Theater Arts
48 courses · Orange Coast College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
THEA A100 Introduction to Theatre
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with credit limitation)
An introductory lecture course which explores the process of creating theatre today, including the contributions of the playwright, actor, director and designer. Plays of varying genres will be viewed and discussed. Students will also review two live stage productions.
THEA A101 Introduction to History and Literature of the Theatre
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with credit limitation)
A lecture course exploring the history of theatre from the origins of theatre to today. The history and development of theatre and drama are studied in depth in relation to cultural, political and social conditions of the time. Important plays from each era will be viewed and discussed. Required for Theatre Arts majors working towards an AA-T degree.
THEA A102 Script Analysis
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with foundational tools for analyzing dramatic texts from a variety of theatrical traditions. Emphasis is placed on understanding structure, theme, character development, and historical context to support the interpretive work of actors, directors, designers, and dramaturgs. Students will analyze full-length and one-act plays through written assignments, in-class discussion, and applied exercises.
THEA A103 Theatre Improvisation- Short Form
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 lecture hours; 27 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
The student will rehearse and perform individual and group improvisational scenes and exercises. The goals of the course are to help performers work with ease in front of an audience or camera, and learn Improv Olympics and theatre sports techniques and rules.
THEA A104 Improvisation - Long Form
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 lecture hours; 27 lab hours
- Advisory
- THEA A103.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The student will rehearse and perform individual and group improvisational scenes and exercises. The goal of the course is to help performers work with ease in front of an audience or camera.
THEA A105 Drama and Acting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to acting and dramatic literature. Includes analysis of plays and dramatic structure, rehearsal techniques and performance of scenes and monologues.
THEA A106 Acting Fundamentals
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 lecture hours; 27 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 151
This course prepares a student to apply basic acting theory to performance and develops the skills of interpretation of drama through acting. Special attention is paid to skills for performance: memorization, stage movement, vocal production, and interpretation of text. Required for theatre arts majors.
THEA A107 Acting 2
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 lecture hours; 27 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- THEA A106 or intermediate acting experience/skills; This skill level will be validated by the instructor during the first week of the course.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 152
This course follows Acting Fundamentals and continues the exploration of theories and techniques used in preparation for the interpretation of drama through acting. The emphasis will be placed on deepening the understanding of the acting process through character analysis, monologues, and scenes.
THEA A110 Theatre Laboratory Level 1
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 108 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to technical theatre and the creation of scenic elements. Includes basic concepts of design, painting techniques, set construction, set movement, prop construction, backstage organization, and career possibilities. Students will work on OCC stage productions under faculty supervision.
THEA A111 Theatre Laboratory Level 2
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 108 lab hours
- Advisory
- THEA A110.
- Transfers to
- CSU
A laboratory course for the creation of scenic elements. Includes concepts of design, painting techniques, set construction, set movement, prop construction, backstage organization. Level 2 students will work on OCC stage productions on intermediate skill-level technical tasks including scenery building and painting, and prop building and backstage crew assignments.
THEA A112 Theatre Laboratory Level 3
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 108 lab hours
- Advisory
- THEA A111.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Level 3 students will work at an advanced skill-level in the scene shop or backstage on OCC stage productions supervising crews and projects and/or building, rigging or painting scenic and prop elements. Includes advanced level concepts of set and prop design and construction, painting techniques, set rigging and movement, backstage organization, and career possibilities.
THEA A113 Theatre Laboratory Level 4
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 108 lab hours
- Advisory
- THEA A112.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will work on OCC stage productions under faculty supervision. Technical tasks in the fourth semester include working as head carpenter, lead scenic painter or prop master on a production.
THEA A115 Acting for Camera and Stage
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Explores the translation of stage acting techniques into film and television acting.
THEA A120 Drama Rehearsal and Performance - Beginning
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 191
This course provides instruction and supervised participation in theatre rehearsal and performance of a dramatic play. Students will gain practical acting experience at an introductory level. Enrollment eligibility is based on a successful audition; this requirement will be validated by the instructor during the first week of enrollment.
THEA A121 Drama Rehearsal and Performance-Intermediate
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Advisory
- THEA A120 and successful audition.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides instruction and supervised participation in theatre rehearsal and performance of a dramatic play. Second semester students will gain intermediate skill level experience acting in ensemble or supporting dramatic roles. Enrollment eligibility is based on a successful audition; this requirement will be validated by the instructor during the first week of enrollment.
