The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.
The courses have been intentionally placed and should be prioritized in the order in which they appear. If you are unable to take all the courses in a semester, you should prioritize enrolling in the courses in the order below. Some courses have been noted as “Appropriate for Intersession” . Should you need (or want) to take classes in the summer and/or winter intersessions, the program recommends these courses as appropriate for the condensed schedule of the intersessions.
Some pathways combine a “Certificate of Achievement” and an “Associate Degree”. If you are pursuing only the Certificate of Achievement, you are only required to take the courses marked “Program Requirement” .
All pathways include at least one “Gateway Course” which introduces you to the program and/or field of study and helps you decide if you want to continue with this Academic and Career Path.
Most Associate degrees (though not Associate Degrees for Transfer) require satisfying the SMC Global Citizenship requirement. If the Program Requirements do not include a “Global Citizenship course” , be sure to select a General Education course that also satisfies Global Citizenship.
This program provides instruction and training in the field of Theatre Arts. A comprehensive curriculum in areas of Acting, Voice, Movement, Theatrical Styles, Theatre History, Production and Technical Theatre prepares students for university transfer and future careers. The program seeks to empower students at all levels to hone their performance, technical or critical/analytical skills through active and rigorous engagement in their areas of study. The program makes effort to instill a sense of responsibility in students and a desire for excellence in their craft.
The department’s curriculum focuses on providing education and experience towards mounting theatrical productions. Performance related classes hone skills enabling the actor to audition and perform with confidence. Technical Theatre classes provide students with the knowledge and skills to tackle various aspects of technical theatre. Department productions are student cast and run by student crews.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Upon completion of this program, students will be able to evaluate and appreciate a theatrical performance by recognizing the inherent components that go into creating theatre, including the research involved, the collaboration among designers and directors, the rehearsal process and the technical skills involved in making a play come to life. In addition, students will hone performance, design, analytical or technical skills leading to performance in the capacity of at least one of the following: Actor, Director, Stage Manager, Set/Light/Sound/Costume/Make-Up Designer, Stage Technician, Reviewer, Educated Audience Member.
Icon Key
-
Gateway Course
-
Program Requirement
-
General Education
-
Appropriate for Intersession
-
Available Online
-
Global Citizenship
Semester 1
16 Units
This course introduces the beginning student to the art of stage acting. The major emphasis is on actor development and growth through character portrayal, scene or monologue performance, and written work. Students evaluate theatre productions based on materials and techniques studied.
- C1 - Arts, Dance, Music, Theater
- Area III: Humanities
This course develops the student's awareness of the body as an instrument of communication in stage acting. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
This course covers the construction, painting and rigging of stage scenery, properties and effects. It includes the use of construction tools, shop safety and procedures, and an introduction to scenic design. Attendance of theater productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
SMC GE Area IV-A Course 3 units
This course provides an exploration of intellectual, psychological, social and physical factors that impact lifelong learning, well-being and success. Topics include motivation and self-efficacy; critical thinking, academic integrity and active study strategies; health issues and lifestyle choices; relating to others as a global citizen; written and oral communication; time management; career exploration; and educational planning.
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
SMC GE Area II-A Course 3 units
Semester 2
15-17 Units
The study of speech designed to develop the skills for performing classic and modern dramatic literature is stressed in this course. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
This course covers the history of theatre and dramatic literature with emphasis on the relationship of the theatre to cultural development. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
- Skills Advisory: ENGL 1
- 3A: Arts
- C1 - Arts, Dance, Music, Theater
- Area III: Humanities
A study of the art and application of stage make-up with practice in the techniques of creating facial characterizations and alterations for specific roles and types. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
SMC GE Area IV-B Course 3-5 units
TH ART 42 recommended
Elective Course 1 unit
Semester 3
16 Units
3 units total required for program completion
See the full list: Required Elective Course from "Production Workshop" list below
SMC GE Area II-B Course 3 units
SMC GE Area I Course 3 units
ENGL 2 recommended for transfer options
TH ART 10B, 13, 16, 43, 44, or 46 recommended
Semester 4
14 Units
3 units total required for program completion
See the full list: Required Elective Course from "Production Workshop" list below
TH ART 10B, 13, 16, 38A, 43, 44, 45, 46, 50, 52, 53, 55, or 56 recommended
Elective Course 3 units
Elective Course 3 units
Elective Course 1 unit
Production Workshop (3 units required)
3 Units
This course is intended for students interested in actual training and experience, either in the various backstage areas of technical support or by being involved as a member of a production crew for a Santa Monica College Theatre Arts Dept. production.
This course is intended for students interested in actual training and experience, either in the various backstage areas of technical support or by being involved as a member of a production crew for a Santa Monica College Theatre Arts Department production. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
This course is intended for students interested in actual training and experience, either in the various backstage areas of technical support or by being involved as a member of a production crew for a Santa Monica College Theatre Arts Department production. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
Technical Theatre
3 Units
The course concerns the study and execution of scenic painting techniques. It provides study and training in the use of materials and techniques for painting scenery for theatre, film and television. Attendance at theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required. A materials fee will be charged for student supplies.
