Theatre Arts Department classes are exciting and challenging for all students!
Theatre classes offer a wide range of topics from theatre history, multicultural perspectives in American Theatre, and character analysis, to technical theatre, theatre design, and management. Since classes are small, students have the opportunity for personal attention from professionally active instructors in a nurturing environment.

Each course examines theory and concepts while experiencing the subject through hands-on application. Students are encouraged to participate in our productions as performers, back stage technicians, or as part of the front of house management team. All Theatre Arts' courses are CSU and UC transferable. The Theatre Arts Department also offers five Career Certificates. Please contact Leslie McCauley, Department Chair at lmccauley@santarosa.edu

This web site is updated annually. For current curriculum, please see the
SRJC Online Catalog. (Theatre Arts Classes listed on page 294) or SRJC Class Schedule

THAR 1 World Theatre Through Time
An overview of the major periods in world theatre history through significant works of dramatic literature.

THAR 2 Introduction to Theatre Arts
An introduction to theatre as both an art form and social forum, emphasizing the interrelated processes of playwriting, acting, directing, design, technical theatre, theatre criticism, theatre management, and theatre architecture.

THAR 6 Multi Cultural Perspectives in American Theatre
The study of contemporary African, Asian, Latino, and Native American Drama. AA/AS area E, G; CSU area C1; IGETC area 3A

THAR 10A Introduction to Techniques of Acting
An intensive study of fundamental acting concepts and skills as exhibited through improvisation, individual and group performance.

THAR 10B Techniques of Acting
An intensive study of characterization focusing on psychological, physical, and vocal techniques.

THAR 11.1 Performance: Non-Musical (By audition only)
Preparation and presentation of an acting role in a non-musical play for public performance.

THAR 11.2 Performance: Musical
(By audition only)
Preparation and presentation of an acting role in a musical theatre production for public performance.

THAR 11.3 Performance: Musical - Dance (By audition only)
Rehearsal and performance of ensemble dance numbers and other choreographic staging for musical numbers and scenes in the context of musical theatre productions.

THAR 11.4 Performance: Musical- Vocal (By audition only)
Preparation and presentation of the vocal components of a role in a musical theatre production for public performance. Focus of the course is on learning the show's songs while incorporating character and theatrical voice techniques.

THAR 11.5 Performance: Musical- Instrumental (By audition only)
Rehearsal and performance of an instrumental part in a musical theatre production for public presentation. Focus of the course is on learning the show's music and the incorporation of the music into the overall production.

THAR 11.8 Performance: Dance Concert (By audition only)
Preparation and presentation of a full theatrical dance performance for public performance.

THAR 12 Readers Theatre
Introduction to various styles of readers theatre. Scripting, arranging, programming, staging, and performing literature from all genres.

THAR 13.1 (formerly THAR 13) Advanced Acting Workshop
Advanced theory and performance of non-realistic acting styles such as comedy of manners, farce, absurdism.

THAR 13.2 Performance
Workshop: Shakespeare
An introduction to performing Shakespeare, which results in a showcase performance.

THAR 17 Musical Theatre Techniques
An introduction to musical theatre performance which culminates in a showcase performance.

THAR 19 Movement & Improvisation
An intense study of individual and group movement and improvisational skills.

THAR 20 Inroduction to Stagecraft
The study of methods, materials, and techniques used in stagecraft.

Click on the image for a slideshow

THAR 21 Introduction to Costuming
The principle of costume construction and design as it relates to current Theatre Arts Department productions.

THAR 22A Introduction to Makeup
Traditional and contemporary materials and techniques of stage makeup design and application.

THAR 22B Intermediate Makeup
Additional materials and techniques of makeup for stage, film, and photography, including sculpting, mold making, and prosthetic.

THAR 24 Design Workshop
Practical application of the principles of theatrical design in the areas of scenery, costume, and lighting.

THAR 25 Production Lab: General
Practical experience in multiple theatrical production positions for public performances. Students in this course will work in two or more areas as a member of the construction crew, technical crews and/or house staff for one or more Theatre Arts productions during the semester.

THAR 25.1 Production Lab: Costume Crew
Practical experience as a member of the costume crew for public theatre performances. Students will complete crewing responsibilities during final rehearsals and performances for one to two Theatre Arts productions during the semester.

