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Drama
In the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts
Office: Dramatic Arts 204
Telephone: (619) 594-6363
Fax: (619) 594-7431
Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.
Emeritus: Howard, Owen, Stephenson
Chair: Annas
The Don W. Powell Chair in Scene Design: Funicello
Professors: Annas, Harvey, A.C., Harvey, M., Larlham, McKerrow, O'Donnell, Salzer, Wolf
Associate Professors: Kalustian, Reid
Assistant Professors: Schreiber, Simas
Master of Arts degree in drama.
Master of Fine Arts degree in drama.
Major in drama with the B.A. degree in applied arts and sciences.
Emphasis in children's drama.
Emphasis in design for drama.
Emphasis in design for television and film.
Emphasis in performance.
Teaching major in drama for the single subject teaching credential in English.
Minor in drama.
The Don W. Powell Chair in Scene Design was established through a trust provided by the late professor emeritus. Always concerned about students, Powell, who retired after 30 years with the drama department, created the trust in order to enhance theatre education at SDSU. The first holder of The Don W. Powell Scene Design Chair is the nationally acclaimed designer Ralph Funicello.
The bachelor's degree in drama prepares students for excellence in performance and design. To achieve that goal, the department offers a rich diversity of courses and a six-play production season open to the San Diego public with many creative design and performance opportunities for the student. In addition, professional growth opportunities are provided through association with a number of regional professional theatre companies as well as campus visits by professional theatre managers, directors, stage managers, designers, playwrights, and actors. The program is structured in a manner which involves students in all aspects of theatre. Students have the option of pursuing either a general emphasis in drama or specializing in a single emphasis area.
The Department of Drama offers students a wide variety of courses taught by a highly qualified faculty. The mission of the department is twofold. First of all, we wish to provide quality education on the undergraduate and graduate levels for students who desire to pursue a career in theatre, whether that career be in acting, directing, design, technical theatre, or teaching. Our second, and equally important mission, is a strong commitment to the philosophy of the University as a liberal arts institution. We provide undergraduate students an opportunity to enrich their present and future lives by learning to understand and enjoy the art of theatre.
The faculty of the Department of Drama believes that theatre is a rewarding undergraduate major, even for those who do not plan a career in the field. The study of theatre enriches the lives of men and women because it helps them to know themselves and to interact effectively with one another. Theatre is the fine art which is often considered to be a combination of all the arts. Through it, we experience the work of some of the greatest writers and thinkers and artists our civilization has ever known. As we learn about theatre, we understand more about ourselves and develop a remarkable respect for the human spirit.
The Department of Drama's training is specifically geared toward assisting students in their efforts to seek professional work in various fields of theatre arts, to seek teaching positions in various levels of educational theatre, to contribute to the cultural life of the community by participating in civic and community theatre work, and to further their awareness of drama as a significant art form in order to become informed and discriminating members of the theatre public.
In addition, the Department of Drama offers a wide variety of courses which provide excellent enrichment opportunities for the nondrama major. Students pursuing study in "people/service related" disciplines such as education, business administration, telecom-munications and film, counseling, advertising, journalism, and prelaw are encouraged to explore the many courses available in the department's curriculum which will prove rewarding and beneficial to their career objectives.
All candidates for a degree in applied arts and sciences must complete the graduation requirements listed in the section of this catalog on "Graduation Requirements."
A minor is not required with this major.
Preparation for the Major. Drama 100, 107, 110, 120, 130, 231, 240A, 240B. (24 units)
Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or Rhetoric and Writing Studies 305W or 500W with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Major. A minimum of 38 upper division units in drama to include Drama 325, 359, 425, 442A, 442B, 442C (four units required), 460A, 460B; and six units selected from Drama 440, 447, 452, 530; three units selected from Drama 350 or 351, 355, 532, 551, 555; and six units selected from Drama 310, 315, 459, 475A, 475B, 589.
Preparation for the Major. Drama 100, 107, 110, 120, 130, 240A, 240B. (21 units)
Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or Rhetoric and Writing Studies 305W or 500W with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Major. A minimum of 44 upper division units to include Drama 310, 315, 325, 359, 425, 442A, 442B, 442C (four units required), 460A, 460B, 480, 510, 515; Teacher Education 530; and three units selected from Drama 329, 440, 447, 452, or 459.
