Theatre & Dance College of Letters & Science

Margaret L. Kemp, M.F.A., Chairperson of the Department; term ends June 30, 2026

Department Office

101 Art Building; 530-752-0888; Fax 530-752-8818; Theatre & Dance; Faculty

Dramatic Art (DRA)

DRA 001 — Theatre, Performance & Culture (4 units)

Course Description: Introductory investigation of the nature of performance, moving from performance theory to consideration of various manifestations of performance including theatre, film and media, performance art, dance, sports, rituals, political and religious events, and other "occasions."

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Discussion 1 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Not open to students who have completed DRA 001S.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Domestic Diversity (DD); Visual Literacy (VL); Writing Experience (WE).

DRA 001S — Theatre, Performance & Culture (4 units)

This version has ended; see updated course, below.
Course Description: Introductory investigation of the nature of performance, moving from performance theory to consideration of various manifestations of performance including theatre, film and media, performance art, dance, sports, rituals, political and religious events, and other "occasions." For Short Term Programs Abroad; may be taught abroad.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Discussion 1 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Not open to students who have completed DRA 001.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • DRA 001S — Theatre, Performance & Culture (4 units)
  • Course Description: Introductory investigation of the nature of performance, moving from performance theory to consideration of various manifestations of performance including theatre, film and media, performance art, dance, sports, rituals, political and religious events, and other "occasions."
  • Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Discussion 1 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Not open to students who have completed DRA 001.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • This course version is effective from, and including: Fall Quarter 2024.

DRA 002 — Acting: The Basics: History & Practice (4 units)

Course Description: Introduction to the historical evolution of the actor–from ancient Greece & Asia to the Hollywood icon & postdramatic performer–and the practical foundations of acting for stage and screen. Onstage opportunities within lecture course structure.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Discussion 1 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Oral Skills (OL); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 005 — Understanding Performance: Appreciation of Modern Theatre, Dance, Film & Performance Art (4 units)

Course Description: Relevance of theatre and performance to modern culture, science and society. Approaches to theatre/dance/media/performance art, integrated into Mondavi Center for the Arts and Theatre & Dance Department programs.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 3 hour(s), Discussion/Laboratory 1 hour(s).
  • Cross Listing: SAS 041.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Domestic Diversity (DD); Oral Skills (OL); Visual Literacy (VL); World Cultures (WC); Writing Experience (WE).

DRA 010 — Introduction to Performance & Digital Media (4 units)

Course Description: An embodied exploration of the fundamentals of movement, speech, theatre, sound and the foundations of digital media. Collaborative and solo performance (spoken and movement) assignments, selected readings and viewing of live and digital performance productions.

  • Learning Activities: Discussion/Laboratory 4 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 1 time(s) when instructor differs.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Oral Skills (OL).

DRA 014 — Introduction to Contemporary Dance (4 units)

Course Description: Introduction to basic issues and methods in contemporary dance. Focus on preparing the student for dancing and dance-making through basic techniques of improvisation and composition. Consideration of dance as a cultural practice.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Laboratory 3 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 020 — Introduction to Dramatic Art (4 units)

Course Description: Understanding and appreciation of both the distinctive and collaborative contributions of playwright, actor, director, and designer to the total work of dramatic art. Study of plays from the major periods of dramatic art in their cultural contexts.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Discussion 1 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Visual Literacy (VL); World Cultures (WC); Writing Experience (WE).

DRA 021A — Fundamentals of Acting (4 units)

Course Description: Physical and psychological resources of the actor. Experience in individual and group contact and communication, theatre games, advanced improvisation, sound and movement dynamics. Viewing of theatre productions.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 2 hour(s), Laboratory 4 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Open to Theatre & Dance majors only; all other students may enroll in DRA 010.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Oral Skills (OL); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 024 — Visual Aspects of Dramatic Art (4 units)

Course Description: Understanding and appreciation of the visual aspects of dramatic art: theatre architecture, scenery, lighting, costume, and makeup.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 4 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 028 — Entertainment Engineering & Management: Stagecraft to Stage Management (4 units)

Course Description: Introduction to technical production and management in theatre and dance. Topics include stage management, theatrical mechanics, backstage protocols, scenic construction, properties, lighting, basic shop tools, costume shop use and construction, basic make-up, sound equipment, graphics and robotics for theatre.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 4 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH).

