Theatre Arts THEA

26 courses · Sierra College · 2026-2027 Catalog

Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027

THEA 0010A Acting I

Units
3
Hours
72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Transfers to
CSU, UC
C-ID
THTR 151

Analysis and practice of acting techniques focusing on volume and diction, breathing, posture, stage movement and positioning, gestures and listening. Practice of character interpretation and expression through improvisation, selected scenes and monologues. (C-ID THTR 151) (CSU, UC)

Offered: Fall 2026 (4 sections) · Spring 2027 (3 sections)

THEA 0010B Acting II

Units
3
Hours
72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Prerequisite
Completion of THEA 10A with grade of "C" or better
Formerly
DRMA 10B
Transfers to
CSU, UC
C-ID
THTR 152

Analysis and practice of acting techniques focusing on approach to character development with particular emphasis on the realistic convention. Activities include one or more acting projects, as well as work on both contemporary and classical monologues and scenes. (C-ID THTR 152) (CSU, UC)

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section) · Spring 2027 (1 section)

THEA 0011 Acting in Movement

Units
3
Hours
72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Formerly
DRMA 11
Transfers to
CSU, UC

This course takes a deep dive into the analysis and practice of movement styles to enhance acting technique applied on stage. Students will learn basic movement, control, relaxation, and interpretation of character through physical exploration and scene study. (CSU, UC)

Not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules.

THEA 0013 Introduction to Theatre

Units
3
Hours
54 lecture
Transfers to
CSU, UC
C-ID
THTR 111

Addresses the impact of theatre as it mirrors the human condition. Covers the social and political impact in the major historical periods, styles, and genres of theatre demonstrated by procedures, production practices, and contributions of significant individual artists, such as playwrights, actors, designers, and directors. Course is open to both majors and non-majors interested in acquiring a critical understanding and appreciation of theatre as a performing art. Required theatre production attendance. (C-ID THTR 111) (CSU, UC)

Offered: Fall 2026 (4 sections) · Spring 2027 (5 sections)

THEA 0014 Stagecraft

Units
3
Hours
90 (18 lecture, 72 activity)
Transfers to
CSU, UC
C-ID
THTR 171

Covers set construction for main stage productions. Students study tools, hardware, painting, and learn proper construction techniques. Fundamentals of rigging and machinery and how to mount and shift stage scenery are also included. (C-ID THTR 171) (CSU, UC)

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section) · Spring 2027 (1 section)

THEA 0015 Stage Lighting

Units
3
Hours
90 (18 lecture, 72 activity)
Transfers to
CSU, UC
C-ID
THTR 173

Covers basic principles of color, light sources and instruments, electricity, how to hang, do circuiting, create a cue sheet, lighting plot, and design elements for stage lighting to run a theatrical production. (C-ID THTR 173) (CSU, UC)

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section) · Spring 2027 (1 section)

THEA 0016A Costume History

Units
3
Hours
54 lecture
Transfers to
CSU, UC

Study of costumes from the Greek period to the present, with an emphasis on the use of historical costumes for the stage. Period costume design projects examined. Designed for both Theatre Arts majors and non-majors who are interested in acquiring an appreciation for and the terminology of apparel through history. (CSU, UC)

Offered: Spring 2027 (1 section)

THEA 0016B Costume Construction

Units
3
Hours
90 (18 lecture, 72 activity)
Transfers to
CSU, UC

Study and implementation of costume construction techniques, from pattern drafting and fabric selection to sewing, serging, fitting, draping, and distressing. (CSU, UC)

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)

THEA 0017 Stage Makeup

Units
3
Hours
90 (18 lecture, 72 activity)
Transfers to
CSU, UC
C-ID
THTR 175

Theory and practical application of stage make-up and prosthetics. Projects include facial structure alterations, "old age," character, supernatural, historical period makeup, and various faux injuries. Discussion and critique of student projects. (C-ID THTR 175) (CSU, UC)

Offered: Spring 2027 (1 section)

THEA 0018 Acting for Musical Theatre

Units
3
Hours
72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Prerequisite
Completion of MUS 10 with grade of "C" or better or permission from instructor following audition
Advisory
Completion of THEA 10A or MUS 39A with grade of "C" or better or at least one year of private vocal lessons
Transfers to
CSU, UC

Requisite acting techniques to be successful in performing in a Broadway style musical. While the focus of the course is on acting, proper techniques in singing and movement will also be included. Students will practice and perform solos and duets. Dance or heavy movement are not emphasized in this course. (CSU, UC)

Not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules.

