Department of Theatre Arts
Department website: https://www.vanguard.edu/academics/academic-programs/undergrad/theatre-arts
Susan Berkompas, MFA, Chair
Mission: The Department of Theatre Arts seeks to establish a Christ-centered, professional environment for artistic expression by developing the creative mind, body, and spirit of each student in the disciplines of: performance, production, multi-media, and theory. By imparting knowledge and allowing hands-on participation, the department is about preparing students to impact our world for God’s glory.
The Department of Theatre Arts offers a rigorous training program with a choice of the following concentrations: Musical Theatre, Stage and Screen Acting/Directing, or Technical Production. The goal of the Department of Theatre Arts is to prepare its graduates to pursue additional theatrical training, work in the theatrical profession, or a position in one of the many fields that utilize skills developed in a theatre degree program—collaboration, creative thinking, organization, discipline, critical thinking, etc. The Theatre Arts major has been approved by the California Teaching Commission to fulfill the subject matter requirements for the secondary credential in Theatre.
Acting Course Requirements
Please note that all acting courses must be taken at Vanguard to fulfill Theatre major requirements. Acting courses taken at other institutions may transfer as electives.
THEA-102C Intro to Acting 3 Credits
Introduces students to the art and craft of creating believable characters for the stage using various theatre games and improvisations leading into scene work and monologues. Also covered is the history of contemporary styles. The course is specifically designed for majors with a Technical/Design concentration, minors, and non-majors who wish to gain skills in speaking in front of large groups. This course satisfies the Fine Arts Core Curriculum requirement for non-majors. Lab Fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
THEA-103A Private Dance Lessons I 0-1 Credits
This course provides private dance lessons for performers. The focus will be on improving basic skills and preparing students for dance auditions and show choreography. Repeatable up to four times, up to four (4) units. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THEA-103B Private Dance Lessons I 0-1 Credits
This course provides private dance lessons for performers. The focus will be on improving basic skills and preparing students for dance auditions and show choreography. Repeatable up to four times, up to four (4) units. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA-106 Set Construction I 1 Credit
Participation in the construction and assembling of mainstage and/or showcase sets including painting and various techniques utilized in set design. Repeatable up to two units.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
THEA-107 Acting I 3 Credits
Theory and practice in the art of creating believable characters for stage, focusing on the Michael Chekhov method, with additional work in Stanislavski and Uta Hagen techniques covering observation, sensory awareness, applied imagination, ensemble work, theatre exercises, and scene work. This course is for declared Theatre majors. Those with a Technical/Design concentration, non-majors, and Theatre minors take THEA-102C: Introduction to Acting. All required acting courses must be taken in residence at Vanguard University and may not be transferred in. Lab Fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THEA-108A Theatrical Production I 0-1 Credits
Participation on a production team for mainstage shows/showcase week. Teams include, but are not limited to: sets, lighting, sound, costumes, makeup/hair, management, and front of house. Repeatable up to four times, up to four (4) units.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THEA-108B Theatrical Production I 0-1 Credits
Participation on a production team for mainstage shows/showcase week. Teams include, but are not limited to: sets, lighting, sound, costumes, makeup/hair, management, and front of house. Repeatable up to four time, up to four (4) units.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA-110 Costume Construction I 1 Credit
Participation in the construction of costumes and costume accessories for mainstage/showcase productions. Appropriate sewing and patterning techniques will be demonstrated and practiced. Repeatable up to two units.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
THEA-116 Scenic Painting I 1 Credit
Participation in the painting of the sets for mainstage productions. Students will be introduced to a variety of painting techniques. In addition to the scheduled meeting time, an additional 3 hours per week of arranged lab is required. Repeatable up to two units.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
THEA-121 Movement and Voice 2 Credits
The study of stage movement, voice production, and speech using techniques and exercises to allow the freeing of one's natural voice and physicality. Techniques such as View Points and Laban will be utilized as well as concentration on breathing, relaxation, articulation, and dialect study.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THEA-132A Theatrical Performance I 0-2 Credits
Majors and minors must enroll for one or two units at a time. The course requires participating in mainstage theatrical production including a thorough study of the play, the development of the character in rehearsal, and the performance of the role. Lab fee. Repeatable up to four times, up to eight (8) units.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
THEA-132B Theatrical Performance I 0-2 Credits
Majors and minors must enroll for one or two units at a time. The course requires participating in mainstage theatrical production including a thorough study of the play, the development of the character in rehearsal, and the performance of the role. Lab fee. Repeatable up to four times, up to eight (8) units.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA-133 Musical Theatre Dance I 1 Credit
An introduction to dance for musical theatre. Dance styles covered will include tap, jazz, and musical theatre movement. May be repeated up to two times. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA-135 Theatre Movement 2 Credits
An introduction to the study of stage movement. Includes exercises and techniques to insure flexibility, meaningful aesthetic stage movement and physicality utilizing the Laban and Alexander techniques.(2020-2021 Catalog; this course is no longer offered.)
