Theatre Arts Course Descriptions

This class provides an overview of theatre and its many facets, including the art of the actor, director, designer, and playwright. Students are involved in the reading of plays, the writing of scenes, and the viewing of at least one live performance. Class hrs. 3.

A survey of Western Drama from the ancient Greeks to the present, tracing the evolution of the art form and its influence/impact on human society throughout the ages. Prerequisite: ENG 101 Composition & Literature I.

This course provides an overview of the most common practices and skills involved in the design of scenery lighting and sound for theatrical productions. Class hrs. 3. Prerequisite: THEAT 108 Stagecraft Workshop I. Not offered every semester.

This hands-on course provides an overview of the most common practices, materials, and tools involved in the creation of scenery, lighting, sound, and prop construction for theatrical productions. The class employs productions of the college’s theatre troupe, Theatre Connection, as a lab to gain practical experience in the execution of skills learned. Class hrs. 3.

This class builds on the foundation of Stagecraft I but requires advanced critical thinking and decision making on theoretical projects. The class employs Westchester Community College Theatre Connection productions as a lab to gain practical experience in the execution of advanced skills learned. Class hrs. 3. Prerequisite: THEAT 108 Stagecraft Workshop I.

An introduction to the craft of acting. Acting skills are explored and developed through both structured and improvised classroom activities. The emphasis of this course is on liberating the student’s creative energy and expression. Class hrs. 3.

Skills acquired in Acting I are further developed, and applied to monologues selected from contemporary dramatic literature. Audition techniques and text analysis are explored so that each student leaves the course with a monologue that they can confidently perform at auditions. Class hrs. 3. Prerequisite: THEAT 111 Acting I.

Participation in instant Theatre experiences from which the individual learns to make the most of the moment psychologically, sociologically, and aesthetically. Class hrs. 2. Prerequisite: THEAT 111 Acting I. Not offered every semester.

This course provides the opportunity for practical experience in all elements of Theatre production, from set construction to acting to stage managing. Students set specific goals for the semester with their instructor and carry out their project responsibilities within their own schedule. Permission of instructor required for enrollment.

Continuation of Practicum I with emphasis on new areas of experience or new acting challenges. Permission of instructor required for enrollment.

The focus in Acting III is to combine all of the skills acquired in Acting I and Acting II and apply them to partnered scenes. This is primarily a scene study course. Class hrs. 3. Prerequisite: THEAT 113 Acting II. Offered spring semester.

Continuation of Practicum II with emphasis on additional theatre training and responsibility. Permission of instructor required for enrollment.