THEA 0019A Stage Properties

Units
3
Hours
90 (18 lecture, 72 activity)
Transfers to
CSU, UC

Covers basic skills to create stage properties through a variety of construction and acquisition methods including locating, procuring, and fabricating specialized props for main stage productions. Students examine ways to utilize common, unusual and specialized materials. Includes period research for prop implementation and identification. (CSU, UC)

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)

THEA 0019B Scenic Painting

Units
3
Hours
90 (18 lecture, 72 activity)
Transfers to
CSU, UC

Study of scenic painting practices and standards including mixing and matching paints, implementing various painting techniques, and utilizing specialized and experimental materials and tools for practical use in theatrical productions. (CSU, UC)

Offered: Spring 2027 (1 section)

THEA 0021 Script Analysis

Units
3
Hours
54 lecture
Formerly
DRMA 21
Transfers to
CSU, UC
C-ID
THTR 114

This course introduces students to the fundamental applications of script analysis. Students will interpret and describe concepts and ideas related to historical and contemporary dramatic literature. Emphasis is placed on methods of interpreting play structure specific to use in acting, directing, design, and critical and social analysis. (C-ID THTR 114) (CSU, UC)

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)

THEA 0022A Production Crew I

Units
2
Hours
80 activity
Transfers to
CSU, UC
C-ID
THTR 192

Participation in a college production as a technical assistant or crew member. Focus on one or more of the following areas during the development of the play: run crew, properties crew, lightboard operator, spot light operator, sound technician, make-up, wardrobe, stage management, publicity, and/or house management. (C-ID THTR 192) (CSU, UC)

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section) · Spring 2027 (1 section)

THEA 0022B Production Crew II

Units
2
Hours
80 activity
Prerequisite
Completion of THEA 22A with grade of "C" or better
Transfers to
CSU, UC
C-ID
THTR 192

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in a college production as a member of the technical crew or production staff at an intermediate level of responsibility. Focus on one or more of the following areas during the development of the play: scenery building and painting, stage lighting, make-up, costuming, stage operations, publicity, and/or house management. (C-ID THTR 192) (CSU, UC)

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section) · Spring 2027 (1 section)

THEA 0022C Production Crew III

Units
2
Hours
80 activity
Prerequisite
Completion of THEA 22B with grade of "C" or better
Transfers to
CSU, UC
C-ID
THTR 192

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in a college production in an intermediate leadership level as a member of the production crew. Focus on one or more of the following areas during the development of the play: backstage crew, lightboard operator, sound technician, spotlight operator, make-up, wardrobe, stage management, publicity, and/or house management. (C-ID THTR 192) (CSU, UC)

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section) · Spring 2027 (1 section)

THEA 0022D Production Crew IV

Units
2
Hours
80 activity
Prerequisite
Completion of THEA 22C with grade of "C or better
Transfers to
CSU, UC
C-ID
THTR 192

Provides an opportunity to participate at an advanced leadership level as a member of the production crew, technical staff or design team of a college production. Focus on one or more of the following areas during the development of the play: scenery, lighting, make-up, wardrobe, stage management, publicity, and/or house management. (C-ID THTR 192) (CSU, UC)

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section) · Spring 2027 (1 section)

THEA 0023A Rehearsal and Performance - Cast I

Units
3
Hours
120 activity
Transfers to
CSU, UC
C-ID
THTR 191

The first of four courses that provides an opportunity for students to perform in their first role in a Sierra College production as a member of the cast. Students develop fundamental rehearsal and performance techniques. All actors are required to audition for roles. Acceptance into the class is determined on being cast in the production. (C-ID THTR 191) (CSU, UC)

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section) · Spring 2027 (1 section)

THEA 0023B Rehearsal and Performance - Cast II

Units
3
Hours
120 activity
Prerequisite
Completion of THEA 23A with grade of "C" or better
Transfers to
CSU, UC
C-ID
THTR 191