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THEA-136A Private Acting Lessons I 0-1 Credits
This course provides private acting lessons for pairs of performers. The focus will be on scene work and monologues. Repeatable up to four times, up to four (4) units. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THEA-136B Private Acting Lessons I 0-1 Credits
This course provides private acting lessons for pairs of performers. The focus will be on scene work and monologues. Repeatable up to four times, up to four (4) units. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA-137A Private Voice for Musical Theatre I 0-1 Credits
This course provides private voice lessons for performers with a focus on musical theatre. Repeatable up to four times, up to four (4) units. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THEA-137B Private Voice for Musical Theatre I 0-1 Credits
This course provides private voice lessons for performers with a focus on musical theatre. Repeatable up to four times, up to (4) units. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA-200C Intro to Theatre 3 Credits
An introduction to the study of theatre with focus on its history, forms, genres, performance space, and the artistic principles of production, as well as the technical aspects. Selected readings, discussions, attendance at plays, and critiques of performances are required. Theatre majors may not take THEA-200C to fulfill the Fine Arts core curriculum. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THEA-202C History of Theatre I 3 Credits
An intensive study of theatre history - its literature, practitioners, and environs - from the Ancient Greeks through the French Neo-classical period. Readings, discussions, attendance at plays, and critiques of performances are required. This course fulfills the Fine Arts core curriculum requirement. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THEA-204C History of Theatre II 3 Credits
An intensive study of theatre history - its literature, practitioners, and environs - from the Restoration to modern. Readings, discussions, attendance at plays, and critiques of performances are required. This course fulfills the Fine Arts core curriculum requirement. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA-207 Acting II 3 Credits
An in-depth study of characterization utilizing the Stanislavski system, and Uta Hagen's and Sanford Meisner's techniques of acting. This course is for Theatre majors only. Theatre minors may enroll with permission of instructor. All required acting courses must be taken in residence at Vanguard University and may not be transferred in. Lab Fee.
Prerequisite: THEA-107
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA-213 Foundations of Dance for Elem Teachers 1 Credit
This course will introduce students to the world of elementary dance curriculum and pedagogy through a thought provoking exploration on the development of fundamental movement skills. Students will develop the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary to successfully implement a dance and drama program to support the diverse needs of elementary school students. Students will also be provided with guided opportunities to explore performance and choreographic experiences that build skills in improvisation and collaboration. This course is cross-listed with EDUC-213
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
THEA-219 Acting/Directing for the Camera I 2 Credits
An introductory level class designed to familiarize students with the process of acting and directing for film or video using scenes from current stage and screen plays. Emphasis is on "single camera" situations. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, even years.
