Theatre Arts
OCC’s Theatre Arts Department offers students an opportunity to explore the art, theory, and craft of live theatre in a hands-on, dynamic environment. Our lecture and practicum courses are designed to give the student opportunities to take the next steps toward a degree or career in theatre or in the entertainment industry.
OCC Theatre offers four degree options and a Career Technical Education (CTE) Certificate in Media Arts and Creative Entertainment:
The Associate of Arts- Transfer degree is offered with an emphasis in Acting or in Technical Theatre, and the Associate of Arts degree is also offered with an emphasis in Acting or in Technical Theatre.
The Certificate is designed for the student seeking a concentrated course of study and an accelerated career path in the fields of acting and directing, coupled with film and television production. Students will be educated in performing, directing, storytelling, camera operation, event documentation, lighting, sound, post-production, and business practices.
Students can expand their foundational knowledge of theatre while gaining skills in hands-on collaboration with faculty and fellow students producing or performing in OCC Theatre Arts department productions. Student participation in our specialty theatre courses forms a deeper understanding of the craft, and enrollment in a wide array of complementary OCC general education courses provides a strong foundation for transfer to four-year degree programs.
Department Contact Information
For general inquiries about OCC Theatre and for Performance majors, please contact:
Professor Tom Bruno, Department Chair
tbruno@occ.cccd.edu
For Technical majors and for inquiries about our student-run theatre company The Rep (THEA A131), please contact:
Professor Cynthia Corley
ccorley@occ.cccd.edu
Credit Courses
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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. C-ID: THTR 111.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A100
- Art History, Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T)
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 2 (California State University General Education)
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 3 (IGETC)
- Associate in Arts General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Associate in Science General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Athletics, Certificate of Achievement
- Elementary Teacher Education, Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T)
- Liberal Arts, Associate in Arts Degree
- Theater Arts (THEA)
- Theatre Arts
- Theatre Arts
- Theatre Arts, Associate in Arts Degree
- Theatre Arts, Associate in Arts Degree
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
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. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A101
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 2 (California State University General Education)
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 3 (IGETC)
- Associate in Arts General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Associate in Science General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Athletics, Certificate of Achievement
- Liberal Arts, Associate in Arts Degree
- Theater Arts (THEA)
- Theatre Arts
- Theatre Arts
- Theatre Arts, Associate in Arts Degree
- Theatre Arts, Associate in Arts Degree
- Theatre Arts, Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T)
- Theatre Arts, Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T)
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
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. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A103
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
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. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A104
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
An introduction to acting and dramatic literature. Includes analysis of plays and dramatic structure, rehearsal techniques and performance of scenes and monologues.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A105
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 2 (California State University General Education)
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 3 (IGETC)
- Associate in Arts General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Associate in Science General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Athletics, Certificate of Achievement
- Liberal Arts, Associate in Arts Degree
- Theater Arts (THEA)
- Theatre Arts
- Theatre Arts
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
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. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. C-ID: THTR 151.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A106
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 2 (California State University General Education)
- Associate in Arts General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Associate in Science General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Media Arts and Creative Entertainment, Certificate of Achievement
- Media Arts and Creative Entertainment, Certificate of Achievement
- Theater Arts (THEA)
- Theatre Arts
- Theatre Arts
- Theatre Arts, Associate in Arts Degree
- Theatre Arts, Associate in Arts Degree
- Theatre Arts, Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T)
- Theatre Arts, Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T)
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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. C-ID: THTR 152.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A107
- Media Arts and Creative Entertainment, Certificate of Achievement
- Media Arts and Creative Entertainment, Certificate of Achievement
- Theater Arts (THEA)
- Theatre Arts
- Theatre Arts
- Theatre Arts, Associate in Arts Degree
- Theatre Arts, Associate in Arts Degree
- Theatre Arts, Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T)
- Theatre Arts, Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T)
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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. Lab/Arranged Lab.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A110
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 2 (California State University General Education)
- Associate in Arts General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Associate in Science General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Media Arts and Creative Entertainment, Certificate of Achievement
- Media Arts and Creative Entertainment, Certificate of Achievement
- Theater Arts (THEA)
- Theatre Arts
- Theatre Arts
- Theatre Arts, Associate in Arts Degree
- Theatre Arts, Associate in Arts Degree
- Theatre Arts, Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T)
- Theatre Arts, Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T)
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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. Lab/Arranged Lab.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A111
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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. Lab/Arranged Lab.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A112
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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. Lab/Arranged Lab.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A113
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Explores the translation of stage acting techniques into film and television acting. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. Lecture/Lab/Arranged Lab.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A115