THEA A122 Drama Rehearsal and Performance - Advanced
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Advisory
- THEA A121 and successful audition.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides instruction and supervised participation in theatre rehearsal and performance of a dramatic play. Third semester students will gain advanced level practical acting experience in an ensemble, supporting or leading dramatic role. Enrollment eligibility is based on a successful audition; this requirement will be validated by the instructor during the first week of enrollment.
THEA A123 Comedy Rehearsal and Performance - Beginning
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides instruction and supervised participation in theatre rehearsal and performance of a comedic play. Students will gain practical acting experience at a beginning level. Enrollment eligibility is based on a successful audition; this requirement will be validated by the instructor during the first week of enrollment. C-ID THTR 191.
THEA A124 Comedy Rehearsal and Performance - Intermediate
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Advisory
- THEA A123 and successful audition.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides instruction and supervised participation in theatre rehearsal and performance of a comedic play. Second semester students at an intermediate level will gain practical acting experience in comic ensemble or supporting roles. Enrollment eligibility is based on a successful audition; this requirement will be validated by the instructor during the first week of enrollment.
THEA A125 Comedy Rehearsal and Performance - Advanced
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Advisory
- THEA A124 and successful audition.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides instruction and supervised participation in theatre rehearsal and performance of a comedic play. The third semester focuses at an advanced level on comic acting techniques and performance. Students in their third semester will gain practical experience in the performance of an ensemble, supporting or leading comic role. Enrollment eligibility is based on a successful audition; this requirement will be validated by the instructor during the first week of enrollment.
THEA A126 Musical Theatre Rehearsal and Performance - Beginning
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides instruction and supervised participation in theatre rehearsal and performance of a stage musical. Students will gain practical acting and singing experience at a beginning level. Enrollment eligibility is based on a successful audition; this requirement will be validated by the instructor during the first week of enrollment.
THEA A127 Musical Theatre Rehearsal and Performance - Intermediate
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Advisory
- THEA A126 and successful audition.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides instruction and supervised participation in theatre rehearsal and performance of a stage musical. Students in their second semester will gain practical experience in musical theatre performance. Students will rehearse and perform at an intermediate level in an ensemble or supporting role. Enrollment eligibility is based on a successful audition; this requirement will be validated by the instructor during the first week of enrollment.
THEA A128 Musical Theatre Rehearsal and Performance - Advanced
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Advisory
- THEA A127 and successful audition.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides instruction and supervised participation in theatre rehearsal and performance of a stage musical. Students in their third semester will work at an advanced level of skill on characterization, vocal and acting technique in an ensemble, supporting or leading role. Enrollment eligibility is based on a successful audition; this requirement will be validated by the instructor during the first week of enrollment.
THEA A129 Technical Theatre Practicum
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- THTR 192
Students will gain practical experience in the application of production responsibilities in any of the following: stage management, house management, construction of scenery, properties or costume, lighting, sound, and running crews of a faculty-directed play.
THEA A131 OCC Theatre Repertory 1
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This is "The Rep," a student-run theatre company. Students will collaborate under faculty supervision to plan and produce several plays. First semester students will choose two or more areas of play production in which to take part. Play production aspects include backstage duties such as technical production, crew, or stage management, acting in student-directed plays, or management duties such as planning, publicity and ushering. This course gives students hands-on experience which extends and enriches experience beyond previous beginning acting and technical courses.
THEA A132 OCC Theatre Repertory 2
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Advisory
- THEA A131.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This is "The Rep." Second-semester students will work at a higher skill level on more complex tasks in at least two aspects of play production while staging a series of stage plays. Play production aspects including acting, design, publicity, technical production, stage management and house management will be practiced. This course extends and enriches experience beyond previous courses.
THEA A133 OCC Theatre Repertory 3
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Advisory
- THEA A132.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This is "The Rep." Experienced students in their third semester will collaborate with others to plan and produce several plays at an advanced skill-level in one or more aspects of play production. Aspects of play production include acting, design, playwriting, publicity, technical production, stage management, production management and house management. This course extends and enriches the student's specific skills and experience at an advanced level.
THEA A134 OCC Theatre Repertory 4
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Advisory
- THEA A133.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students in their fourth semester with "The Rep" will take part in planning and producing several plays in a position requiring experience, advanced skills and responsibility, such as director, designer, production manager, artistic director, leading actor, etc.
THEA A144 Summer Theatre Festival
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students participate in the pre-production, planning, audition, rehearsal, and performance of a theatrical production or productions in repertory.
THEA A145 Touring Production 1
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will participate in elements of presenting a show at various locations. These elements will include: acting, set design, set construction, lighting, sound design, costuming, make up, and interaction with audiences through question and answer sessions. This course may require occasional overnight stays. Roles are assigned through audition.