DRA 030 — Theatre Laboratory (1-5 units)

Course Description: Projects in acting, production, scene design, costuming, lighting, directing, and playwriting. Participation in departmental productions.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Project 2 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 11 unit(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 040A — Beginning Modern Dance (2 units)

Course Description: Fundamentals of modern dance focusing primarily on the development of techniques and creative problem solving. Basic anatomy, dance terminology, and a general overview of modern dance history.

  • Learning Activities: Discussion/Laboratory 4 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 2 time(s) if a non-Dance major; a Dance major may apply to the dance faculty advisor for permission to repeat more times as dance is a repetitive practice that involves constant reiteration and demands this for improvement and better understanding of the somatic and proprioceptive skills.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 040B — Intermediate Modern Dance (2 units)

Course Description: Modern dance techniques. Basic anatomy, dance terminology and a general overview of modern dance history.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 040A; or consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Discussion/Laboratory 4 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 1 time(s) if a Dance major; further repeats negotiated with the Dance faculty advisor.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 041A — Beginning Jazz Dance (2 units)

Course Description: Fundamentals of jazz dance; includes warm-ups, dance techniques and combinations. Basic anatomy, dance terminology and general overview of jazz dance history.

  • Learning Activities: Discussion/Laboratory 4 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 1 time(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 041B — Intermediate Jazz Dance (2 units)

Course Description: Warm-ups, dance techniques and combinations at the intermediate level. Basic anatomy, dance terminology and a general overview of jazz styles of historically significant jazz choreographers and leading contemporary jazz choreographers.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 041A; or consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Discussion/Laboratory 4 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 1 time(s) with consent of instructor.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 042A — Beginning Ballet (2 units)

Course Description: Fundamentals of ballet, focusing on the development of technique through proper alignment, quality, and rhythm. Basic anatomy, ballet terminology, and dance history.

  • Learning Activities: Discussion/Laboratory 4 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated with consent of instructor.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 042B — Intermediate Ballet (2 units)

Course Description: Barre and center work at the intermediate level. Development and refinement of technique through proper alignment, rhythmic, and qualitative understanding. Anatomy, ballet terminology, and dance history.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 042A; or consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Discussion/Laboratory 4 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated with consent of instructor.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 043A — Contact Improvisation Dance (2 units)

Course Description: Fundamentals of contact improvisation and its applications to all forms of dance, performance, sports, physical safety and health. Solo improvisation, safety, communication, alignment, basic lifting and weight-sharing, intuition, developing relaxed readiness and personal expression.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Lab 4 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 2 time(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 043B — Intermediate Contact Improvisation (2 units)

Course Description: Building on the fundamentals. Reviewing basics, extended improvising, skillfully working with partners of different sizes and abilities, advanced lifting, advanced safety practices, embracing risk and disorientation, subtle nuances of communication.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 043A; or consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Lab 4 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 2 time(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 044A — Beginning Hip Hop Dance (2 units)

Course Description: Fundamentals of Hip Hop dance focusing on developing a fluid movement vocabulary, facility in body isolations, intricate rhythmic patterning, quick shifts of weight and mastering dance combinations. Discussions on Hip Hop dance history, styles and terminology.

  • Learning Activities: Discussion/Laboratory 4 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 1 time(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 044B — Intermediate Hip Hop Dance (2 units)

Course Description: Expansion of Hip Hop dance vocabulary by focusing on mastering body isolations and intricate rhythmic techniques, complex dance combinations, advanced across the floor sequences.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 044A; or consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Discussion/Laboratory 4 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 1 time(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 055 — Contemporary Local, National & Global Theatre, Dance & Performance (4 units)

Course Description: Introduction a range of contemporary theatre, dance and performance in local, national and international settings. Training in critical approaches to and aesthetic appreciation of these forms. Emphasis varies based on instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 4 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Domestic Diversity (DD); Visual Literacy (VL); World Cultures (WC).

