Courses

This course offers an introduction to the basic construction methods, materials and techniques employed in the scene shop. Students will also develop skills in producing large-scale scenic painting and texturing effects through multiple in-class projects. (3 units; Fall)

This course provides a foundation for the student actor and designer in the materials, tools, and application techniques of stage and film makeup. Students will develop skills in brush and sponge application techniques, the design of old age and character specific facial alterations, historical makeup effects and three-dimensional appliances. Students will develop an appreciation of relative viewing distance in the level of subtlety of makeup effects for theatre versus film. Each student will assemble a makeup kit that will be used to prepare projects in class and for productions. Additional lab fee. (2 units; Fall)

This course is designed to acquaint the student with the fundamental skills necessary to acting and to explore the basic elements of the actor's art. This course will explore the physical, vocal, intellectual, and technical aspects of acting in a format that encourages freedom of imagination and personal growth. Additionally, the course will explore the connections between faith and theatre and the ways in which God's truth is embedded within the fabric of both the plays themselves and the actor's work. Prerequisite: Theatre Major, or Minor. (3 units; Fall)

This course will serve as an introduction to the collaborative nature of design and stage management in theatrical productions. Each of the four major areas of design; scenic, costume, lighting, and audio will be explored through projects and the critical viewing of plays on film and live productions. Basic techniques of stage management and production protocols will be explored through exercises and the creation of a prompt script. (3 units; Spring)

This course is designed to introduce the student to the skills and techniques of dramatic writing for stage and screen. Students will develop a deeper understanding of performative texts through the application of dramatic analysis, research, writing, and critical thinking. Using the techniques of the Dramaturg, the course teaches how play analysis contributes to the realization of theatrical productions. (3 units; Spring)

Drama Outreach explores the diverse applications of theatre in the real world, including youth theater programs, parachurch ministries, faith or church-based theatre, TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences), and drama therapy. Students gain practical skills, examine ethical considerations, and integrate Christian faith principles, preparing to use drama as an influential resource for connection, healing, and community engagement. (3 units; Fall)

Practical training in the areas of acting, directing, and stage management. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a fully realized production, from auditions through to performance. This course consists of regular rehearsals and performances. May be taken for variable credit. Multiple sections will be offered, and students will enroll in the section assigned to their show. (1-3 units; Fall)

Practical training in the areas of acting, directing, and stage management. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a fully realized production, from auditions through to performance. This course consists of regular rehearsals and performances. May be taken for variable credit. (1-3 units; Spring)

Practical hands-on training in the areas of scenic construction, stage lighting, and sound production, costume construction and backstage crew assignments. May be taken for variable credit. (1-3 units; Fall)

Practical hands-on training in the areas of scenic construction, stage lighting, and sound production, costume construction and backstage crew assignments. May be taken for variable credit. (1-3 units; Spring)

This class provides a theological and philosophical foundation for studying the performing arts. This course examines the relationship between beauty, the arts, and the Christian life and worship. It is primarily designed as an examination of the aesthetic, cultural, and creative components of the performing arts, but it will also explore other art forms, philosophies of culture, and the arts' capacities for spiritual formation. Giving particular attention to music and theatre, this course will examine the role that the arts play in society, in the church, and in Christian worship. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

The first part of a two-part review of the development of theatre, with a detailed study of the origins of drama in religious ritual and the beginnings of formalized theatre in Classical Greece through the French Neoclassical Period. Nine plays will be studied in detail during the course, and students will be asked to specifically engage with the material from the Christian worldview to explore how God's truth may be represented within the work. (3 units; Fall, even years)

The second part of a two-part review of the development of theatre, with a detailed study of the beginnings of modern theatre including the English Restoration, 18th-century Sentimentalism, the birth of Realism and the revolt against Realism, experimental and political theatre, and current trends today. Ten plays will be studied in detail during the course, and students will be asked to specifically engage with the material from the Christian worldview to explore how God's truth may be represented within the work. Prerequisite: THE 332. (3 units; Spring, odd years)

Students will review their personal and professional development based upon their baccalaureate experiences at California Baptist University. Students will evaluate their growth and development through the program and demonstrate evidence of growth through artifacts accumulated over the course of their baccalaureate career. Students will demonstrate critical self-reflection and present a comprehensive portfolio with the potential to be used in professional or graduate school application. Pass/Fail. (1 unit; Fall/Spring)

The study of the basic techniques of stage direction including play analysis, director/actor and director/designer communication, and technical problems of movement, composition, picturization, and blocking. Students will practice the craft by presenting in-depth research and script analysis and directing scene work. Prerequisites: THE 183, and 232. (3 units; Spring, even years)

The student will learn how to use drama and theatre activities both for and with children, and how they can incorporate drama into education by creating lesson plans and planning specific assignments. The student will also develop skills in oral interpretation and storytelling to become a more interesting and expressive teacher. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

Practical training in the areas of acting, directing, and stage management. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a fully realized production, from auditions through to performance. This course consists of regular rehearsals and performances. May be taken for variable credit. (1-3 units; Fall)

