Undergraduate Level Courses
TH 102. Theatre: Form and Content (3)
Foundation course for the theatre major and minor. Introduction to theatre as an art form; its relationship to its audience and the other arts; the collaborative role of theatre artists in preparing and presenting live theatrical productions; analysis of textual form. Regular critical writing assignments and attendance at selected university-sponsored and professional theatre events required.
TH 110. Plays and Players (3)
Not open to theatre majors. Introduction to theatre through an emphasis on experiencing the play. Consideration of the theatre as an art form through play going and play-reading. (Available for General Education, Arts and Humanities)
TH 111. Actors and Acting (3)
Not open to theatre majors. Introduction to theatre through an emphasis upon its central performer, the actor. Illustrative acting exercises. (Available for General Education, Arts and Humanities)
TH 120/L. Arts Immersion: Theatre and Lab (1/1)
Prerequisite: Limited to students in the ITEP-Freshman Option. Corequisite: TH 120L.Introductory course in which students engage in the study and practice of theatre and process drama. Exploration of the role of playwright, director, designer, actor, technician and dramaturg/critic as they relate to the art of theatre and the design of drama experiences for children. Focuses on identifying and experiencing the relationship of theatre and drama experiences for children to learning and achievement. Students are expected to apply and integrate the knowledge of the art form under study to all of the arts, and to address the five standards of the Visual and Performing Arts Framework in a holistic manner. Includes 1 hour of lecture; two hours of lab per week.
TH 142. Introduction to Theatre Performance (2)
Recommended Corequisite: TH 142A.Introduction to theatre performance; studio experiences exploring the foundation skills in acting and directing and the relationship of the actor and director. Fourhours per week.
TH 142A. Stage Voice and Movement (1)
Recommended Corequisite: TH 142.Understanding the function of voice and movement training; introduction to physical and vocal awareness; foundation exercises for the development of voice and body for the actor. Two hours per week
TH 190. Theatre Production Participation (1-1)
Participation in various aspects of Theatre CSUN’s production program: acting, directing, technical, or managerial assignments. May be repeated once.
TH 191. Production Practicum (0-0-0)
Required of all lower division theatre majors. Carries no unit credit but validates production participation. (Credit/No Credit only)
TH 242. Basic Acting Technique (3)
Prerequisites: TH 102; 142/A.Recommended Corequisite: 242A. Studio course that explores the vocabulary, elements, and skills of the actor’s craft through group work, prepared exercises, improvisation, monologues, and scenes. Lecture six hours per week.
TH 242A. Stage Voice Movement Technique (1)
Prerequisites: TH 102; 142/A.Recommended Corequisite: 242. Development and refinement of exercises to promote optimum use of voice, speech, and body as tools for the actor. Two hours per week.
TH 249. Tutorial in Performance Skills (1-1-1-1)
Prerequisite: Audition.Diagnosis of individual strengths and weaknesses in performance skills; individual tutorials directed at improvement of skills and correction of problems. Complements work in Theatre CSUN’s production program. May be repeated three times. (Credit/No Credit only)
TH 261. Fundamentals of Scenery and Properties Technology (2)
Prerequisite: TH 102.Practical introduction to the theories and application of construction techniques for the scenic environment; visual language, principles, techniques, and tools used in creating scenery and properties; safety in the theatre. Required participation in a university-sponsored production.
TH 262. Fundamentals of Costume Technology (2)
Prerequisite: TH 102.Practical introduction to the theory and application of costume and accessory construction for the stage; use of equipment, fabrics, and materials appropriate to costume technology. Required participation in a university-sponsored production.
TH 263. Fundamentals of Lighting and Sound Technology (2)
Prerequisites: TH 102; 261.Introduction to technical principles and applications of stage lighting and sound; basic lighting and sound equipment, nomenclature, skills, and practices used in creating lighting and sound for stage productions. Required participation in a university-sponsored production.
TH 276. Production Preparation and Performance: Theatre for Young Audiences (3)
Prerequisite: Audition/Interview.Preparation and performance of a university-sponsored production for young audiences.
TH 284. Touring Theatre (3)
Prerequisite: Audition/Interview.Participation in the preparation and presentation of a university-sponsored touring theatre production.
TH 290. Theatre Production Participation (1-1)
Participation in various aspects of Theatre CSUN’s production program: acting, directing, technical, or managerial assignments. May be repeated once.