DRA 056A — History of Theatre & Dance I: Myth, Magic & Madness (4 units)

Course Description: Exploration of aesthetic movements in various disciplines of theatre and dance from the origins to 1550. Examination of Greek, Roman, Sanskrit, Kathakali, Chinese, Japanese, Mesoamerican, Medieval European, and Indigenous theatre and dance including oral, ritual and shamanic performance. Offered once a year.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 4 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Visual Literacy (VL); World Cultures (WC).

DRA 056B — History of Theatre & Dance II: Romance, Revenge & Rebellion (4 units)

Course Description: Exploration of aesthetic movements in various disciplines of theatre and dance from 1550-1850. Examination of genres related to romance, revenge and rebellion using European, North and South American, and Asian examples. Offered once a year.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 4 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Visual Literacy (VL); World Cultures (WC).

DRA 056C — History of Theatre & Dance III: Sex, Society & the State (4 units)

Course Description: Exploration of aesthetic movements in various disciplines of theatre and dance from 1850-1968. Examination of melodrama, popular theatre, naturalism, psychological realism, and the avant-garde using European, North and South American, Asian, and African examples. Offered once a year.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 4 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Visual Literacy (VL); World Cultures (WC).

DRA 092 — Internship in Dramatic Art (1-12 units)

Course Description: Internship outside the Department of Theatre & Dance enabling students to practice their skills.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor and department chairperson.

  • Learning Activities: Variable 1-12 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Restricted to lower division students with less than 84 units completed.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 12 unit(s).
  • Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass only.

DRA 098 — Directed Group Study (1-5 units)

Course Description: Primarily for lower division students.

  • Learning Activities: .
  • Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass only.

DRA 099 — Special Study for Undergraduates (1-5 units)

Course Description: Special study for undergraduates.

  • Learning Activities: Variable.
  • Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass only.

DRA 111 — Presentation, Communication & Collaboration (4 units)

Course Description: Use of theater techniques for development of clear oral and physical communication skills that build confidence, presentational style and clarity for students whose command of English is at a competent to fluent level.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Lab 4 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Limited to 20 students.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Oral Skills (OL).

DRA 111S — Representation & Identity in Culture & Cinema (4 units)

This version has ended; see updated course, below.
Course Description: Issues of personal and collective identity via study of film narratives from different cultures. Reflection of dominant cultural identities in film. May be taught abroad in Australia.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 2 hour(s), Film Viewing 4 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • DRA 111S — Representation & Identity in Culture & Cinema (4 units)
  • Course Description: Issues of personal and collective identity via study of film narratives from different cultures. Reflection of dominant cultural identities in film.
  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 2 hour(s), Film Viewing 4 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • This course version is effective from, and including: Fall Quarter 2024.

DRA 114 — Theatre on Film (4 units)

Course Description: Study of six/eight plays on film, using mixed casts and raising issues of diversity. Focus: sociohistorical context for production and reception, interpretation and analysis of topics (gender, ethnicity, age, politics, philosophy), and filming, screenwriting, design, and acting/directing for film.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 3 hour(s), Film Viewing 2 hour(s), Term Paper.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH) or Social Sciences (SS); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 115 — Advanced Study of Major Film Makers (4 units)

Course Description: Analysis of the contribution of some outstanding film creators. Study of diverse aesthetic theories of the cinema and their application to selected films.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 3 hour(s), Film Viewing 2 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated when different film creator studied, or studied with a different methodological approach.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 116 — Design on Screen (4 units)

Course Description: Analysis of the contribution of outstanding designers for cinema, television and filmed entertainment. Study of diverse aesthetic theories of production design and art direction, costume design, or cinematography. Introductory principles and practice, history.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 3 hour(s), Film Viewing 3 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 2 time(s) when topic differs.
  • Cross Listing: CTS 116.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 120 — Intermediate Acting/Gateway: The Actor's Toolkit (4 units)

