Dramatic Arts Program

program Goals

This program is designed to provide a unique "hands-on" approach to the study of the dramatic arts. The core of the program is the Mesa College Theatre Company (MCTC), a two year curriculum which encompasses training in all aspects of the discipline. The program provides a solid foundation for the study of dramatic arts and enables students to obtain an Associate of Arts degree or complete preparation for the major in dramatic arts as necessary for transfer to a four-year school. The program also prepares students to pursue a career in various occupations throughout the entertainment and communication industries.

Program Emphasis

This program emphasizes the study of dramatic arts through participation in all aspects of theatrical production. It is a comprehensive program providing practical and theoretical experiences for the student interested in the study and creation of the dramatic arts.

Career Options

The study of dramatic arts prepares students to pursue careers in a variety of areas both within and beyond the entertainment industries. Professional certificates and/or Advanced degrees, such as a baccalaureate degree, may be required for careers related to this field which include, but are not limited to, actor, director, casting director, agent, stage manager, designer, business manager, special events coordinator, producer, theatre manager, and teacher. The study of dramatic arts prepares students to pursue careers in a variety of areas both within and beyond the entertainment industries; dramatic arts students gain skill in oral communication, problem solving, self confidence, leadership, adaptability, and flexibility, as well as the ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and work cooperatively with others. These skills aid students in whatever path they choose.

Certificate of Achievement

Performance

Courses Required for the Major:		Units
DRAM 112	Introduction to Script Analysis	3
DRAM 124	Makeup for the Stage	3
DRAM 132	Beginning Acting	3
DRAM 268	Experimental Theatre	1-3
Choose nine units from the following:
DRAM 70	Digital Video Production for the Dramatic Arts	3
DRAM 119	Acting for Film and Television	3
DRAM 133	Intermediate Acting	3
DRAM 134	Beginning Voice for Actors	3
DRAM 165	Introduction to Stage Movement	3
Total Units = 19-21

Associate of Arts Degree

Dramatic Arts

The associate degree in Dramatic Arts certifies that a student has achieved a broad knowledge of the dramatic arts through a variety of specific experiences and, as a result, has produced a range of work signifying a thorough understanding of the discipline. This degree addresses the requirements for transfer to four-year colleges and universities and conservatory programs, and prepares students for entry-level careers in the entertainment industry as well.

The courses required for the major are intended to introduce the student to all aspects of theatre. Emphasis is placed on production, as participation results in active learning, allowing the student valuable hands-on experience. Through the course of the two year program, students will study acting scenery, costuming, lighting, and audio as well as being introduced to production and state management techniques and responsibilities.

While the required courses for the major in Dramatic Arts are intended to give the student a broad understanding of the various areas of study in the Dramatic Arts, required elective classes give the student the option to pursue one of those areas in more detail. For the student interested in acting, additional acting classes. movement classes or voice classes are recommended. The technician/ design student would pursue classes in art history, fashion history or practical lab courses. The student interested in production management should enroll in accounting and business classes that would further their base of knowledge in that area.

Recommended Electives: Dramatic Arts 70 , 71 , 260A, 260B.

For graduation requirements see Requirements for the Associate Degree .

Electives as needed to meet minimum of 60 units required for the degree.

Courses Required for Major:		Units
DRAM 105	Introduction to Dramatic Arts	3
DRAM 100A	Fundamentals of Performance and Production I	4
DRAM 100B	Fundamentals of Performance and Production II	4
DRAM 104A	Theatre Company Performance I	1-2
DRAM 104B	Theatre Company Performance II	1-2
DRAM 112	Introduction to Script Analysis	3
DRAM 124	Makeup for the Stage	3
DRAM 200A	Fundamentals of Performance and Production III	4
DRAM 200B	Fundamentals of Performance and Production IV	4
DRAM 204A	Theatre Company Performance III	1-2
DRAM 204B	Theatre Company Performance IV	1-2
Choose six units from the following:
DRAM 70	Digital Video Production for the Dramatic Arts	3
DRAM 71	Digital Video Production for the Dramatic Arts II	3
DRAM 106	Acting for Radio/Voice-Over	3
DRAM 109	Theatre and Social Issues	3
DRAM 123	Beginning Stagecraft	3
DRAM 127	Sound For Theatre	2
DRAM 128	Stage Lighting Design	3
DRAM 129A	Beginning Scene Painting	3
DRAM 132	Beginning Acting	3
DRAM 133	Intermediate Acting	3
DRAM 134	Beginning Voice for Actors	3
DRAM 136	History of Canonized Theatre-Ancient Greece to the Restoration	3
DRAM 137	History of Canonized Theatre-Ancient Restoration to the Present	3
DRAM 143	Beginning Costuming	3
DRAM 165	Introduction to Stage Movement	3
DRAM 235	Literature to Life - A Scene Study Course	2
DRAM 268	Experimental Theatre	1-3
DRAM 290	Independent Study	1-3
Total Units = 35-39

Associate in Arts in Theatre Arts for Transfer Degree

The Associate in Arts for Transfer in Theatre Arts is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts or a related major in the California State University (CSU) system. It is accepted by some but not all CSU campuses. Students who complete this degree and transfer to a participating CSU campus will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree. It may not be appropriate preparation for students transferring to a CSU campus that does not accept the degree.

Note: Students who plan to complete this degree should consult a counselor and visit www.assist.org for additional information about participating CSU campuses as well as university admission, degree and transfer requirements.

Award Notes:

Students are required to complete 60 semester of 90 quarter CSU transferable units with a minimum overall grade point average of 2.0, to include the following:

Major:

• A minimum of 18 semester or 27 quarter units
• A minimum grade of “C” of better for each course required in the major.

General Education: Complete one of the following general education options:

• The California State University General Education Breadth (CSUGE-B) pattern
• The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern.

Electives, as needed, to meet the 60 semester or 90 quarter CSU-transferable units required for the degree.

Note: Completion of the California State University American Institutions graduation requirement is strongly recommended prior to transfer.

Program Goals:

The purpose of this Associate in Arts degree program in Theatre Arts is to offer an organized course of study that will prepare students intending to major in Theatre Arts at the California State University.

Program Emphasis:

The Theatre Arts Associate in Arts for Transfer program emphasizes preparation for the major in Theatre Arts at the California State University.

Courses Required for Major:		Units
DRAM 105	Introduction to Dramatic Arts	3
DRAM 132	Beginning Acting	3
DRAM 104A	Theatre Company Performance I	1-2
and
DRAM 104B	Theatre Company Performance II	1-2
and
DRAM 204A	Theatre Company Performance III	1-2
Note: One unit each is the maximum allowed for DRAM 104A, DRAM 104B, AND 204A.
Category A Courses: (9 units)
DRAM 112	Introduction to Script Analysis	3
DRAM 124	Makeup for the Stage	3
DRAM 133	Intermediate Acting	3
Total Units = 18

Transfer Information

Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should complete courses required for the university major and the general education pattern required by that transfer institution. See catalog TRANSFER INFORMATION section. Additional courses may be required to meet university lower-division requirements.

Course requirements at the transfer institution are subject to change and may be verified by a counselor or by consulting the current university catalog. Many Baccalaureate in Arts degrees require third semester competency in a foreign language. Consult the current catalog of the transfer institution and consult with a counselor.