TH 296A-Z. Experimental Topics Courses in Theatre (1-3, 1-3)
Prerequisite: Consult Theatre Department office.Experimental courses in theatre with course content to be determined. May be repeated once.
Upper Division
TH 304. Process Drama and the Child (1)
Prerequisite: TH 120; Restricted to students in the ITEP-Freshman Option.Provides students the opportunity to revisit Theatre and apply their knowledge of this area to working with children and develop skills as a leader of drama experiences for children through the practice of planning, implementing and evaluating drama experiences with peers and in the context of field based-settings. Two hours of lab per week.
TH 310. Theatre in Performance (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement.Not open to theatre majors. Introduction to the theatre through the experience of attending performances, preparatory lectures, and post- performance discussions and critiques. Critical writing assignments required. (Available for General Education, Arts and Humanities)
TH 315. World Drama (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. and upper division standing.Not open to theatre majors. Survey of world dramatic literature from primitive times to the present. Studies masterpieces of drama from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. (Available for General Education, Arts and Humanities) (IC)
TH 322A. World Theatre and Drama I (3)
Prerequisite: TH 102.Introductory survey of the history and literature of the western theatre from primitive times through the 18th century. Critical writing assignments required.
TH 322B. World Theatre and Drama II (3)
Prerequisite: TH 102.Introductory survey of the history and literature of the western theatre from the 19th century to the present. Critical writing assignments required.
TH 322C. World Theatre and Drama III (3)
Prerequisite: TH 102.Introductory survey of the history and literature of the traditional and contemporary theatres of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Critical writing assignments required.
TH 339. Improvisational Comedy (3)
Prerequisite: Audition. Introduction to the techniques of improvisational comedy. Develops as an improvisation troupe and subsequently presents public performances.
TH 342. Intermediate Stage Movement (2)
Prerequisites: TH 242/A.Intermediate training of the body for stage movement; exercise for strength, flexibility, relaxation, control; physicalization and movement as a part of character development. Fourhours per week.
TH 343. Intermediate Stage Voice and Speech (3)
Prerequisites: TH 242/A.Intermediate theory and practice of voice and speech in the theatre. Exercises in stage diction, vocal techniques, phonetics. Six hours per week.
TH 344. Stage Dialects (2)
Prerequisite: TH 343.Study of selected stage dialects. Four hours per week.
TH 345. Acting On Camera (3)
Prerequisites: TH 348 and completion of lower division requirements in theatre major. Other majors consult department for equivalency.Prepares the student for the particular demands of acting in front of the camera. Techniques of blocking, text analysis, cold-reading, character presentation, scene preparation, vocabulary, camera shots. Six hours per week.
TH 346. Musical Theatre Workshop I (3)
Prerequisites: MUS 238A and completion of lower division requirements in theatre major.Study of the special acting, vocal, and movement skills required for performance in musical theatre. Six hours per week.
TH 347. Musical Theatre Workshop II (3)
Prerequisites: TH 346 and Audition.Application of basic acting, vocal, and movement skills acquired in TH 346. Musical scene study and performance. Class meets six hours per week.
TH 348. Acting the Text (2)
Prerequisites: TH 242/A.Dramatic structure; methods of text analysis for the actor; application through lab experience to specific texts and scenes. Fourhours per week.
TH 349. Scene Study (3)
Prerequisite: TH 348. Recommended Corequisites or Preparatory: TH 342; 343.Studio course emphasizing text analysis, character development, and scene study; application of these skills to modern and contemporary dramatic texts. Six hours per week.
TH 350. Cultural and Historical Perspectives for Theatre (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of lower division requirements in theatre major. Preparatory: TH 322A/B.Historical elements as they relate to the staging of period plays: history of architecture, furniture, costume, social modes and manners. Development of dramaturgical research skills. Extensive writing and analysis required.
TH 355. Principles of Stage Design (2)
Prerequisites: Completion of lower division requirements in theatre major and one of the following: TH 322A/B/C. Other majors- consult department advisor for equivalency.Introduction to the discursive and non-discursive aspects of stage design, including process, techniques, and language of collaborative production artists; conceptualization of dramatic action, mood, and style through a range of media. Extensive critique of work in progress. Fourhours per week.
TH 357. Theatre Design Presentation Techniques (3)
Prerequisites: TH 355 and completion of lower division requirements in theatre major.Studio course exploring media, rendering techniques, and model building for theatre design. Emphasis on depicting scenery and costumes. Six hours per week.