Course Description: Implementation of acting tools drawn predominantly from Stanislavsky’s ‘system’. Gateway into the Advanced Acting courses.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 021A; or consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Lab 6 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Limited enrollment.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Oral Skills (OL); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 121A — Advanced Acting: Scene Study & Script Analysis (4 units)

Course Description: In-depth study, analysis and performance of texts from different eras, genres and styles. Implementation of tools to undertake independent preparation of character creation.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 120; and consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Lab 6 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Limited enrollment.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 8 unit(s) (twice) as acting requires repetition to habituate the body and imagination to new practices; new scripts and scenes must be undertaken in the repetition.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Oral Skills (OL); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 121B — Advanced Acting: Rehearsal Processes & Practices (4 units)

Course Description: Development of rehearsal practice and etiquette, using a variety of scenes from different eras and genres. Established to enable visiting artists in residence to undertake the instruction, as well as faculty.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 120; and consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Lab 6 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Limited enrollment.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 8 unit(s) (twice) as student is exposed to different professional practitioners’ working processes; new etudes, scripts and scenes must be undertaken in the repetition.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Oral Skills (OL); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 121C — Advanced Acting: Character & Style (4 units)

Course Description: Study of psycho-physical techniques to create characters with an emphasis on non-realistic styles.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 120; and consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Lab 6 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Limited enrollment.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 8 unit(s) (twice) as acting requires repetition to habituate the body and imagination to new practices; new scripts and scenes must be undertaken in the repetition.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Oral Skills (OL); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 122A — Advanced Acting: Devising & Collaboration (4 units)

Course Description: Study and practice of various devising techniques, to collaborate on and produce a series of short etudes and dramatic scenes/short plays.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 120; and consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Lab 6 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Limited enrollment.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 8 unit(s) (twice) as acting requires repetition to habituate the body and imagination to new practices; new scripts and scenes must be undertaken in the repetition.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Oral Skills (OL); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 122B — Advanced Acting: Shakespeare & His Contemporaries (4 units)

Course Description: Study and performance of classical texts (monologues and dialogues), with a focus on Shakespeare and the Elizabethan world view.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 120; and consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Lab 6 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Limited enrollment.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 8 unit(s) (twice) as acting requires repetition to habituate the body and imagination to new practices; new monologues and scenes must be undertaken in the repetition.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Oral Skills (OL); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 122C — Advanced Acting: Special Topics in Acting (4 units)

Course Description: Intensive study and practical exploration of a specialized area; for example, World Theatre, Social Theatre, Physical Theatre, Musical Theatre, the Ancient Greeks, etc.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 120; and consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Lab 6 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Restricted to Theatre & Dance majors; limited enrollment.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 8 unit(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Oral Skills (OL); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 124A — Principles of Theatrical Design: Scenery (4 units)

Course Description: Scene design processes, working drawings, sketching techniques, scale models, methods and materials of scenery construction.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 4 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Upper division standing; Pass One restricted to Theatre & Dance majors.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 124B — Principles of Theatrical Design: Scenery (4 units)

Course Description: Analysis of plays in terms of scene design, elements of design, execution of designs for modern and period plays.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 4 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Upper division standing; Pass One restricted to Theatre & Dance majors.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 124C — Principles of Theatrical Design: Lighting (4 units)

Course Description: Theories of lighting the stage, equipment and control systems, execution of lighting plots.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Lab 4 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Upper division standing; Pass One restricted to Theatre & Dance majors.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 124D — Principles of Theatrical Design: Costume (4 units)

Course Description: Source materials for theatrical costuming, selecting fabrics, elements of design, analysis of plays in terms of costume design, execution of designs for modern and period plays.