Practical training in the areas of acting, directing, and stage management. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a fully realized production, from auditions through to performance. This course consists of regular rehearsals and performances. May be taken for variable credit. (1-3 units; Spring)

Practical hands-on training in the areas of scenic construction, stage lighting, and sound production, costume construction and backstage crew assignments. Advanced students will be encouraged to assume leadership positions as crew chiefs, designers, and master electricians. May be taken for variable credit. (1-3 units; Fall)

Practical hands-on training in the areas of scenic construction, stage lighting, and sound production, costume construction and backstage crew assignments. Advanced students will be encouraged to assume leadership positions as crew chiefs, designers, and master electricians. May be taken for variable credit. (1-3 units; Spring)

This course introduces students to the fundamental components of the art of scenic design and the skills required for drafting and rendering. Students will learn methods and techniques for pre-visualizing design concepts within the play production process with a focus on using digital modeling software. Traditional techniques in model building, rendering, costume plates and concept sketching will also be explored. Techniques of pitching a design through pre-visualization will be examined through mock design projects and production scenarios. (3 units; Fall, odd years)

Advanced study and application of 3-Dimensional makeup techniques with a focus on foam latex prosthetics. Students will develop skills in life casting, mold making, sculpting, casting and running foam latex. Students will learn advanced painting and makeup application techniques required for blending prosthetics with human skin. Students will also explore techniques for using gelatin makeup for large wound and facial trauma effects. Additional lab fee. (3 units; Spring, even years)

This course explores the techniques, equipment, and methods employed in the design of lighting for the stage. Students will learn to calculate electrical loads, choose appropriate instruments, make color choices, and create plots and schedules to communicate design concepts through projects and exercises. Students will be introduced to moving light technology and digital control protocols. Prerequisites: THE 111, and 211. (3 units; Fall, even years)

This course focuses on the production of scenic designs for the stage. Students will employ period architectural research, play analysis, and three-dimensional digital modeling software to complete multiple scenic design problems. Prerequisites: THE 111, and 211. (3 units; Spring, odd years)

This course focuses on the recording, editing, and digital playback of sound effects for the stage. Students will explore sound system design and placement, field recording techniques, and digital signal processing through the creation of sound design exercises. Prerequisites: THE 111, and 211. (3 units; Fall, odd years)

This course will explore techniques of period fashion research, character analysis and costume construction methods in the creation of costume designs for the stage. Prerequisites: THE 111 and 211. (3 units; Spring, even years)

This course introduces students to career opportunities that utilize theatrical design principles and techniques rooted in established design curricula. This course will provide an overview of searching, presenting, and implementing designs in themed entertainment, industrial, festival, and concert design. Prerequisites: THE 111 and 211. Pre- or Co- Requisite: THE 432. (3 units; Spring, odd years)

A review of music fundamentals, intensive study of basic concepts of music theory for the music major, introduction to music notation software. Concert attendance requirement. Concurrent requisite: MUS 115. (3 units; Fall)

Introductory experiences in sight-singing and ear-training. Concurrent Requisite: MUS 114. (1 unit; Fall).htm

Continued development of aural skills and introduction to keyboard harmony and improvisation. Prerequisite: MUS 115; Concurrent requisite: MUS 124. (1 unit; Spring)

Private Instruction is offered with material and performance of increasing difficulty as the student develops. Students must arrange a lesson time before or during the first week of classes in the School of Music office or with the instructor. Twelve (12) half-hour lessons will be offered per unit. Students are expected to perform in Student Recitals and a Jury Exam. May be repeated for credit. Additional private instruction fee. Prerequisite: Declared Music Major or Minor. (1-2 units; Fall/Spring)

Private Instruction is offered with material and performance of increasing difficulty as the student develops. Students must arrange a lesson time before or during the first week of classes in the School of Performing Arts office or with the instructor. Twelve (12) half-hour lessons will be offered per unit. Students are expected to perform in Student Recitals and a Jury Exam. May be repeated for a maximum of twenty-four (24) units. Additional private instruction fee. Prerequisites: MUS 081, declared Music major or minor, and successful completion of Applied Music Proficiency. (1-2 units; Fall/Spring)

This course focuses on freeing and strengthening an actor's voice for expressiveness in performance. It will develop the voice through a focus on awareness of inner space, alignment, breath, resonance, and articulation. Students will learn the International Phonetic Alphabet in preparation for beginning stage dialect work. (3 units; Spring)

This course focuses on the mechanics of the actor's body, explores how the body becomes an element of communication in theatre, and works toward freeing up the actor's body to communicate. Students will be introduced to a variety of movement techniques and theories. (3 units; Fall, odd years)

This course introduces students to the basics of musical theatre dance. Students will study a variety of theories, techniques, and major choreographers of the stage. Students will build competencies with short dance combinations and entire choreographed pieces that reflect the diversity of styles used in musical theatre. (2 units; Spring)