THEA-220 Musical Theatre Vocal Technique I 3 Credits
This course will cover a range of techniques used to develop the musical theatre voice. Areas included are breathing techniques and appropriate vocal exercises to increase range, enhance color, and enrich the beauty of the voice. Musical theatre repertoire will be used to explore aspects of the interaction of the vocal, physical, and mental aspects of performing in musicals. An emphasis will be placed on healthy and connected singing as well as performance techniques for musical theatre. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THEA-242 Pedagogy/Practice in Theatre for Youth 3 Credits
This course provides methods and materials for drama structures and activities as applied to the elementary classroom. Participants will explore how to use drama as a tool for transfer across the curriculum, as well as a way to motivate students, build classroom community and manage the classroom. Participants will investigate through the lens of a teaching artist, classroom teacher and/or drama teacher how to adapt the work to suit their needs, and collaboratively present lessons. This course is cross-listed with EDUC-242
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
THEA-244 Musical Theatre Audition I 3 Credits
An in-depth practicum class focusing on the preparation of audition pieces for musical theatre. Students will learn how to identify songs appropriate for their range and the production, and will study the techniques involved in song interpretation. Permission of instructor is required for non-Musical Theatre Concentration majors. (Formerly Titled Beginning Musical Theatre Audition; 2018 Catalog)
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA-272 Playing Shakespeare 3 Credits
An intensive actor's workshop which covers textual analysis, speaking prose and verse, scene study, shaping speeches, and building a character from the works of William Shakespeare. All required acting courses must be taken in residence at Vanguard University and may not be transferred in.
Prerequisite: THEA-107
Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.
THEA-291 Special Topic: 1 Credit
Study of a special topic in an area of theatre. Repeatable up to 9 units.
Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.
THEA-292 Special Topic: 1 Credit
Study of a special topic in an area of theatre. Repeatable up to 9 units.
Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.
THEA-293 Special Topic: 1 Credit
Study of a special topic in an area of theatre. Repeatable up to 9 units.
Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.
THEA-303A Private Dance Lessons III 0-1 Credits
This course provides private dance lessons for performers. The focus will be on improving basic skills and preparing students for dance auditions and show choreography. Repeatable up to four times, up to four (4) units. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THEA-303B Private Dance Lessons III 0-1 Credits
This course provides private dance lessons for performers. The focus will be on improving basic skills and preparing students for dance auditions and show choreography. Repeatable up to four times, up to (4) units. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA-306 Set Construction II 1 Credit
Participation in the construction and assembling of the mainstage and/or showcase sets including painting and various techniques used in set design. Repeatable up to two units.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
THEA-307 Acting III 3 Credits
This course involves putting together a role based on the continued process of Stanislavski system, the study of body language and other acting approaches. Lab Fee.
THEA-308A Theatrical Production III 0-1 Credits
Participation on a production team for mainstage shows/showcase week. Teams include, but are not limited to: sets, lighting, sound, costumes, makeup/hair, management, and front of house. Repeatable up to four times, up to (4) units.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THEA-308B Theatrical Production III 0-1 Credits
Participation on a production team for mainstage shows/showcase week. Teams include, but are not limited to: sets, lighting, sound, costumes, makeup/hair, management, and front of house. Repeatable up to four times, up to (4) units.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA-310 Improvisation 2 Credits
Problem-solving theatre games and exercises are explored so as to develop spontaneity and impulse in action to free the player's imagination.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring, even years.
THEA-313 Scenic and Lighting Design Fundamentals 3 Credits
This course covers the fundamentals of scenic and lighting design including the elements of design, a brief history of the disciplines, script analysis as it relates to design, and the process and tools necessary for creating scenic and lighting designs which support the director's vision. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.
THEA-314 Makeup & Costume Design Fundamentals 3 Credits
This course covers the fundamentals of makeup and costume design including the elements of design, a brief history of the disciplines, script analysis as it relates to design, and the process and tools necessary for creating character makeups and costume designs which support the director's vision. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA-316 Scenic Painting II 1 Credit
Participation in the painting of the sets for mainstage productions. Students will be introduced to a variety of painting techniques. In addition to the scheduled meeting time, an additional 3 hours per week of arranged lab is required. Repeatable up to two units.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
THEA-317 Costume Construction II 1 Credit
The course consists of participation in the construction of costumes and costume accessories for mainstage/showcase productions. Appropriate sewing and patterning techniques will be demonstrated and practiced. Repeatable up to two units.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
THEA-319 Acting/Directing for the Camera II 2 Credits
An intermediate level class designed to continue training students in acting and directing for film or video using scenes from short one-acts and sitcom material. Emphasis is on two-camera situations.