Preparation for the Major. Drama 100, 107, 110, 120, 130, 240A, 240B. (21 units)
Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or Rhetoric and Writing Studies 503W with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Major. A minimum of 44 upper division units in drama to include Drama 325, 359, 425, 440, 442A, 442B, 442C (four units required), 447, 452, 460A, 460B, 530; and three units selected from Drama 540, 547, 548, or 552; and six units selected from Drama 349, 448A, 448B, 541, 543, 554A, or 554B. Suggested drama electives include Drama 470A, 470B, 475B, 551.
Preparation for the Major. Drama 100, 107, 130, 240A, 240B; Television, Film, and New Media 250. (18 units)
Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or Rhetoric and Writing Studies 503W with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Major. A minimum of 54 upper division units to include Drama 325, 359, 425, 440, 442A, 442B, 442C (four units required), 447, 452, 460A, 460B, 530; Television, Film, and New Media 320, 325, 550; and six units selected from Drama 540, 547, 548, 552 or Television, Film, and New Media 401, 551; and four units selected from Drama 448A, 448B, 541, 543, 546, 554A, or 554B.
Preparation for the Major. Drama 100, 107, 110, 120, 130, 231, 240A, 240B. (24 units)
Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or Rhetoric and Writing Studies 305W or 500W with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Major. A minimum of 44 upper division units in drama to include Drama 325, 355, 359, 425, 442A, 442B, 442C (four units required), 445 (two units required), 460A, 460B, 551, 555, and either 320 or 330; and nine units selected from Drama 350, 351, 431, 434, 532, 533A, or 533B. Recommended electives: Drama 349, 459, 475A, 475B.
All candidates for a teaching credential must complete all requirements as outlined in this section of the catalog under Policy Studies or Teacher Education.
This major may be used by students in policy studies or teacher education as an undergraduate major for the B.A. degree in applied arts and sciences.
Preparation for the Major. Drama 100 or 120, 107, 240A, 240B; Linguistics 101; Comparative Literature 270A or 270B or English 220; Humanities 140; Rhetoric and Writing Studies 100 and 200; Communication 200; and three units selected from Drama 130 or English 280 or 281 or Journalism 220; and six units from one of the following sequences: English 250A and 250B or English 260A and 260B. Drama 100 or 120 and 107 must be taken early in the student's program in order to satisfy prerequisites. Drama 110 and 231 are recommended lower division electives. (42 units)
Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or Rhetoric and Writing Studies 500W with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Major. A minimum of 39 upper division units to include Drama 325, 359, 425, 460A, 460B, 480, and Drama 310 or Comparative Literature 562; English 533 and Rhetoric and Writing Studies 509; three units selected from English 522, 523, 524, or 525 (for those students who previously selected English 260A and 260B), or three units selected from English 560A or 560B (for those students who previously selected English 250A and 250B); and nine units selected from one of the following sequences:
Children's Drama: Drama 315, 510, 515.
Design for Drama: Drama 440, 447, 452, 546, 548.
Musical Theatre: Drama 350, 351, 355 or 555.
Performance/Stage Management: Drama 110, 231, 355 or 555, 459, 475A, 515.
An additional six units selected from the following: Africana Studies 460, 461, 462, 463, 464; American Indian Studies 430; Communication 360, 371, 391, 407, 408, 491; English 519 or 520 and 541A or 541B; Linguistics 420, 530, 550; Mexican American Studies 335, 464.
The following courses are prerequisite to the drama minor and do not count toward the 24 units required for the minor: Drama 100 and 120. (6 units)
The minor in drama consists of a minimum of 24 units in drama to include Drama 107, 115, 240A, 240B, 325, 425, 460A and 460B.
Courses in the minor may not be counted toward the major, but may be used to satisfy preparation for the major and General Education requirements, if applicable. A minimum of six upper division units must be completed in residence at San Diego State University.
100. Theatre and Civilization (3) I, II
Introduction to theatre as a reflection of society and a contributor to development of civilization. Emphasis on theatre's continuing relevance to contemporary world. Attendance at selected theatre events required.
107. Design Communication and the Audience Response (3) I, II
Use of visual and aural design components by the actor, director, and designer in relation to audience response. Preparatory to drama major sequence.
110. Voice and Speech I (3) I, II (CAN DRAM 6)
Exercises and drills to improve the quality, flexibility and effectiveness of the speaking voice leading to good usage in standard American speech.