This class will focus on Broadway Tap, blending traditional tap with musical theatre style dance. Students will be introduced to classical and rhythmic tap styles as foundational tap techniques. Focus will be on rhythm, musicality, coordination, timing, and application of those elements in performance. The history of tap and its vernacular evolution in America is studied, looking closely at how tap has informed musical theatre dance through the years. May be repeated for one (1) time for a maximum of four (4) units. (2 units; Fall)

Musical Theatre Song Study I is a performance workshop course designed both to create a foundation of knowledge of the industry repertoire and to continue growth in acting and musicianship. Students will first learn to apply their character/text analysis skills to songs, as well as understand the impact of style, time period, and genre in musical theatre. Students will memorize and perform new material each week as they explore composers from Gilbert & Sullivan (1870s) up to the Golden Age with Rodgers and Hammerstein II (1950s). Prerequisites: MUS 114, 115, and 125. (2 units; Fall)

A continuation of Acting I: Fundamentals of Acting, this course is designed to further explore the actor's art, and continue to develop the individual's technique. This course specifically focuses on the intellectual work of an actor as well as the relationship between actors onstage. Additionally, the course will explore the connections between faith and theatre and the ways in which God's truth is embedded within the fabric of both the plays themselves and the actor's work. (3 units; Fall, odd years)

This course serves as a practical survey of the major choreographers who have contributed to the Musical Theatre canon. Students research Broadway choreographers and identify how innovations changed musical theatre in their time and shaped the form as we know it today. Students will learn and perform signature pieces from each choreographer. May be repeated one (1) time for a maximum of four (4) units. Prerequisite: THE 233. (2 units; Spring)

Musical Theatre Song Study II is a musical theatre performance workshop course and is a continuation of Musical Theatre Song Study I. Students will memorize and perform new material each week as they explore composers from Sondheim (1960s) to contemporary composers including Jason Robert Brown. Students will compile their musical theatre knowledge and experiences with a special topics paper. Prerequisites: MUS 114, 115, 125, and THE 270. (2 units; Spring)

Students work on the craft of auditioning while also preparing professional materials required for self-management of a career in acting. Students will work on understanding their character type, practice cold read and interview skills, self-tape technique, and learn the basics of what an actor needs to market themselves as a professional, including the headshot, resume, reel, website, and union membership. Additional focus on professional fields that are theatre-adjacent. Prerequisite: THE 183, 283, and 383. (3 units; Spring, even years)

This course focuses on freeing and strengthening an actor's voice for expressiveness in performance. It will develop the voice through a focus on awareness of inner space, alignment, breath, resonance, and articulation. Students will learn the International Phonetic Alphabet in preparation for beginning stage dialect work. (3 units; Spring)

This course focuses on the mechanics of the actor's body, explores how the body becomes an element of communication in theatre, and works toward freeing up the actor's body to communicate. Students will be introduced to a variety of movement techniques and theories. (3 units; Fall, odd years)

Students will learn strategies for building truthful performances in a multi-camera studio environment. Participants will refine acting techniques through monologs, sensory exercises, and beginning scene study work. Open to all students. (3 units; Spring)

A continuation of Acting I: Fundamentals of Acting, this course is designed to further explore the actor's art, and continue to develop the individual's technique. This course specifically focuses on the intellectual work of an actor as well as the relationship between actors onstage. Additionally, the course will explore the connections between faith and theatre and the ways in which God's truth is embedded within the fabric of both the plays themselves and the actor's work. (3 units; Fall, odd years)

Stage Combat offers a beginning study of the principles and practices of contemporary unarmed and rapier stage combat. Topics explored will include a variety of safety standards, storytelling techniques, and practical considerations of staging the illusion of unarmed and armed conflict for the stage. Students will learn principles such as cue-reaction-action, partnering, distance and measure, reversal of energy, the pyramid of safety, and victim-controlled techniques. Principles will be implemented through direct practice and performance of stage combat techniques and choreography. Additional course fee (TRAD only). (3 units; Spring, odd years)

Advanced scene work in a multi-camera environment. Students learn to scale performances to the shot, dig deeper into character development, clarify subtext, and to emotionally connect to challenging material. All performances are recorded for critique by the instructor and for student self-assessment, through daily journaling. Prerequisite: COM 113, THE 133, 183, or 230. (3 units; Spring, even years)

An introduction to the skills necessary for performing various periods and styles of theatre, including Shakespearean texts. Through reading, analysis and performance work, the student will grow to understand how different styles have demands that differ from Realism, and be able to implement those differences to deliver performances with clarity and understanding. Prerequisites: THE 183 and 283. (3 units; Spring, odd years)

Students work on the craft of auditioning while also preparing professional materials required for self-management of a career in acting. Students will work on understanding their character type, practice cold read and interview skills, self-tape technique, and learn the basics of what an actor needs to market themselves as a professional, including the headshot, resume, reel, website, and union membership. Additional focus on professional fields that are theatre-adjacent. Prerequisite: THE 183, 283, and 383. (3 units; Spring, even years)