TH 361A. Intermediate Scenery and Properties Technology (2)
Prerequisite: Completion of lower division requirements in theatre major.Intermediate principles of realizing technical designs for the stage; construction technology, finishing, rigging, and materials. Required participation in a university-sponsored production.
TH 361B. Intermediate Scenic Art Techniques (2)
Prerequisite: completion of lower division requirements in theatre major.Practical experience in the media, tools, and techniques used in the art of scene painting; class projects. Required participation in a university-sponsored production.
TH 362A. Intermediate Costume Technology (2)
Prerequisite: completion of lower division requirements in theatre major.Intermediate principles of theory and application of costume construction for the stage; use of equipment, fabrics, and materials appropriate to costume technology. Required participation in a university-sponsored production.
TH 362B. Intermediate Costume Crafts (2)
Prerequisite: Completion of lower division requirements in theatre major.Intermediate principles of theory and application of costume crafts for the stage; use of equipment, fabrics, and materials appropriate to costume accessory and craft making; preparation of appropriate accessories. Required participation in a university-sponsored production.
TH 363A. Intermediate Lighting Technology (2)
Prerequisite for Theatre major: completion of lower division requirements in theatre major. Other majors-consult department advisor for equivalency.Intermediate course exploring stage lighting, projection equipment, lighting control systems, optical systems, color theory, and current lighting graphic standards as they apply to stage, film, and video. Required participation in a university-sponsored production.
TH 363B. Intermediate Sound Technology (2)
Prerequisite: Completion of lower division requirements in theatre major.Study of the use of sound technology in live theatre production. Extensive work with sound generation and sound modification equipment; contemporary practices in sound design and implementation. Required participation in a university sponsored production.
TH 367. Advanced Makeup (2)
Prerequisite: TH 350.Practical experience in the application and design of makeup for the stage. Required participation in a university-sponsored production.
TH 371/L. Creative Drama and Lab (2/1)
Corequisite: TH 371L.Theory and techniques for developing the creative capacities of children and young people through dramatization; participation and leadership in creative drama. Fourhours per week.
TH 376. Production Preparation and Performance: Theatre for Young Audiences (3)
Prerequisite: Audition/Interview.Preparation and performance of a university-sponsored production for young audiences.
TH 381. Management Techniques for the Theatre (1)
Prerequisite: completion of lower division requirements in theatre major.Basic principles in management with emphasis on theatrical applications; personnel, time, budgeting, procedures, organization, safety; setting and achieving objectives. Two hours per week.
TH 382A-C. Theatre Management Practicum (1-3)
Prerequisites: TH 381 and completion of lower division requirements in theatre major.Practical application of theatre management techniques. Required participation in a university-sponsored production. Maximum of 3 units may be earned.
TH 383. Theatre Administration (3)
Prerequisites: TH 381 and completion of lower division requirements in theatre major.Management theories and techniques in theatre administration; organization of personnel media preparation and utilization, fiscal management, and public relations. Required participation in a university-sponsored production.
TH 384. Touring Theatre (3)
Prerequisite: Audition/Interview.Theory and practice in the artistic and management aspects of producing theatrical performances for touring; practical experience in producing and presenting touring productions. Required participation in a university-sponsored production.
TH 390A-C. Theatre Production Participation (1-3)
Participation in various aspects of Theatre CSUN’s production program: acting, directing, technical, or managerial assignments. Maximum of 4 units may be earned.
TH 391. Production Practicum (0-0-0)
Prerequisite: TH 191. Required of all upper division theatre majors. Carries no unit credit but validates production participation. (Credit/No Credit only)
TH 396A-Z. Experimental Topics Courses in Theatre (1-3, 1-3)
Prerequisite: consult Theatre Department office.Experimental courses in theatre with course content to be determined. Maximum of six units may be earned.
TH 397. Theatre Honors Tutorial (1-1-1)
Prerequisite: admission to Theatre Honors Program.Intensive investigation in a small group of a topic related to some aspect of theatre practice or theory. Maximum of 3 units may be earned.
TH 422. Theatre and Drama of Greece and Rome (3)
Prerequisites for Theatre major or minor: TH 322A-C. Other majors consult department advisor for equivalency.Study of the history and literature of the theatre of Greece and Rome. Critical writing assignments required.
TH 423. Theatre and Drama of the Middle Ages and Renaissance (3)
Prerequisites for Theatre major or minor: TH 322A-C. Other majors consult department advisor for equivalency.Study of the history and literature of the theatre of medieval Europe, the theatres of Italy, Spain, England, and France during the Renaissance. Critical writing assignments required.