Prerequisite(s): Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 4 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Upper division standing; Pass One restricted to Theatre & Dance majors.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Oral Skills (OL); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 124E — Costume Design for Film (4 units)

Course Description: Theory and practice of the art and business of film costume design. Script analysis, costume research, developing design concepts, budgeting, and current production practices and methods. Execution of designs for period and contemporary films. Viewing of current films.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 4 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Pass One restricted to Theatre & Dance majors.
  • Cross Listing: CTS 124E.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Oral Skills (OL); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 125 — Scenic Painting: Studio (4 units)

Course Description: Scene painting techniques, practices and materials including color mixing and matching, wood graining, faux painting techniques, glazing, creating foliage, stone and brick.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 024 or DRA 028; or consent of instructor. Upper division standing in Theatre Dance, Art Studio, or Design.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 2 hour(s), Studio 1 hour(s), Laboratory 3 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 1 time(s) with consent of instructor.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 126 — Principles of Performing Arts Stage Management (4 units)

Course Description: Stage management principles for theatre, dance, musical theatre, music, and concerts. The dynamical role of the stage manager in the performing arts, upper-management team.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 028.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 3 hour(s), Laboratory 3 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 126A — Topics in Entertainment Engineering (4 units)

Course Description: Engineering topics faced by technical designers in live entertainment. Project-based exploration of: theatrical rigging, scenic automation, the role of the technical director, and structural design for the stage.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 028 C- or better; consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Lab 4 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Pass One restricted to Theatre & Dance majors.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 3 time(s) when topic differs.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH).

DRA 127A — Principles of Directing (4 units)

Course Description: Director's creative approach to the play and to its staging.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 2 hour(s), Laboratory 4 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 127B — Principles of Directing (4 units)

Course Description: Director's creative approach to the actor.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 127A; or consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 2 hour(s), Laboratory 4 hour(s), Rehearsal.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 128 — Principles of Theatre Sound (4 units)

Course Description: Fundamentals of sound, sound equipment, and sound design as used in modern theatre and other performance venues. Assembly, set-up, and operation of basic theatre sound reinforcement system, recording system, and theatrical playback system.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Lab 4 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH).

DRA 130 — Approaches to Theatrical Design: Practice & Theory (4 units)

Course Description: Advanced design study in specific areas including but not limited to: research, design styles and concepts, new materials and techniques, scenery, lighting, costume, makeup, photography, projections, computer technology, spectacle and special effects, and alternative theatre forms and genres.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 124A or DRA 124B or DRA 124C or DRA 124D or DRA 124E; upper division standing in Theatre Dance, Art Studio or Design; or consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Seminar 2 hour(s), Studio 4 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 3 time(s) when topic differs; when instructor differs.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 135 — Voice in Performance (4 units)

Course Description: Progression of exercises to free, develop and strengthen the voice, as a human and then as an actor's instrument with emphasis on how the voice works, to freeing the channel for sound, to interpersonal communication. Exploration of sound use from student's individual history and culture. Required to complete more in-depth and advanced midterm and final assignments. Repeat to further develop an understanding of technique and practice.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 120; or consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Lab 6 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 3 time(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Domestic Diversity (DD).

DRA 140A — Dance Composition (4 units)

Course Description: Introduction to the craft of choreography. Compose phrases and present movement studies based on the elements of choreography: motivation, space, time, force/energy.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 040A or DRA 041A or DRA 042A; or consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Laboratory 3 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 140B — Dance Composition (4 units)

Course Description: Continuation of the study of choreography, focusing on the development of group choreography: duets, trios, quartets and group work, form, and accompaniment.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 140A.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Laboratory 3 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 140C — Dance Composition (4 units)

Course Description: Continuation of study of choreography focusing on sequencing movements for groups. The relation between dance and allied mediums of music, sets, costumes and lighting. Students conceptualize a choreographic issue and explore it through creation of short dance studies.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 140A; DRA 140B.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Laboratory 3 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 141 — Introduction to the Fundamentals of Movement (4 units)

Course Description: Introduction to fundamentals of movement that combines intellectual and kinesthetic understanding of the body's skeletal and muscular systems. Explorations based on theories of various body mind specialists including Laban, Feldenkrais, Bartenieff and Sweigard as well as the eastern discipline of Yoga.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 4 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 142 — History of Modern Dance (4 units)

Course Description: Modern Dance tradition, focusing on its theorizations of individual and social identity. Students will write and choreograph analyses of principle dances in this tradition.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 4 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Visual Literacy (VL); Writing Experience (WE).