115. Acting for Nonmajors (3) I, II
Improvisational exercises (verbal and nonverbal) in sensory awareness, observation, concentration, listening, and response skills with application to other fields. Individual presentation techniques for the preprofessional in other disciplines. Not open to drama majors.
120. Heritage of Dramatic Literature (3) I, II
Three lectures and attendance at selected performances.
Survey of dramatic literature from classical to the modern period, including classical, medieval, Renaissance, Restoration, neoclassical, romantic, realistic and modern plays.
130. Acting I (3) I, II (CAN DRAM 8)
Development of individual's ability to express thought and emotion through effective use of the voice and body. These fundamental concepts may be applied to stage, film, and television acting.
231. Acting II (3) I
Prerequisite: Drama 130.
Continuation of Drama 130, emphasizing application of fundamental skills to problems of emotion, timing, characterization, and ensemble acting.
240A. Theatre Design and Technology I (3) I, II
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Drama 100 and 107. Proof of completion of prerequisites required: Copy of transcript.
Design, technical practices, and production organization for the theatre. Scenery design, stagecraft, properties, and drafting. Part one of a two-part course.
240B. Theatre Design and Technology II (3) I, II
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Drama 240A. Proof of completion of prerequisite
required: Copy of transcript.
Design, technical practices, and production organization for the theatre. Costume design and technology, makeup, lighting design, sound design, and related technology. Part two of a two-part course.
245. Theatre Marketing and Publicity (3)
One lecture and four hours of activity.
Practical experience in marketing and publicity for theatres, including PSA's, press releases, layout/graphics for written materials, magazine and newspaper advertisements, marketing strategy and campaign development for a full theatre season.
296. Experimental Topics (1-4)
Selected topics. May be repeated with new content. See Class Schedule for specific content. Limit of nine units of any combination of 296, 496, 596 courses applicable to a bachelor's degree.
310. Creative Drama I (3) I, II, S
Current philosophies, principles, and techniques of creative drama. Development of the individual through use of dramatic play, imaging, improvisation, and theatre games. Applicable to classroom teaching, counseling, recreation, and senior citizen programs.
315. Theatre for Young Audiences (3) I, II
Current philosophies and practices in theatre for young audiences. Techniques of selecting and producing plays for and with youth. Theatre styles, script analysis, and functions of the production team.
320. Voice and Speech II (3) II
Prerequisite: Drama 110.
Techniques of vocal expression in the theatre, primarily in plays of Shakespeare and classical Greek drama. Emphasis on individualized instruction and vocal problem solving.
325. Play Analysis (3) I, II
Prerequisites: Drama 100 and 107. Proof of completion of prerequisites required: Copy of transcript.
Analysis of representative plays with emphasis on plot and character development, dramatic structure, action, and style.
329. Practicum in Theatre for Young Audiences (3) Cr/NC
Six hours of activity.
Prerequisites: Drama 315 and consent of instructor. Proof of completion of prerequisite required: Copy of transcript.
Practical experience in departmental public performance of plays for young audiences. (Formerly numbered Drama 329B.)
330. Accents and Dialects for the Stage (3)
Prerequisite: Drama 130.
Various accents and dialects most frequently occurring in stage productions.
349. Theatrical Makeup (2) I
Two hours per unit.
Prerequisite: Drama 240B.
Planning and application of makeup for stage, film, and television. Classroom exercises and production-related activities.
350. Acting Studies in Musical Theatre (3) I
Two lectures and two hours of activity.
Prerequisite: Admission by consent of instructor.
Performance techniques in musical theatre. Emphasis on application of acting theory to musical theatre literature. Maximum credit six units.
351. Musical Theatre Song and Scene Analysis (3) II
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Vocal selections and scenes in musical theatre. Emphasis on characterization requirements, appropriate performance styles. Maximum credit six units.
355. Movement for the Theatre I (2) II
Two hours of activity per unit.
Prerequisite: Drama 100.
Locomotor and axial body movement for the stage director and actor; introduction to mime. Relationship between body expression and character portrayal.
359. Directing I (3) I, II
Prerequisites: Drama 115 (for minors) or 130 (for majors), and 325.
Principles and techniques of directing for the stage: play selection, analysis, and interpretation; casting methods; stage composition and movement; and rehearsal procedures.
