THEA 162 Tour Ensemble III
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: THEA 161
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Provides the continuing theatre performance student opportunity to concentrate on more advanced acting methods and development of technique in playscripts for a touring ensemble. Emphasizes the development of the individual actor’s performance style connecting the voice and body with the emotional life of a character.
THEA 163 Tour Ensemble IV
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: THEA 162
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Continued study of acting technique including more complicated methodology and advanced script material focusing on touring ensembles. Emphasizes the combination of the individual actor’s performance style with the demands of the professional touring arena.
THEA 165 Intermediate Stage Lighting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 18 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores stage lighting, projection, lighting control systems, optical systems, color theory, and current lighting graphic standards as they apply to stage, film, and video. Students demonstrate their skills through projects, programming, and rigging.
THEA 166 Fundamentals of Programming
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 18 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Develop the programming skills to complete a show set up, control fixture characteristics, create and record cues, and transfer between programming and show control. Emphasis will be placed on developing speed and accuracy in these basic skills.
THEA 167 Automated Lighting Instruments
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 18 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
The study, dissection, and manipulation of software applications and intelligent lighting instruments that are used in the creation, management, visualization, and virtualization of live and recorded productions in the entertainment field.
THEA 169 Work Experience - Theatre
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 54-216 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This work experience course of supervised employment is designed to assist students to acquire desirable work habits, attitudes and skills in a field related to the students' major so as to enable them to become productive employees. This course also provides students with career awareness for jobs. 54 hours of work equals one unit of course credit. Student repetition is allowed per Title 5, Section 55253. Students may earn a maximum of 14 units of credit for work experience.
THEA 171 Showcase II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: THEA 151
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Continued study in theatre performance emphasizing acting technique, theatre vocabulary, and creative individual expression. Students perfect the process of presenting a role on stage.
THEA 172 Showcase III
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: THEA 171
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Provides the continuing theatre performance student opportunity to concentrate on more advanced acting methods and development of technique. Emphasizes the development of the individual actor’s performance style connecting the voice and body with the emotional life of a character.
THEA 173 Showcase IV
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: THEA 172
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Continued study of acting technique including more complicated methodology and advanced script material. Emphasizes the combination of the individual actor’s performance style with the demands of the professional theatre arena.
THEA 177 Principles of Playwriting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
An introduction to the elements of writing a play for the stage emphasizing dramatic structure, dramatic action, relationship between dialogue and action, setting, theme and point of view. Students will be assigned writing exercises that culminate in a one-act play. Same as ENG 177, Principles of Playwriting.
THEA 178 Musical Theatre Techniques
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the development of the beginning fundamentals of acting, singing and movement for musical theatre through exercises, auditions, solo and group performances.
THEA 179 Musical Theatre Workshop
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: THEA 178
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Development and exploration of musical theatre skills. Students will become proficient musical theatre artists through theatrical exercises, audition and dance techniques and solo and group performances.
THEA 180 Intermediate Musical Theatre Techniques
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: THEA 178
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores intermediate level techniques of acting, singing and movement for musical theatre through theatrical exercises, auditions, solo and group performances.
THEA 181 Intermediate Musical Theatre Workshop
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: THEA 179
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Intermediate level development and exploration of musical theatre skills. Students will become proficient musical theatre artists through theatrical exercises, audition and dance techniques and solo and group performances.
THEA 186 Voice for the Actor
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An academic study and practical application of the efficient and effective use of the speaking voice, particularly in meeting the unique demands of acting for the stage. Focus will be placed on exercises designed to identify and correct breathing problems, diction problems, and to create conscious control of speech function.
THEA 190 Improvisation for Stage and Screen
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Exploration of the principles and techniques of improvisational acting designed to increase the actor's creativity, problem solving, and performance skills. This course also develops student awareness of the importance of the cooperative dynamics of theatre, television and film.
THEA 250 Advanced Theatre Production
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 70 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: THEA 150A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Practical experience performing an advanced level role in a series of public performances.
THEA 255 Motion Picture Performance Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Practical experience in performance production culminating in a fully produced feature film screened to the public. The final movie presentation becomes the basis for developing an actor reel. Students desiring an acting role must audition.
THEA 256 Intermediate Motion Picture Performance Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: THEA 255
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Intermediate level practical experience course in production culminating in a fully produced feature film screened to the public. The final movie presentation becomes the basis for developing an actor reel. Students desiring an acting role must audition.
THEA 257 Motion Picture Performance Production III
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: THEA 256
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Provides the continuing performance student opportunity to concentrate on more advanced acting methods and development of technique. Emphasizes the development of the individual actor’s performance style connecting the emotional life of a character to technical delivery on-screen.
THEA 258 Motion Picture Performance Production IV
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: THEA 257
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Continued study of on-camera acting technique including more complicated methodology and advanced script material. Emphasizes the combination of the individual actor’s performance style with the demands of working on a professional set.