DRA 143 — Dance & Movement Studio (1-4 units)

Course Description: Special studies in dance and movement such as African, Balinese, Baroque, Chinese, European, and stage combat. Offered as needed for stage productions.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Discussion/Laboratory 2-8 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 8 unit(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 144 — Introduction to Traditional Chinese Physical Culture (4 units)

Course Description: Traditional Chinese Wushu practices, explored through practical work in dance laboratory conditions. Integration of practice with conceptual analysis; contemporary social, educational and artistic applications.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 4 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH) or Social Sciences (SS).

DRA 144A — Introduction to Traditional Chinese Embodied Culture (4 units)

Course Description: Traditional Chinese Wushu practices, explored through practical work in dance laboratory conditions. Integration of practice with conceptual analysis; contemporary social, educational and artistic applications.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 4 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH) or Social Sciences (SS); Domestic Diversity (DD); Visual Literacy (VL); World Cultures (WC).

DRA 144B — Traditional Chinese Physical Culture (4 units)

Course Description: Traditional Chinese Wushu practices, explored through practical work in dance laboratory conditions. Integration of practice with conceptual analysis; contemporary social, educational and artistic applications.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 144A.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 4 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 2 time(s) when content and instructor differs and if student progression is required.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH) or Social Sciences (SS); Domestic Diversity (DD); Visual Literacy (VL); World Cultures (WC).

DRA 144C — Daoist Philosophy in Traditional Chinese Movement Culture (4 units)

Course Description: Daoist practices of movement and their relation to daoist philosophy, explored through work in dance laboratory conditions. Integration of practice with conceptual analysis, and critical philosophy around values and ethical action.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 144B.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 4 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 2 time(s) when content or instructor differs and if student progression is required.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Domestic Diversity (DD); Visual Literacy (VL); World Cultures (WC).

DRA 145 — Directed Choreography Projects (4 units)

Course Description: Conceptualization, creation, casting, rehearsing, and concert presentation of complete dances, with students integrating elements of stagecraft and directing the on-stage rehearsals.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 140A or DRA 140B or DRA 140C; or consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Lab 6 hour(s), Rehearsal.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 4 time(s) with consent of instructor.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH).

DRA 146A — Professional Track Modern Dance I (4 units)

Course Description: Professionally oriented performance training. Rigorous, consistent training regimen based on traditional modern dance technique. Breath and voice, skeletal and muscular placement, moving from the spine, contraction technique, movement intention.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Lab 6 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 2 time(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 146B — Professional Track Modern Dance II (4 units)

Course Description: Body and space relationships in solos, duets and group work; stylistic variations of Graham technique; works of Paul Taylor.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 146A; and consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Lab 6 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 1 time(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 146C — Professional Track Modern Dance III (4 units)

Course Description: Continuation of DRA 146B. Time as a theatrical device, sustaining movement and non-movement, phrasing, musicality.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 146A; DRA 146B; and consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Lab 6 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 1 time(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 150 — American Theatre & Drama (4 units)

Course Description: The history of the theatre from Colonial times to the present. Readings of selected plays.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 4 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); American Cultures, Governance, & History (ACGH); Domestic Diversity (DD); Visual Literacy (VL); Writing Experience (WE).

DRA 151 — Musicals: History, Practice & Production (4 units)

Course Description: Historical exploration of the musical through the lens of practice and production. Choreographic and compositional elements. Tracing of evolution of story through development, production, revival, and adaptation. Collaborative production of excerpts from work.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor; DRA 021A or previous experience in theatre performance recommended.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Lab 4 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Domestic Diversity (DD).

DRA 151S — Australian Performance & Culture (4 units)

This version has ended; see updated course, below.
Course Description: Australian performance and theatre practices as a product of its culture of origin. Relationships between art and society. May be taught abroad in Australia.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 2 hour(s), Seminar 2 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • DRA 151S — Australian Performance & Culture (4 units)
  • Course Description: Australian performance and theatre practices as a product of its culture of origin. Relationships between art and society.
  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 2 hour(s), Seminar 2 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • This course version is effective from, and including: Fall Quarter 2024.