TH 424. Theatre and Drama of the 18th and 19th Centuries (3)
Prerequisites for Theatre major or minor: TH 322A-C. Other majors consult department advisor for equivalency.Study of the history and literature of the theatre in Europe from 1700 to the beginnings of naturalism. Critical writing assignments required.
TH 425. Theatre and Drama of Europe and America from Naturalism to the Mid-20th Century (3)
Prerequisites for Theatre major or minor: TH 322A-C. Other majors consult department advisor for equivalency.Study of the history and literature of the European and American theatre from the beginnings of naturalism to the mid-20th century. Critical writing assignments required.
TH 426. Contemporary Theatre and Drama of Europe and America (3)
Prerequisites for Theatre major or minor: TH 322A-C. Other majors consult department advisor for equivalency.Study of contemporary theatre movements in Europe and America. Critical writing assignments required.
TH 427. History of Costume (3)
Prerequisites for Theatre major or minor: TH 322A-C. Other majors consult department advisor for equivalency.Detailed historical study of period fashions in relation to the social background, economic conditions, and general history of the periods as they apply to theatre. Critical writing assignments required.
TH 432. Theatre and Drama of the United States (3)
Prerequisites for Theatre major or minor: TH 322A-C.Other majors consult department advisor for equivalency. Study of the history and literature of the American theatre from Colonial times to the mid-20th century. Critical writing assignments required.
TH 433. The Musical Theatre in the United States (3)
Prerequisites for Theatre major or minor: TH 322A-C. Other majors consult department advisor for equivalency.Study of the history and literature of the musical theatre in the U.S. from its beginnings to the present. Critical writing assignments required.
TH 442. Advanced Stage Movement (2)
Prerequisites: TH 342, 349 and 350.Not available for graduate credit. Performance course in advanced stage movement techniques; modes and manners of theatrical periods from ancient to modern; dance forms of the same periods; application of these studies to the creation of character in period drama. Six hours per week.
TH 443. Advanced Stage Voice and Speech (3)
Prerequisites: TH 343, 348 and 349; completion of lower division requirements in theatre major. Not available for graduate credit. Development of advanced voice, speech, analytical, and interpretative skills for the actor; application to the speaking and acting of Shakespearean texts.
TH 444. Principles of Directing (3)
Prerequisites for Theatre Major: completion of lower division requirements in Theatre major and senior-standing. For Theatre Minor: completion of lower division requirements in theatre minor and senior-standing.Not available for graduate credit. Theories and techniques of directing plays. Six hours per week.
TH 447. Acting Styles (3)
Prerequisites: TH 349, 350 amd 443; completion of lower division requirements in theatre major.Not available for graduate credit. Performance course emphasizing advanced text analysis, character development, and scene study as applied to a wide variety of periods and genres.
TH 449. Tutorial in Performance Skills (1-1-1-1)
Prerequisite: Audition.Not available for graduate credit. Diagnosis of individual strengths and weaknesses in performance skills; individual tutorials directed at improvement of skills and correction of problems. Complements work in CSUN’s Theatre production program. May be repeated 3 times. (Credit/No Credit only)
TH 457. Theatre Design Tutorial (3-3-3)
Prerequisites: TH 350; 355; 357.Individual work in theatre design with emphasis on scenery, costumes, or lighting. Focuses on developing and presenting design concepts for selected theatre productions. May be repeated twice. Portfolio review required for repeat credit. Maximum of 3 units may be earned for graduate credit.
TH 471. Advanced Creative Drama (3)
Prerequisites: TH 371; instructor consent.Comparison of theories, philosophies, and approaches to creative drama in a lab environment through exploration of, and practical experience with, various age levels. Six hours per week.
TH 472. Field Experience in Creative Drama (2)
Prerequisite: TH 371. Not available for graduate credit. Observation/participation and discussion of the practical application of creative drama philosophies and methods in a public school environment. 45 hours of field observation/participation required. (Credit/No Credit only)
TH 475. Theatre and Drama for Young Audiences (3)
Prerequisites for Theatre Major: TH 322A-C. For Liberal Studies Major in Theatre concentration: TH 111, 310, 371. Other majors consult department advisor for equivalency.Study of philosophies and practices in theatre and drama for young audiences, classic and contemporary, emphasizing critical analysis and evaluation of the form and content of dramatic literature and theatrical production for children and youth.
