Theater

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GCC's theater program focuses on theater theory and performance skills. You’ll study the fundamentals of the art, including stage craft, acting, and directing. Advanced courses let you specialize in one or more of these areas, and you’ll have the opportunity to participate in plays at GCC. A course in Shakespeare will enrich your understanding of the influence his work continues to exert on theater, while courses in either dance or music will round out your performance skills and open new audition opportunities for you in the future.

What You'll StudyCourse Sequencing
LAT

Theater at GCC provides a strong foundation in the basic disciplines involved in the world of contemporary theater, as well as a broad range of liberal arts studies. The curriculum includes studio, performance, production and academic work.

Please note that transfer to many four-year colleges and universities may require the completion of four sequential semesters of World Languages. Transfer specialists recommend using electives to start language requirements at the community college prior to transfer.

Curriculum Documents

To plan degree completion, see the course descriptions in the academic catalog which specify the planned semester(s) in which required classes are to be scheduled.

This is just one way you might complete the Theater program in 4 semesters over 2 years of full-time study, or 8 semesters over 4 years of part-time study. (Sample course sequences assume that all pre-requisites have been satisfied and the student is prepared for college-level work.) For a detailed list of required courses, optional electives and program information, download the Theater program description from our official academic catalog.

Course descriptions are also available in the catalog. Find courses

Sample 2 Year Sequence of Courses
Fall 1Spring 1Fall 2Spring 2

ENG Comp. I
HIS 105
ECO 101
ANT 104
THE 113

ENG Comp. II
THE 101
THE 105
THE 133
MUS 111
PCS 101

ENG 207
MAT 117
THE 106
GEO 101
THE 133
PSY 101

BIO 120
THE 225
THE 217
THE 133
ENG 221

Sample 4 Year Sequence of Courses
Fall 1Spring 1Fall 2Spring 2

THE 101
ENG Comp. I
HIS 105

ENG Comp. II
THE 105
THE 113

PCS 101
ECO 101
ANT 104

MUS 111
ENG 207
THE 133

Fall 3Spring 3Fall 4Spring 4

ENG 221
MAT 117

BIO 120
THE 217

GEO 101
THE 133
PSY 101

THE 225
THE 133
THE 106

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing a course of study in this program will be able to:
  • Construct and practice diverse characters; deepen understanding of individual cultures and perspectives through performance.
  • Fully understand and participate in the collaborative nature of theater itself and refine skills for problem solving.
  • Develop and debate criteria for performance ethics and etiquette and basics of constructive dialogue and criticism.
  • Investigate civic practices and contemporary social issues through theatrical expression and community engagement.
  • Find impactful and effective ways to express point of view through performance, writing, set, costume, make-up, sound, and lighting design.
  • Gain understanding of blocking and actively explore concepts on stage, as space, shape, geometry, body in space and motion, timing, speed, dynamics and relationship to others.
  • Locate, evaluate and employ theater, dance, music, and art sources as: print and electronic text, visual and audial resources, live performance, and personal interview.
  • Identify, explore, and analyze elements of theater to then create effective visual and sound.
  • Possess self-awareness to apply critically to work of self and others; make artistic and creative choices based on evaluation, feedback and kinesthetic awareness.
  • Integrate and synthesize all principles as applied and evaluated within performance.

What's Next

Future careers may include acting, directing, writing or design for theater, film or television, professional production stage crew, theater education, theater business and arts management.

Consider this program if

  • You want a broad as well as deep understanding of theater.
  • You want to work in theater as an actor, director, playwright, designer or technician.
  • You want to pursue higher academic study in theater.

By taking classes in a Liberal Arts option, students complete courses that help develop 100 and 200 course level knowledge and skills in a particular field. If you don't satisfy the requirements of a specific Liberal Arts option, you may still be able to fulfill the requirements of another option, or fulfill the requirements of the Liberal Arts General degree. Students are advised to work closely with their GCC advisor to select the specific courses that will help meet their career or transfer goals. Note: Students who complete a Liberal Arts option will graduate with the degree "Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts." Your area of concentration is reflected only in your transcript, not your diploma.