THAR 25.2 Production Lab: Running Crew
Practical experience as a member of the running crew for public theatre performances. Students will complete crewing responsibilities during final rehearsals and performances for one to two Theatre Arts productions during the semester.

THAR 25.3 Production Lab: House Staff
Practical experience as a member of the house staff for public theatre performances. Students will complete crewing responsibilities during final rehearsals and performances for one to two Theatre Arts productions during the semester.

THAR 25.4 Production Lab: Makeup Crew
Practical experience as a member of the makeup crew for public theatre performances. Students will complete crewing responsibilities during final rehearsals and performances for one to two Theatre Arts productions during the semester.

THAR 25.5 Production Lab: Construction
Practical experience in constructing sets, properties, costumes, makeup/wigs, crafts and/or hanging/focusing lights for one or more theatrical productions for public performances. Area assignments will be made based on student interest and experience level (prior experience not necessary for most areas).

THAR 26 Theatrical Lighting
Basic concepts of theatre lighting design including operation, procedures, planning, rigging, and equipment.

THAR 27 Properties Workshop
An introduction to the basic materials, techniques, and creative process involved in the design and construction of stage properties.

THAR 47 Summer Production Workshop
Open by audition and interview only (Feb - Mar). An intense professional training program in operation during June, July, and August.

THAR 48.1 Summer Repertory Workshop Preparation
Open by audition and interview only (Feb - Mar). An intense professional training program in operation during June, July, and August.

THAR 49 Independent Studies in Theatre Arts
(application required) Independent study for enriched academic experience in subjects pertaining to Theatre Arts.

THAR 50 Introduction to Theatre Management
Introduction to the principles and practices of management in the theatre, including stage management, production management, business management, and promotions.

THAR 50L Theatre Management Laboratory
Practical application in one or more areas of theatre management associated with a current Theatre Arts Department production.

THAR 61.6 Performance: Children's Theatre Tour
Preparation and presentation of a role in a one-act children's theatre production that will tour elementary schools throughout Sonoma County. Company members contribute to all aspects of the production, including design and interpretive elements. Course focuses on the unique challenges of performing for younger audiences, as well as adapting to different performance venues.

THAR 61.7 Performance: High School Tour
Preparation and presentation of a one-hour acting showcase, which tours high schools throughout Sonoma County. Company members contribute to all aspects of the production, including design and interpretive elements. Comprised of monologues, scenes, and songs showcasing the talents of advanced Threatre Arts acting students, the touring show functions as both an educational and recruitment opportunity.

THAR 61.9 Performance: Competition and Audition
Preparation and presentation of an advanced contrasting performance package for competition or audition. Course is intended for experienced actors selected to participate in national acting scholarship competitions, training/academic program audition, or professional auditions requiring contrasting material. Course covers all aspects of the process from material selection to performance techniques in a competitive environment. Will culminate in a showcase, prior to competition or audition.

THAR 63 Acting for Film, Television, and Voiceover
A class designed to introduce the actor to the challenges of film, television, and voiceover acting.

THAR 95 Special Topics in Theatre Art
Recurrent topics in techniques and skills relating to and used in theatre production and performance.

THAR 95.1 Physical Characterization
Demonstrate the uniqueness and diversity of each character by exploring transformational acting techniques. Approach character development by discovering and changing the outer form of the actor, through the unique characteristics, mannerisms, movement, conditions, voice, and speech for the human being. Use the external physicality to explore and trigger the inner truth of the character.

THAR 95.2 Stage Combat
Intro to the fundamental skills, tactics, and strategies used in stage combat. Explore and practice the physical techniques of hand-to-hand combat and weaponry, used by professional stunt artists and fight choreographers.

THAR 148.1 Summer Repertory Workshop
Preparation Intermediate; Open by audition and interview only (Feb - Mar). An intense professional training program in operation during June, July, and August.

THAR 148.2 Summer Repertory Workshop
Performance Intermediate; Open by audition and interview only (Feb - Mar). An intense professional training program in operation during June, July, and August.

THAR 153 Summer Field Studies in Shakespearean Staging
Field trip to Oregon Shakespeare Festival, incorporating studies of the Ashland theatres and the production techniques used in current season’s repertory

THAR 225 Theatre Audience Management
An Introduction to audience management including box office operations, patron relations, audience safety, and seating.