Prerequisite: THEA-219
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, even years.
THEA-323 Sound Design 2 Credits
The design and integration of live and recorded digital sound into production as indicated by directors' conceptualization approaches.
Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.
THEA-324 Theory and Criticism 3 Credits
Reading and analysis of theories and critical approaches to contemporary theatre: Stanislavski, Aristotle, Brecht, and others who have contributed to the form and idea of the modern theatre. Lab Fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring, even years.
THEA-331 Musical Theatre Vocal Technique II 3 Credits
Students will apply the vocal techniques learned in Musical Theatre Vocal Technique I to effectively and correctly the variety of song styles found in musical theatre. Examples include jazz, pop, rock, blues, classic musical theatre, standards, and folk-country. This course may be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisite: THEA-220
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THEA-332A Theatrical Performance III 0-2 Credits
Majors and minors must enroll for one or two units at a time. The course requires participating in mainstage theatrical production including a thorough study of the play, the development of the character in rehearsal, and the performance of the role. Repeatable up to four times, up to eight (8) units. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THEA-332B Theatrical Performance III 0-2 Credits
Majors and minors must enroll for one or two units at a time. The course requires participating in mainstage theatrical production including a thorough study of the play, the development of the character in rehearsal, and the performance of the role. Repeatable up to four times, up to eight (8) units. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA-336A Private Acting Lessons III 0-1 Credits
This course provides private acting lessons for pairs of performers. The focus will be on scene work and monologues. Repeatable up to four times, up to (4) units. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THEA-336B Private Acting Lessons III 0-1 Credits
This course provides private acting lessons for pairs of performers. The focus will be on scene work and monologues. Repeatable up to four times, up to four (4) units. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA-337A Private Voice for Musical Theatre III 0-1 Credits
This course provides private voice lessons for performers with a focus on musical theatre. Repeatable up to four times, up to (4) units. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THEA-337B Private Voice for Musical Theatre III 0-1 Credits
This course provides private voice lessons for performers with a focus on musical theatre. Repeatable up to four times, up to four (4) units. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA-338 Stage Combat 2 Credits
This course introduces basic stage techniques with unarmed combat including falls, rolls, chokes, punches and kicks, advancing to broad sword combat using scenes from classical or contemporary works, and applying these techniques with special attention to safety. Lab fee. (NOTE: As of the 2021-2022 Academic Catalog, THEA-338C and THEA-338 will no longer count towards Core Curriculum.)
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA-339 Industry Insiders 3 Credits
Industry insider and entertainment business information to help theatre majors find employment in the world of stage and screen. The courses focuses on the skills and materials necessary to take the next step into working in the industries of theatre, film and television. Topics include self-tapes, cold readings, auditioning, securing representation, headshots, self-marketing, developing a professional website and unions.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA-341 Directing I: Stage and Screen 3 Credits
Introduction to the techniques and fundamentals of directing for the stage and screen using text, theory, and practicum while applying these approaches to student-directed one-acts. Lab Fee. (Formerly titled Directing Fundamentals: Stage and Screen; 2018 catalog)
Prerequisite: THEA-107
Terms Typically Offered: Spring, even years.
THEA-343 Character Acting for Comedy 3 Credits
This course will focus on creating believable characters for comedy using applied imagination, ensemble work, improvisation, and in-depth exploration of building and communicating a character utilizing the sitcom architypes.
Prerequisite: THEA-107
Terms Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.
THEA-344 Musical Theatre Audition II 3 Credits
A continuing in-depth practicum class focusing on the preparation of audition pieces for musical theatre. Students will explore a wider range of pieces to identify songs appropriate for their range and production requirements and will continue to study the techniques involved in song interpretation. Permission of instructor required for non-Musical Theatre Concentration Majors. (Formerly titled Intermediate Musical Theatre Audition; 2018 catalog)
Prerequisite: THEA-244
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA-350 Stage Management 3 Credits
The study of how to become a successful stage manager. Students will learn organizational, interpersonal, and publicity skills. Students also will learn how to manage actors and scheduling, work with the directors, and oversee the production for stage as well as television/film. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring, even years.
