School of Drama Courses

DRA 0051

Acting Fundamentals A

.25 unit per semester

This course begins the process of developing a deeper understanding of the actor's craft. The course explores techniques and theories essential to theatrical performance. Topics include improvisation, fundamentals of acting, text analysis, directing, audition skills, acting for the camera, self/tape, devised theater, creative practice, creative writing, arts and social context, scene study and scene presentation.

DRA 0052

Acting Fundamentals B

.25 unit per semester

This course begins the process of developing a genuine understanding of the actor's craft. The course explores techniques and theories essential to theatrical performance. Topics include improvisation, fundamentals of acting, scene study and scene presentation.

DRA 0061

Fundamentals of Voice and Singing A

.25 unit per semester

The spoken voice component of this course begins the process of building the student's speaking voice for the stage. Classes in breathing, release of tension, resonance, and articulation are designed to free the natural sound and develop awareness of the voice as a creative, expressive instrument. This learning culminates in the student creating their own personal vocal warmup. A combination of techniques and exploration of anatomy are used throughout the course in order to support each student's individual vocal process. The singing component of this course explores and builds the fundamentals of a healthy vocal-singing technique. Areas of focus include physiology of the vocal process, posture and physical alignment, physiology and breath management, tone production and resonance. Students are introduced to musicianship skills, basic music theory and singer's "vocabulary". Through the use of vocal and physical exercises and "songologues", students learn to bring to life theatrical and dramatic components of sung choral and solo music theater and American songbook repertoire. The focus is on expressive, honest, organic and communicative vocal and body language through the sung sound. Guidance is also given for students to prepare 16-32-bar cuts for college pre-screens and auditions.

DRA 0062

Fundamentals of Voice and Singing B

.25 unit per semester

The spoken voice component of this course continues the process of building the student's speaking voice for the stage. A combination of techniques and exploration of anatomy are used throughout the course in order to support each student's individual vocal process. In this semester, the vocal techniques explored in the fall are put into action through work on a wide range of texts. Building on work done in the fall semester, the singing component of this course reinforces a fundamental and healthy vocal-signing technique as well as developing an awareness of articulation, diction, and potential areas of tension and how to free them. Students continue to learn about and develop their voices as they explore expressive communication in assigned duets, trios, quartets from the music theater repertoire.

DRA 0071

Fundamentals of Movement A

.25 unit per semester

This course is designed to begin the process of developing an awareness of expressive artistic movement. Topics may include theatre dance, theatre movement, mime, gymnastics, yoga and physical conditioning.

DRA 0072

Fundamentals of Movement B

.25 unit per semester

This course is designed to begin the process of developing an awareness of expressive artistic movement. Topics may include theatre dance, theatre movement, mime, gymnastics, yoga and physical conditioning.

DRA 0080

Special Techniques

.25 unit per semester

This course includes special classes designed to give students insight and experience in areas not normally dealt with in traditional acting classes. Topics may include mask, audition techniques, stage combat, makeup, clowning skills, directing, writing projects and performance for film and television.