The second of four courses that provides an opportunity for students to perform in their second role in a Sierra College production as a member of the cast. Students investigate more sophisticated performance techniques as well as develop intermediate approaches to script analysis and characterization. All actors are required to audition for roles. Acceptance into the class is dependent upon being cast in the production. (C-ID THTR 191) (CSU, UC)

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section) · Spring 2027 (1 section)

THEA 0023C Rehearsal and Performance - Cast III

Units
3
Hours
120 activity
Prerequisite
Completion of THEA 23B with grade of "C" or better
Transfers to
CSU, UC
C-ID
THTR 191

The third of four courses that provides an opportunity for students to perform in their third role in a Sierra college production as a member of the cast. Students apply increasingly advanced rehearsal and performance techniques and style to complex and in-depth characters. All actors are required to audition for roles. Acceptance into the class is determined on being cast in the production. (C-ID THTR 191) (CSU, UC)

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section) · Spring 2027 (1 section)

THEA 0024 Stage Management

Units
3
Hours
90 (18 lecture, 72 activity)
Advisory
Completion of THEA 22A with grade of "C" or better
Transfers to
CSU, UC
C-ID
THTR 192

Introduces students to the step-by-step process of stage managing a full-scale, live theatrical production. Students will learn the requisite pre-production, post-production, and performance day responsibilities in order to effectively manage the production. Skills acquired for this course include methods of communication with director, designers, cast and crew in a leadership position, writing rehearsal reports, monitoring rehearsals, and posting adjustments to the rehearsal schedule, running paper tech, cue-to-cue rehearsals, and calling cues for the performance over headset. (C-ID THTR 192) (CSU, UC)

Offered: Spring 2027 (1 section)

THEA 0028 Independent Study

Units
1-3
Formerly
DRMA 28
Transfers to
CSU, UC (with unit limitation)

Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level in an area where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study might include, but is not limited to, research papers, special subject area projects, and research projects. See Independent Study page in catalog. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)

THEA 0029 Student Directed One Act Play Workshop

Units
3
Hours
81 (27 lecture, 54 activity)
Transfers to
CSU

Students will learn the basic requirements for mounting a one-act play from the perspectives of the director, backstage crew and actor. Classes will include lecture and rehearsal time culminating in a public performance of a one-act play. (CSU)

Offered: Spring 2027 (1 section)

THEA 0030 Diversity in American Theatre

Units
3
Hours
54 lecture
Advisory
Completion of THEA 13 with grade of "C" or better
Transfers to
CSU, UC

Introduction to the works and contributions of underrepresented communities to American theatre. The course will identify and deconstruct the historical references and significance of major playwrights, composers, and producing theatres created by Asian/Pacific Americans; Black/African Americans; Latinx Americans; European-Americans; Indigenous Americans; and other diverse groups. The theatrical works crafted by these populations will include subjects of race/racism, stereotypes, oppression, class, people with disabilities, and gender role/identity. Topics will be covered through readings, lectures, discussions, video, in addition to required viewing of play and musical productions. (CSU, UC)

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section) · Spring 2027 (1 section)

THEA 0095 Internship in Theatre Arts

Units
0.5-4
Formerly
DRMA 95
Transfers to
CSU (with unit limitation)

Designed for advanced students to work in an area related to their educational or occupational goal. Provides new on-the-job technical training under the direction of a worksite supervisor, allowing students to expand knowledge and skills in the chosen field. Mandatory orientation session and faculty approval to determine eligibility. One unit of credit is equal to 54 hours of work. Students may earn up to a total of 16 units in internship courses (any course numbered 95 and PDEV 94). (CSU-with unit limitation)

Not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules.

THEA 0809 Selected Topics in Film Studies

Units
0
Hours
8 to 54 lecture as scheduled
Formerly
DRMA 809

Course designed for older adults. Introduction to a series of films examined for originality, creative virtuosity, impact, structure, and direction. Selected films illustrate a specific dimension of film genre. Genres change with each offering. May be repeated. (noncredit)

Offered: Fall 2026 (4 sections) · Spring 2027 (4 sections)

View in the original catalog

Machine-readable: Markdown · JSON