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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. 18 Lecture hours, 90 Lab Hours scheduled, 18 Lab Hours arranged. C-ID: THTR 191.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A120
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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. 18 Lecture hours, 90 Lab Hours scheduled, 18 Lab Hours arranged.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A121
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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. 18 Lecture hours, 90 Lab Hours scheduled, 18 Lab Hours arranged.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A122
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
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. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. 18 Lecture hours, 90 Lab Hours scheduled, 18 Lab Hours arranged. C-ID: THTR 191.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A123
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
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. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. 18 Lecture hours, 90 Lab Hours scheduled, 18 Lab Hours arranged.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A124
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
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. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. 18 Lecture hours, 90 Lab Hours scheduled, 18 Lab Hours arranged.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A125
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
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. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. 18 Lecture hours, 90 Lab Hours scheduled, 18 Lab Hours arranged.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A126
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
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. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. 18 Lecture hours, 90 Lab Hours scheduled, 18 Lab Hours arranged.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A127
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
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. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. 18 Lecture hours, 90 Lab Hours scheduled, 18 Lab Hours arranged.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A128
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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. Lecture/Lab/Arranged Lab. C-ID: THTR 192.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A129
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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. Lecture/Lab/Arranged Lab.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A131
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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. Lecture/Lab/Arranged Lab.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A132
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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. Lecture/Lab/Arranged Lab.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A133
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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. Lecture/Lab/Arranged Lab.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A134
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Students participate in the pre-production, planning, audition, rehearsal, and performance of a theatrical production or productions in repertory. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A144
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A145
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
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. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A146
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Introduction to stage craft activities including scenery construction, set painting, light rigging, stage props and theatre operations. One hour lecture, two hours non-lecture.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A165
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A172
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
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. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. Lecture/Lab/Arranged Lab. C-ID: THTR 171.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A175
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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. Lecture/Lab/Arranged Lab. C-ID: THTR 173.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A176
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
A practical introduction to basic makeup techniques for theatre and film. C-ID: THTR 175.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A177
- Media Arts and Creative Entertainment, Certificate of Achievement
- Media Arts and Creative Entertainment, Certificate of Achievement
- Theater Arts (THEA)
- Theatre Arts
- Theatre Arts
- Theatre Arts, Associate in Arts Degree
- Theatre Arts, Associate in Arts Degree
- Theatre Arts, Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T)
- Theatre Arts, Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T)
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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. Lecture/Lab/Arranged Lab. C-ID: THTR 174.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A178
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
A supervised internship related to classroom-based learning at a work site related to the student’s certificate program.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A181
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A182
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Instruction in using the body as an expressive instrument in performance. Strength, flexibility, relaxation, control, and body relationship will be studied. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. Lecture/Lab/Arranged Lab.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A188
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A189
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
This course explores vocal techniques for actors including warm-up techniques, phonetics, projection, articulation and the use of regional accents. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A200
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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. Three hours lecture, one hour studio.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A206
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A207
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A215
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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. 18 Lecture Hours, 40 scheduled Lab Hours, 14 arranged Lab Hours.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A216
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
This course introduces and explores the basic principles of stage direction.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A275
- Film & Television, Associate in Arts Degree
- Film & Television, Associate in Arts Degree
- Film & Television, Certificate of Achievement
- Film & Television, Certificate of Achievement
- Media Arts and Creative Entertainment, Certificate of Achievement
- Media Arts and Creative Entertainment, Certificate of Achievement
- Theater Arts (THEA)
- Theatre Arts
- Theatre Arts
- Theatre Arts, Associate in Arts Degree
- Theatre Arts, Associate in Arts Degree
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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.