397. Shakespeare at the Globe: Onstage and Backstage (1-3) S
(Offered only in Extension)
Study of Old Globe Theatre's annual summer Shakespeare Festival. Does not apply to undergraduate degrees or credentials.
425. Production Synthesis (3)
Prerequisites: Drama 240B and 359. Proof of completion of prerequisites required: Copy of transcript.
Capstone course integrating artistic vision and production considerations through synthesis of text analysis, performance, and design in collaborative process unique to the theatre.
431. Workshop in Improvisational Acting (3) I
Prerequisite: Drama 231.
Theories and principles of improvisational acting.
434. Audition Techniques for the Actor (3) II
Two lectures and two hours of activity.
Prerequisite: Drama 231.
Techniques of auditioning and interviewing in the theatre, film, and television; selecting audition pieces, rehearsing, and performing auditions.
440. Scene Design I (3) I
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Drama 240B and 325.
Techniques and procedures in application of design, color, and perspective in designing scenery.
442A-442B-442C. Practicum in Theatrical Production (2-2-2)
Cr/NC I, II
Two hours of activity per unit.
Prerequisite for 442A: Drama 240A. Prerequisite for 442B: Drama
240B. Prerequisite for 442C: Drama 100.
Technical theatre production experience for departmental public performances.
A. Scenery Construction
B. Costume Construction
C. Production Crews. (Four units required.)
445. Practicum in Performance (1-6) Cr/NC I, II
Two hours per unit.
Practical experience in departmental public performances. Maximum credit six units.
447. Lighting Design I (3) II
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Drama 240B and 325.
Concepts and technologies in lighting for theatre and related performance areas. Emphasis on mechanics of stage lighting, color, instruments, and control. Laboratory and production related activities.
448A. Scene Design Technology I (2) I
Four hours of activity.
Prerequisite: Drama 240B.
Theatre drafting standards and techniques with emphasis on multi-set production: Floor plans, sections, elevations, working drawings, perspective drawings, and light plots.
448B. Scene Design Technology II (2) I
Four hours of activity.
Prerequisite: Drama 240B.
Current materials and practices of scenery technology. Advanced construction techniques, research, budget and management procedures.
452. Costume Design I (3) I
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Drama 240B and 325.
Theory and creative application of principles of costume design for various types of production. Emphasis on concept development, character interpretation, research methods, color organization, and fabric selection. Laboratory and production related activities.
459. Directing II (3) II
Two lectures and two hours of activity.
Prerequisites: Drama 359 and consent of instructor.
Experience and group evaluation in directing one-act plays before an audience. Attendance at selected public performances required.
460A-460B. History of the Theatre (3-3) I, II
Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in
Foundations II.C., Humanities. Prerequisite not required for Drama
majors.
The theatre from primitive times to the beginnings of modern theatre. Special attention will be given to the theatre as a mirror of the social and cultural background of the various countries and periods in which it is studied. Drama 460A is not prerequisite to 460B.
470A-470B. Practicum in Theatrical Design (1-3) I, II
Prerequisites: Upper division standing and consent of instructor.
Design projects in areas of scenery, costumes, lighting, sound, or makeup. Maximum credit six units.
A. Independent Studies with Don W. Powell Chair in Scene Design
B. Design for Departmental Public Performances
475A. Stage Management-Theory (2) I
Prerequisites: Drama 240B and 359.
Development of the prompt script, organizational methods, and collaborative personnel interaction.
475B. Stage Management-Practicum (2) I, II
Hours vary.
Prerequisite: Drama 475A.
Practical experience in stage managing department productions. Maximum credit four units.
480. Drama in the Classroom: K-12 (3) II
Prerequisites: Drama 310 and 315.
Methods of teaching drama in elementary, middle, and secondary schools. Emphasis on organization of curriculum, play selection, and principles of producing plays in the classroom.
496. Experimental Topics (1-4) I, II
Selected topics. May be repeated with new content. See Class Schedule for specific content. Limit of nine units of any combination of 296, 496, 596 courses applicable to a bachelor's degree.
499. Special Study (1-3) I, II
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Individual study. Maximum credit six units.
510. Creative Drama II (3) I
Prerequisite: Drama 310.
Advanced techniques and procedures in teaching creative drama. Emphasis on a multicultural approach. Practical experience through fieldwork in elementary or middle school classrooms.
515. Directing for Young Audiences (3) II
Prerequisite: Drama 315.