Not all classes are available each term. For current availability, see our online course schedule.

THE 101 Introduction to Theater - 3 credits

An introductory course for students who are interested in theatre and performance but may or may not have any direct experience. The course explores all the basic elements of Theatre Arts: its origins, history, cultural importance and relevance in modern society. It also focuses on each aspect of production: acting, directing, dramaturgy and design. Students read and study major works and have the opportunity to see, discuss, and analyze live performance. The course provides a sampling of the many kinds of experiences that can be had in the Theatre as a practitioner and/or audience member.

(Offered: Every Fall, Every Spring)Prereq: ENG 090 and ENG 094, or satisfactory placement

THE 105 Play Analysis - 3 credits

Concentrates on the interpretation and analysis of various types of dramatic literature. Students learn to explore and respond to plays effectively in the context of dramaturgical elements such as plot, theme, character development, structure and other critical components specific to the genre. The course covers a variety of traditional and contemporary forms and texts. Students also explore the challenges and opportunities of translating these texts into live production and film.

(Offered: Every Fall)Prereq: ENG 090 and ENG 094, or satisfactory placement

THE 106 Stage Craft - 3 credits

The study of the processes of scenery, lighting, and sound design for production realization from the stage designer's point of view. The course emphasizes the creative process in developing the physical elements of a theatrical production. The student learns how to safely execute the skills of the scenic designer in a hands-on method and work environment. Students aid in the construction and technical work required for GCC's mainstage production, student- directed projects, or an off-campus, instructor-approved theater facility.

(Offered: Periodically)Prereq: ENG 090 and ENG 094, or satisfactory placement

THE 113 Fundamentals of Acting - 3 credits

An introduction to acting with emphasis on characterization, voice, and movement, as well as varieties of acting techniques, script analysis, improvisation, and theatre games. Students prepare monologues, scenework and short one-act plays. The course also emphasizes the uses of acting skills to improve self-confidence and self-expression.

(Offered: Every Fall, Every Spring)Prereq: None

THE 117 Experimental Performance - 3 credits

Explores alternatives to the traditional modes of performance and the development of short performances that may combine theater with studio art, music, sculpture, movement, dance, other academic fields, and site specific events. Students create original performances rooted in their own experiences and interest.

(Offered: Periodically)Prereq: ENG 090 and ENG 094, or satisfactory placement. Recomm: THE 101

THE 133 College Theater Workshop - 1 credit

Practical experience in acting, house management, public relations, publicity, shop, and production crews for the current GCC production- or instructor-approved, off-campus production. NOTE: Students may repeat this course three times for a maximum of 4 credits. No more than one credit may be earned in any given semester.

(Offered: Every Fall, Every Spring)Prereq: ENG 090 and ENG 094, or satisfactory placement

THE 213 Advanced Acting - 3 credits

Explores the actor's use of improvisation, character development, motivation, and action through internal and external techniques. The course includes an in-depth concentration in training, theory, and practice in relation to character, scene and ensemble work. These studies are directly applied in workshops, rehearsal, and performance.

(Offered: Every Fall, Every Spring)Prereq: THE 113

THE 225 Directing-Theory and Practice - 4 credits

An introduction to the skills of directing with an emphasis on the elements of play production. The student studies the concepts/requirements necessary to mount a full theatrical production. The student chooses, analyzes, casts, and directs for performance a one-act instructor approved play. This one-act play is a minimum of 45 minutes performance time and is presented for the GCC community in the Sloan Theater at semester's end. NOTE: Students may receive credit for either THE 224 or THE 225, but not for both.

(Offered: Every Spring)Prereq: ENG 112, 114, or 116, and either THE 101, 113, 105, or permission of the instructor