Academic Catalogs

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 vocational Certificate of Achievement in Media Arts and Creative Entertainment.

The Associate of Arts for 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 of Achievement 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 
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

Theatre Arts Department Website

Credit Courses

THEA A1003 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Introduction to Theatre  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC: Credit Limitation: THEA A100 and THEA A101 combined: maximum credit, 1 course.
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

THEA A1013 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Introduction to History and Literature of the Theatre  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC: Credit Limitation: THEA A100 and THEA A101 combined: maximum credit, 1 course.
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

THEA A1033 Units (45 lecture hours; 32 lab hours)  
Theatre Improvisation- Short Form  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: 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. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A103

THEA A1043 Units (45 lecture hours; 32 lab hours)  
Improvisation - Long Form  
Advisory: THEA A103.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: 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. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A104

THEA A1053 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Drama and Acting  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
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

THEA A1063 Units (54 lecture hours; 18 lab hours)  
Acting Fundamentals  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
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

THEA A1073 Units (54 lecture hours; 18 lab hours)  
Acting 2  
Prerequisite(s): THEA A106 or intermediate acting experience/skills; This skill level will be validated by the instructor during the first week of the course.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
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

THEA A1102 Units (108 lab hours)  
Theatre Laboratory Level 1  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: 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. Lab/Arranged Lab.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A110

THEA A1112 Units (108 lab hours)  
Theatre Laboratory Level 2  
Advisory: THEA A110.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: 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. Lab/Arranged Lab.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A111

THEA A1122 Units (108 lab hours)  
Theatre Laboratory Level 3  
Advisory: THEA A111.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: 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. Lab/Arranged Lab.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A112

THEA A1132 Units (108 lab hours)  
Theatre Laboratory Level 4  
Advisory: THEA A112.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: 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. Lab/Arranged Lab.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A113

THEA A1153 Units (36 lecture hours; 72 lab hours)  
Acting for Camera and Stage  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
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

THEA A1203 Units (18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours)  
Drama Rehearsal and Performance - Beginning  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
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

THEA A1213 Units (18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours)  
Drama Rehearsal and Performance-Intermediate  
Advisory: THEA A120 and successful audition.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: 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. 18 Lecture hours, 90 Lab Hours scheduled, 18 Lab Hours arranged.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A121

THEA A1223 Units (18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours)  
Drama Rehearsal and Performance - Advanced  
Advisory: THEA A121 and successful audition.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: 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. 18 Lecture hours, 90 Lab Hours scheduled, 18 Lab Hours arranged.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A122

THEA A1233 Units (18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours)  
Comedy Rehearsal and Performance - Beginning  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: 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. 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

THEA A1243 Units (18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours)  
Comedy Rehearsal and Performance - Intermediate  
Advisory: THEA A123 and successful audition.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: 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. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. 18 Lecture hours, 90 Lab Hours scheduled, 18 Lab Hours arranged.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A124

THEA A1253 Units (18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours)  
Comedy Rehearsal and Performance - Advanced  
Advisory: THEA A124 and successful audition.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: 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. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. 18 Lecture hours, 90 Lab Hours scheduled, 18 Lab Hours arranged.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A125

THEA A1263 Units (18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours)  
Musical Theatre Rehearsal and Performance - Beginning  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: 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. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. 18 Lecture hours, 90 Lab Hours scheduled, 18 Lab Hours arranged.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A126

THEA A1273 Units (18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours)  
Musical Theatre Rehearsal and Performance - Intermediate  
Advisory: THEA A126 and successful audition.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: 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. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. 18 Lecture hours, 90 Lab Hours scheduled, 18 Lab Hours arranged.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A127

THEA A1283 Units (18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours)  
Musical Theatre Rehearsal and Performance - Advanced  
Advisory: THEA A127 and successful audition.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: 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. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. 18 Lecture hours, 90 Lab Hours scheduled, 18 Lab Hours arranged.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A128

THEA A1293 Units (18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours)  
Technical Theatre Practicum  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU.
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

THEA A1313 Units (13 lecture hours; 149 lab hours)  
OCC Theatre Repertory 1  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: 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. Lecture/Lab/Arranged Lab.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A131

THEA A1323 Units (13 lecture hours; 149 lab hours)  
OCC Theatre Repertory 2  
Advisory: THEA A131.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: 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. Lecture/Lab/Arranged Lab.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A132

THEA A1333 Units (13 lecture hours; 149 lab hours)  
OCC Theatre Repertory 3  
Advisory: THEA A132.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: 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. Lecture/Lab/Arranged Lab.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A133

THEA A1343 Units (13 lecture hours; 149 lab hours)  
OCC Theatre Repertory 4  
Advisory: THEA A133.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: 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.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A134

THEA A1444 Units (36 lecture hours; 108 lab hours)  
Summer Theatre Festival  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
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

THEA A1453 Units (18 lecture hours; 126 lab hours)  
Touring Production 1  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: 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.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A145

THEA A1463 Units (18 lecture hours; 126 lab hours)  
Touring Production 2  
Advisory: THEA A145.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: 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. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A146

THEA A1651 Unit (54 lab hours)  
Stagecraft Lab  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
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

THEA A1723 Units (18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours)  
Elizabethan Play Workshop and Production  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: 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.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A172

THEA A1753 Units (54 lecture hours; 18 lab hours)  
Stage Scenery  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
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. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A175

THEA A1763 Units (54 lecture hours; 18 lab hours)  
Stage Lighting  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
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

THEA A1773 Units (54 lecture hours; 18 lab hours)  
Make-Up  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
A practical introduction to basic makeup techniques for theatre and film. C-ID: THTR 175.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A177

THEA A1783 Units (54 lecture hours; 18 lab hours)  
Stage Costuming  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
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

THEA A1811-2 Units (54-108 other hours)  
Arts Internship  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU.
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

THEA A1823 Units (54 lecture hours; 18 lab hours)  
Advanced Make-Up  
Advisory: THEA A177.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: 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.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A182

THEA A1883 Units (54 lecture hours; 18 lab hours)  
Body Movement for the Actor  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
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

THEA A1892.5 Units (36 lecture hours; 36 lab hours)  
Stage Combat  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: 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.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A189

THEA A2003 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Voice and Articulation  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
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

THEA A2063 Units (54 lecture hours; 18 lab hours)  
Acting 3  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: 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. Three hours lecture, one hour studio.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A206

THEA A2073 Units (54 lecture hours; 18 lab hours)  
Acting 4  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: 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.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A207

THEA A2152 Units (18 lecture hours; 54 lab hours)  
Rehearsal and Performance 1  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: 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.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A215

THEA A2162 Units (18 lecture hours; 54 lab hours)  
Rehearsal and Performance 2  
Prerequisite(s): THEA A215.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: 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. 18 Lecture Hours, 40 scheduled Lab Hours, 14 arranged Lab Hours.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A216

THEA A2753 Units (18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours)  
Directing  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
This course introduces and explores the basic principles of stage direction.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A275

THEA A2853 Units (18 lecture hours; 108 lab hours)  
Advanced Directing  
Advisory: THEA A275.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: 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.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing THEA A285