THEA-360 Dramatic Lit: Script Analysis 3 Credits
This course is cross-listed with ENGL-360. This course introduces the student to history's most influential stage and screen plays giving the student skills with which to analyze critically the script in order to understand the work of each playwright. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring, even years.
THEA-386 Junior Project 1 Credit
Participation in production crew for mainstage show for one or more of the following production teams: set construction, costumes, makeup/hair, lighting, sound, house management, props, stage management, and assistant stage management. Repeatable up to four units.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
THEA-419 Acting/Directing for the Camera III 2 Credits
An advanced level class designed to impart a deeper exploration of film and television utilizing play scripts that exist in public domain adapted short films.
THEA-433 Musical Theatre Dance II 1 Credit
Instruction in dance for musical theatre. Dance styles covered will include tap, jazz, and musical theatre movement among others. May be repeated up to two times.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THEA-442 Playwriting 3 Credits
Development of playwriting techniques as applied to the stage. The student will be required to develop and write a one-act stage play. Lab Fee. This course is cross-listed with ENGL-442.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.
THEA-443 Pedagogy/Practice in Theatre for Youth 3 Credits
This course provides methods and materials for drama structures and activities as applied to the elementary classroom. Participants will explore how to use drama as a gateway to the curriculum, as well as a way to motivate students, build classroom community and manage the classroom. Participants investigate through the lens of a teaching artist, classroom teacher and/or drama teacher how to adapt the work to suit their needs, and collaboratively present lessons. This course is cross-listed with THEA-242.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA-450 Theatre Internship 1-2 Credits
To fulfill the course requirements, the student is to serve a minimum 150 hours for the 2-unit internship with a department-approved professional theater. May be repeated up to 3 units. Theatre majors are required to take 2 units. An additional unit may be taken as an elective unit. This must be arranged the previous semester and must be approved by the student's advisor and the professor of record. Freshmen may not take this course without approval of the department chair.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
THEA-451 Theatre Teaching Assistant 1 Credit
Regular hours each week and/or meetings are established at the beginning of the semester. The intern assists an instructor in planning and conducting a course and/or laboratory sessions. This course may be repeated for a maximum of three units. This course does not fulfill the THEA-450 Theatre Internship requirement. Must be Junior standing with a GPA of 3.0 or above with approval of the Department Chair.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
THEA-455 Shakespeare Through the Ages 3 Credits
An in-depth survey of Shakespeare's major works within the historical and cultural context of the Renaissance. This investigation of his oeuvre includes the close reading of tragedies, comedies, romances and history plays with an eye towards the ways in which he revolutionized genre. This course involves class discussion, quizzes, texts, papers and performance, and it fulfills the departmental required for Shakespeare.This course is cross-listed with ENGL-455.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THEA-470 Special Topic: 1-3 Credits
Study of a special topic in the area of theatre. May be repeated for credit.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
THEA-472 Portfolio Preparation 2 Credits
Course focuses on the skills and materials necessary to create the type of portfolio required to find employment as a technician/designer. Topics covered include the different types of portfolios and knowing which one to use when, creating additional content, and how to integrate the Christian walk and faith with employment in the entertainment industry.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA-480 Individual Studies: 1-3 Credits
May be repeated for credit.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
THEA-495C Senior Project 2 Credits
The Senior Project demonstrates the student's proficiency in and ownership of the outcomes of the Theatre curriculum. The project is presented to the campus community on-site during the regular department production calendar and includes a journal of the process. Project areas include performance, directing, design, management, script writing, and producing. The student will submit a reflection paper on the integration of faith and theatre with their academic journey, including insights gained from the senior project. This course and paper fulfills the Vanguard University Capstone requirement. Project by approval of Senior Project Coordinator and Department Chair. Lab fee.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.