THEA A146 Touring Production 2
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Advisory
- THEA A145.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will participate at an intermediate skill level in one or more production aspects presenting a touring show at various locations. These aspects include: acting, technical design and production, and stage management. Students will also learn to interact with audiences during question and answer sessions. Acting roles are assigned through audition.
THEA A165 Stagecraft Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to stage craft activities including scenery construction, set painting, light rigging, stage props and theatre operations.
THEA A172 Elizabethan Play Workshop and Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides instruction and supervised participation in theatre and rehearsal and performance of a play from or influenced by the Elizabethan era. Auditions will be held the first week of the class, and students will be assigned roles based on these auditions.
THEA A175 Stage Scenery
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 lecture hours; 27 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 171
An in-depth study of all the diverse theatre crafts such as scenery construction, scene painting, and properties, and a survey study of theatre design. The historical development and major trends of stagecraft will be studied. Students will prepare a practical project consisting of a scene design or scale model. Required for students planning to transfer to CSU Long Beach and Fullerton.
THEA A176 Stage Lighting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 lecture hours; 27 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 173
This course involves the study and execution of stage lighting with emphasis on equipment, control, color and their relationship to design. Students will participate in the lighting of college productions.
THEA A177 Make-Up
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 lecture hours; 27 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 175
A practical introduction to basic make-up techniques for theatre and film.
THEA A178 Stage Costuming
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 lecture hours; 27 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 174
An introduction to costuming techniques for the theatre and entertainment industry. Topics include basic costume construction and alteration techniques, costume craft tools and materials, mask making and an introduction to costume design methods.
THEA A181 Arts Internship
- Units
- 1-2
- Hours
- 54-108 other hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
A supervised internship related to classroom-based learning at a work site related to the student’s certificate program.
THEA A182 Advanced Make-Up
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 lecture hours; 27 lab hours
- Advisory
- THEA A177.
- Transfers to
- CSU
An advanced course in film and stage make-up techniques. Class will cover advanced make-up application which will include design, sculpting, molding, casting and finishing techniques of a prosthetic make-up.
THEA A188 Body Movement for the Actor
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 lecture hours; 27 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Instruction in using the body as an expressive instrument in performance. Strength, flexibility, relaxation, control, and body relationship will be studied.
THEA A189 Stage Combat
- Units
- 2.5
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours; 27 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Fundamentals of stage combat emphasizing such weapons as quarterstaff, foil, epee, sabre, broadsword, rapier, and dagger. Such stunt techniques as fist fighting and falls are included. Strongly recommended for acting majors and theatre arts teachers.
THEA A200 Voice and Articulation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores vocal techniques for actors including warm-up techniques, phonetics, projection, articulation and the use of regional accents.
THEA A206 Acting 3
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 lecture hours; 27 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Advanced techniques based on the study, analysis, rehearsal, and performance of dramatic scenes. Areas of concentration include projection and articulation, goal discovery and setting, and the use of imagery and connection.
THEA A207 Acting 4
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 lecture hours; 27 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Advanced acting techniques with particular emphasis on stage diction. Units of study include phonetics, voice projection, vocal quality, dialects, and the application of vocal techniques to dramatic literature. Required of theatre arts majors.
THEA A215 Rehearsal and Performance 1
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Participation in the rehearsal and public performance of a theatrical production. Area of involvement (acting, technical, house management) will be determined by instructor with student to satisfy individual expectations.
THEA A216 Rehearsal and Performance 2
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- THEA A215.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will work collaboratively at an advanced skill level to produce and perform a play. Each student's area of involvement will be in one or more of the following areas: acting, technical, stage management, or house management. Student's area of involvement will be determined by the instructor with the student to satisfy individual expectations. Actors must audition for roles. 14 arranged Lab Hours.
THEA A275 Directing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces and explores the basic principles of stage direction.
THEA A285 Advanced Directing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Advisory
- THEA A275.
- Transfers to
- CSU
An advanced practicum in stage direction. Students in their second semester will work independently under faculty supervision to direct or stage manage a play or project in the OCC Theatre Department.
THEA A001N Theater Performance and Production for Lifelong Learning
- Hours
- 108 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- Successful audition or interview required for enrollment.
This noncredit course provides practical participation in the performance and technical theater aspects of live theatrical productions presented to the community. Genres will include classical and contemporary plays and musicals presented at Orange Coast College. Performers will learn acting and other performance skills which may include dance, solo and choral singing, and audition techniques. Technical theater students will develop technical proficiency in theater production or in stage management. Performers and technicians will be selected through the audition/interview process. Open Entry/Open Exit. NOT DEGREE APPLICABLE.