TH 479. Issues in Contemporary Theatre (3)
Prerequisites: For Theatre Major: completion of core requirements in theatre major; For Liberal Studies Major: TH 315, 475; 376 or 384.Not available for graduate credit. Investigation of selected contemporary issues and practices in theatre, including consideration of selected ethical dimensions of the field. Significant research paper or project required.
TH 490. Theatre Production Participation (1-2-3)
Not available for graduate credit. Participation in various aspects of CSUN’s Theatre production program: acting, directing, technical, or managerial assignments. Maximum of 4 units may be earned.
TH 496A-Z. Experimental Topics Courses in Theatre (1-3, 1-3)
Prerequisite: Consult Theatre Department office.Not available for graduate credit except when specifically approved by the department–consult Director of Graduate Studies. Experimental courses in theatre with course content to be determined. Maximum of 6 units may be earned.
TH 498A. Senior Theatre History/literature Thesis (3)
Prerequisites: Theatre Major in Theatre History/Literature Option; approved thesis proposal.Not available for graduate credit. Writing of a thesis resulting from research on a significant topic in theatre history, theatrical literature, or theory and criticism. (Credit/No Credit only)
TH 498B. Senior Theatre Performance Project (3)
Prerequisites: Theatre Major in Acting/Directing Option; approved project proposal.Not available for graduate credit. Weekly seminar with additional rehearsal/lab work on a major performance. (Credit/No Credit only)
TH 498C. Senior Theatre Design Project (1-3, 1-3, 1-3)
Prerequisites: Theatre Major in Theatre Design/Technology Option; TH 457 and portfolio review.Not available for graduate credit. Production design for theatre. Required participation in a university-sponsored production. Maximum of nine units may be earned. (Credit/No Credit only)
TH 498D. Senior Theatre Technology PROJECT (1-3, 1-3, 1-3)
Prerequisites: Theatre Major in Theatre Design/Technology Option; TH 457 and interview.Not available for graduate credit. Technical supervision for theatre. Required participation in a university-sponsored production. Maximum of nine units may be earned. (Credit/No Credit only)
TH 498E. Senior Creative Drama/theatre for Young Audiences Project or Thesis (3)
Prerequisites: Theatre Major in Creative Drama/Theatre for Young Audiences Option; approved project or thesis proposal.Not available for graduate credit. Completion of a project or writing of a thesis resulting from the investigation of a significant topic or problem in creative drama or in theatre for young audiences. (Credit/No Credit only)
TH 498F. Senior Honors Project or Thesis (3)
Prerequisites: Theatre Major in Theatre Honors Program; approved project or thesis proposal. Not available for graduate credit. Completion of an artistic project or writing of a thesis resulting from the investigation of a significant topic or problem in theatre. (Credit/No Credit only).
Advanced Undergraduate And Graduate
Note that 500-level courses may be selected to meet requirements or electives for the undergraduate degree, or to meet electives in the Master’s program.
TH 530. Theatre and Drama of Latin America (3)
Prerequisites for Theatre Major or Minor: TH 322A-C. Other majors consult department advisor for equivalency.Study of the history and literature of the Latin American theatre from pre-Columbian times to the present. Critical writing assignments required.
TH 531. Theatre and Drama of Asia (3)
Prerequisites for Theatre Major or Minor: TH 322A-C. Other majors consult department advisor for equivalency.Study of the history and literature of the Asian theatre from the beginnings to the present. Critical writing assignments required.
TH 535. Theatrical Theory and Criticism (3)
Prerequisites for Theatre Major or Minor: TH 322A-C.Other majors consult department advisor for equivalency.Study of the history of theatrical theory and criticism from antiquity to the present. Major theories pertaining to all aspects of theatrical production, including staging, acting, scenography, and the script is examined. Critical writing assignments required.
TH 545. Advanced Directing (3)
Prerequisite: TH 444. Advanced study of theories and styles of directing plays.Practical experience through production of scenes from different historical periods. Six hours per week.
TH 594. Internship in the Arts (3-3)
Prerequisites: Senior or graduate-standing, portfolio review or audition, and instructor consent.Academic Internship course. May be repeated once. Maximum of 3 units may be earned for graduate credit. (Credit/No Credit only)
TH 599. Independent Study (1-3, 1-3)
Prerequisites: Completion of all core requirements in Theatre Major; instructor consent to serve as sponsor; permission of the Department Chair. Enrollment restricted to theatre majors who have completed the full sequence of courses in the area of study to be pursued by Independent Study. Not open to classified graduate students. Maximum of six units may be earned.