- Skills Advisory: TH ART 20
This course introduces the student to the theory and practice of modern stage lighting. The properties and control of light are covered, including electricity, color, instrumentation and design. Attendance of theater productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
This course explores the process of designing projection and lighting for theatrical performances including: visualizing and choosing a concept, drafting a light plot, finding projection content, and focusing and cueing. In-depth programming of lighting consoles and advanced equipment (including moving lights, LEDs, projectors and DMX controlled accessories) will be addressed. Students are also introduced to drafting light plots by hand and with computer software such as Vectorworks, Spotlight, and Lightwright, the basics of using Photoshop, and running projection with Qlab. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
This course introduces the student to the theory and practice of modern theatrical sound design. The role of sound in theatre is explored with a focus on its unique contribution in supporting the dramatic narrative. Instruction will cover basic sound theory and acoustics, use of contemporary audio equipment, tools, and techniques, and crafting a sound design from concept to completion. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
Costume construction theory and practice are the essential elements in this course, including a survey of the history of costume. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
This course explores the artistic and organizational techniques and practices required of stage managers. Topics covered include production preparation, safety, rehearsal documentation styles, execution and calling of shows. The course also addresses the necessary collaborations and relationships with other artists and staff.
Advanced Performance
2 Units
This course introduces the student to theories, techniques and practices of musical theatre performance. The class concentrates on preparing and performing scenes from musical theatre, culminating in a public performance. Attendance at theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
- Prerequisite: Pre-enrollment audition required.
This course includes rehearsals and performances of a theatrical production geared specifically for a younger audience. It explores acting skills through the application and development of progressive performance techniques. Emphasis is placed on cooperative blending of all theatre activities into a finished public performance. Students will rehearse and prepare material and learn about the processes of performing for the live theatre. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
- Prerequisite: Pre-enrollment audition required
- Corequisite: TH ART 51
This course covers more advanced study of stage speech designed to help develop the skills for performing classic and modern dramatic literature. This is also a continuation for the non-actor in the dynamic approach to vocal and health and affective communication. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
- Skills Advisory: TH ART 10A
Specific training is given in the performance of the regional American and foreign dialects most often used in the theatre. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
- Skills Advisory: TH ART 10A
This course is an introduction to stage combat performance techniques with primary focus on actor safety and effective story telling. Disciplines explored will include Unarmed Combat and Quarterstaff.
This course enhances the student's awareness of the physical self as a means of communication in Theatre. Techniques from Flamenco movement are incorporated to help the student develop coordination, poise, rhythm and passion that are inherent in this art form. Adopting this technique, students perform scenes and monologues from various genres including works of Shakespeare, Lorca and Oscar Wilde. Attendance at theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
Basic techniques of play analysis and stage directorial techniques are explored in this course. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
- Skills Advisory: TH ART 41
This course provides continued and intensive development of acting skills. Focus on realistic acting techniques, rehearsal skills, character building, scene study and performance, and play analysis.
- Skills Advisory: TH ART 41
This course contains development of acting skills and explores several non-realistic acting styles through performance of prepared scenes and culminating n a final public performance. Styles covered in class may include Greek (Tragedy and Comedy), Roman Comedy, Medieval, Shakespearean (Tragedy and Comedy) and Comedy of Manners. Attendance of theatre productions for which the students must purchase tickets is required.
- Skills Advisory: TH ART 41 or
- Skills Advisory: TH ART 42
This course contains development of acting skills and explores several non-realistic acting styles through performance of prepared scenes and culminating n a final public performance. Styles covered in class may include Commedia dell¿Arte, Farce, Melodrama, Ibsen, Chekhov, Brecht, Theatre of the Absurd (Beckett, Pinter, Ionesco, Genet, Stoppard, Sheppard). Attendance of theatre productions for which the students must purchase tickets is required.
- Skills Advisory: TH ART 41 or
- Skills Advisory: TH ART 42
This course introduces the student to theories, techniques and practices of musical theatre performance. The class concentrates on preparing and performing scenes from musical theatre, culminating in a public performance. Attendance at theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
- Prerequisite: Pre-enrollment audition required.
This course includes rehearsals and performances of a full-length theatrical production in the Main Stage. Emphasis is placed on cooperative blending of all theatrical activities into a finished public performance.
- Prerequisite: Pre-enrollment audition required
- Corequisite: TH ART 51
This course includes rehearsals and performances of the department's musical theatre production. Dance laboratory is included.
- Prerequisite: Pre-enrollment audition required
- Corequisite: TH ART 51
This course includes rehearsals and performances of a theatrical production geared specifically for a younger audience. It explores acting skills through the application and development of progressive performance techniques. Emphasis is placed on cooperative blending of all theatre activities into a finished public performance. Students will rehearse and prepare material and learn about the processes of performing for the live theatre. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
- Prerequisite: Pre-enrollment audition required
- Corequisite: TH ART 51
This course involves rehearsals and performances of a theatrical production designed for a smaller venue. Such a production includes, but is not limited to any of the following: Non-traditional themes, newer or lesser-known playwrights, student or faculty-written works, multi-cultural works and multiple theatrical genres. The course applies advanced acting skills in the selected genre to the development and performance of a production. Emphasis is placed on cooperative blending of all theatre activities into a finished public performance. Students rehearse and learn about the processes of performing for the live theatre. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.
- Prerequisite: Pre-enrollment audition required
- Corequisite: TH ART 51