DRA 153 — Latinx Theatre & Performance (4 units)

Course Description: Latinx theatre and performance. Historical, aesthetic, and socio-cultural contexts. Engagement through critical analysis, embodied practice, and creation of new work.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Lab 4 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Domestic Diversity (DD); Writing Experience (WE).

DRA 154 — Asian Theatre & Drama: Contexts & Forms (4 units)

Course Description: Selected Asian plays and performance forms in their cultural and artistic contexts; myth, ritual and the theatre; performance training, visual presentation of the text; political theatre; intercultural performance-the fusion of Asian and Western traditions.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 4 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); World Cultures (WC); Writing Experience (WE).

DRA 155 — Representing Race in Performance (4 units)

Course Description: Representation and performance of "race" in American culture featuring different sub-headings such as "African American Theatre" or "Asian-Americans on Stage."

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 4 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 1 time(s) when topic differs.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Domestic Diversity (DD); Writing Experience (WE).

DRA 155A — African American Dance & Culture in the United States, Brazil & the Caribbean (4 units)

Course Description: Comparative study of the African American dance forms in the U.S.A., Brazil, Haiti, Cuba, Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad. Examination of ritual, folk, and popular dance forms and the socio/historical factors that have influenced these forms.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 4 hour(s).
  • Cross Listing: AAS 155A.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Visual Literacy (VL); World Cultures (WC).

DRA 155B — Ancient & Contemporary Greek Theatre & Dance (6 units)

Course Description: Origins of early theatres and the first actors, playwrights and dancers and their powerful influence on western performance and thought up to present day. Offered in Greece.

  • Learning Activities: Discussion/Laboratory 10 hour(s), Performance Instruction 10 hour(s), Seminar 13 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH).

DRA 156A — Performance Analysis (4 units)

Course Description: Performance on the stage, in the street, in everyday life, ritual and in politics. Satire, irony, creative protest and performance. Social movements, the state and performance as tactical intervention.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Discussion 1 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Domestic Diversity (DD); Writing Experience (WE).

DRA 156B — Theatre in History & Place: Local, National & Global Conditions for Production (4 units)

Course Description: Exploration of local, national and global issues in theatre production, with special attention to historical changes in social and political contexts for performance.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Discussion 1 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); World Cultures (WC); Writing Experience (WE).

DRA 156C — Modern Aesthetic Movements in Performance (4 units)

Course Description: Important movements in performance, especially theatre and dance, from realism to the present. Primary emphasis on Western traditions though others may be studied.

  • Learning Activities: Discussion/Laboratory 3 hour(s), Discussion 1 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Writing Experience (WE).

DRA 156D — Theatre History Through Shakespeare (4 units)

Course Description: Shakespeare's plays, theatre history, and theatre today. European contexts from 1590-2004 and international theatre from 20th century. Stagecraft, different media (print, stage, film), social/political environments, design, and cultural change (gender, sexuality and ethnicity).

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 4 hour(s), Extensive Writing.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 1 time(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Oral Skills (OL); World Cultures (WC); Writing Experience (WE).

DRA 158 — Performance Studies Undergraduate Seminar (4 units)

Course Description: Focused inquiry into a particular genre, period, movement, artist, or theme in performance. Philosophical and aesthetic issues as well as historical and cultural performance contexts. In-depth research projects in relationship to the subject of inquiry.

  • Learning Activities: Seminar 4 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Writing Experience (WE).

DRA 159 — Contemporary Experimental Performance, Theatre & Drama (4 units)

Course Description: Evaluation and examination of the "New Theatre;" its experimental and innovative nature since the 1960s. Dance, film, stage, performance art and public acts of a performative nature.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 3 hour(s), Extensive Writing.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 3 time(s) when content differs.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Domestic Diversity (DD); Visual Literacy (VL); World Cultures (WC); Writing Experience (WE).