Techniques of directing productions for young audiences: casting, staging, characterization, rehearsal techniques.
520. History of Musical Theatre (3) I
Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
Musical theatre from early Viennese operettas to musicals of modern times; representative works.
530. Period Dress and Decor (3) I
Prerequisite: Drama 240B or graduate standing.
Visual survey of relationships and cultural significance of period dress, architecture, and decorative arts as applied to theatrical productions. Emphasis on significant historic periods in dramatic -literature. (Formerly numbered Drama 450.)
532. Advanced Acting and Directing (3) I
Prerequisite: Drama 231. Acting students admitted by audition
only; directing students by interview.
Problems in characterization in contemporary drama, and in plays of Ibsen, Strindberg, Chekhov, and Shaw.
533A-533B. Theory and Styles in Acting and Directing I
and II (3-3)
Prerequisite: Drama 231. Acting students admitted by audition
only; directing students by interview.
Acting and directing problems in theory and style related to the production of plays from great periods in theatre history, with attention to characterization, dramatic values, creative directing and production approaches. 533A: Shakespearean tragedy and history, melodrama. 533B: Greek tragedy, Shakespearean comedy.
539. Theatre Design Visualization (2) I
Four hours of activity.
Prerequisite: Drama 240B.
Approaches to completing successful set and costume rendering, scenic models, and lighting studies. Techniques, media, and portfolio presentation.
540. Scene Design II (3) II
Prerequisites: Drama 440 and 530.
History of scene design and application of contemporary styles to various types of dramatic production.
541. Scene Painting (2) II
Four hours of activity.
Prerequisite: Drama 530.
Theories and techniques of scene painting, including both historical backgrounds and modern procedures. Full-scale projects executed in scenery studio.
543. Stage Property Design (2) II
One lecture and two hours of activity.
Prerequisite: Drama 530.
Theories and techniques of property design for the theatre: script analysis, research methods, planning and budgeting procedures, construction techniques and materials. Projects in property design for selected scripts.
546. Computer Systems for the Theatre (2) II
One hour of discussion and three hours of activity.
Prerequisite: Drama 448A.
Functional study of computer systems and their application to the theatre. CADD, lighting and sound control, and production -management.
547. Lighting Design II (3) I
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Drama 447.
Advanced design theories and lighting practice for theatre and dance. Laboratory and production related activities.
548. Sound Design for the Theatre (3) I
Two lectures and two hours of activity.
Prerequisites: Drama 240B and 325.
Theories and techniques of sound design and reinforcement for theatrical performance. Laboratory experience in sound production.
551. Costume, Movement, and Manners (3) I
Prerequisite: Upper division standing or admission to the graduate
program.
Interrelationship of period costumes and the movement and manners of selected historical periods; application to staging of plays from pre-modern theatre.
552. Costume Design II (3) II
Prerequisites: Drama 452 and 530.
Advanced studies in costume design. Emphasis on theatrical style, rendering layout, design problems, materials, and budget.
554A. Costume Design Technology I (2) II
Four hours of activity.
Prerequisite: Drama 240B.
Current materials and practices of costume technology: advanced construction techniques, fabric selection and use, period pattern drafting, draping and cutting.
554B. Costume Design Technology II (2) II
Four hours of activity.
Prerequisite: Drama 240B.
Advanced costume craft construction techniques and management procedures for costume production: millinery, fabric dyeing and painting, jewelry, and related crafts.
555. Movement for the Theatre II (2) I
Four hours of activity.
Prerequisite: Drama 130 or admission to the M.F.A. program.
Movement techniques for theatre. Movement patterns, phrase development, and musical theatre movement styles. Maximum credit four units applicable to a bachelor's degree; maximum credit eight units applicable to the M.F.A. degree in drama.
589. Playwriting: The Full-Length Play (3)
Prerequisite: Drama 325. Recommended: English 588.
Format and techniques of writing the full-length play. Problems in characterization, plot, and dialogue. Reading and analysis of full-length plays written by students.
596. Selected Topics in Drama (1-3) I, II
Prerequisite: Twelve units in drama.
A specialized study of selected topics from the areas of drama. May be repeated with new content. See Class Schedule for specific content. Limit of nine units of any combination of 296, 496, 596 courses applicable to a bachelor's degree. Maximum credit of six units of 596 applicable to a bachelor's degree. Maximum credit of six units of 596 applicable to a 30-unit master's degree.
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