DRA 159S — Contemporary Experimental Performance, Theatre & Drama (4 units)

This version has ended; see updated course, below.
Course Description: Evaluation and examination of the "New Theatre;" its experimental and innovative nature since the 1960s. Dance, film, stage, performance art and public acts of a performative nature. May be taught abroad.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 4 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 12 unit(s) when instructor or content differs.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Writing Experience (WE).
  • DRA 159S — Contemporary Experimental Performance, Theatre & Drama (4 units)
  • Course Description: Evaluation and examination of the "New Theatre;" its experimental and innovative nature since the 1960s. Dance, film, stage, performance art and public acts of a performative nature.
  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 4 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 12 unit(s) when instructor or content differs.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Writing Experience (WE).
  • This course version is effective from, and including: Fall Quarter 2024.

DRA 160A — Principles of Playwriting (4 units)

Course Description: Analysis of dramatic structure; preparation of scenarios; the composition of plays.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 4 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Writing Experience (WE).

DRA 160B — Principles of Playwriting (4 units)

Course Description: Analysis of dramatic structure; preparation of scenarios; the composition of plays.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 160A; and consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 4 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Writing Experience (WE).

DRA 170 — Media Theatre (4 units)

Course Description: New media and application of in theatre devising and performance. Emphasis on collaborative process in relationship to integration of emerging technologies and formation of new theatrical works. Development of collaborative performance through lecture, demonstration, improvisation and experimentation.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 1 hour(s), Rehearsal 2 hour(s), Performance Instruction 1 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 1 time(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 174 — Acting for Camera (4 units)

Course Description: Analysis and practice of acting skills required for camera work and digital media.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Lab 6 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 2 time(s) when instructor differs.
  • Cross Listing: CDM 107.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH).

DRA 175 — Small Scale Film Production (4 units)

Course Description: Lecture and intensive workshop teaching small-scale film production. Appointments as a(n) director, director of photography, actor, writer, lighting designer, sound designer and other critical positions are used to produce and submit a short film to a film festival.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Laboratory 3 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 2 time(s).
  • Cross Listing: TCS 175.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 180 — Theatre Laboratory (1-5 units)

Course Description: Projects in acting, production, scene design, costuming, lighting, directing, and playwriting. Participation in departmental productions.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Variable 1-5 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 180A — Theatre Laboratory: Performance (1-5 units)

Course Description: Rehearsal and performance of a production directed or choreographed by visiting Granada Artists-in-Residence and/or faculty, and/or the UG Edge Festival.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Rehearsal 12 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Limited enrollment; admission by audition.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated as each production involves different scripts, directions, challenges of rehearsal practices and performance processes, it is possible for students to appear in a variety of productions in the course of their education.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 180B — Theatre Laboratory: Design (1-4 units)

Course Description: Design-related participation in Theatre & Dance productions involves research, creation and implementation of design concept in collaboration with the director and other members of the production team.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Variable 1-4 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated as each theatrical piece is conceived and produced afresh with new source material, scripts, and production style, the challenges and assignments for the designers are new each time they design a show.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Visual Literacy (VL).

DRA 180C — Theatre Laboratory: Management, Directing, other Production Team (1-5 units)

Course Description: Participation in Theatre & Dance production in management, direction, choreography, dramaturgy, writing or other production related role; research, creation and implementation of production concept in collaboration with members of the production team and cast.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Variable 3-15 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated with required permission from the Theatre & Dance department.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 180D — Theatre Laboratory: Crew (2-4 units)

Course Description: Participation in Theatre & Dance productions as backstage running crew which will involve skill development, rehearsal and execution of performance.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Laboratory 6-12 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 180E — Theatre Laboratory: Scenic (1-4 units)

Course Description: Practical experience working on scenery and properties for Theatre & Dance department productions. Study and execution of basic scenery and prop engineering, construction, painting, rigging. Study of techniques, materials, tools, and equipment use. Skill development, professional etiquette. Safety training requirement.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Laboratory 3-12 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 180F — Theatre Laboratory: Costume (1-4 units)

Course Description: Practical experience working on costumes for Theatre & Dance department productions. Study and execution of basic costume construction techniques and materials, tools, and equipment use. Skills development, professional etiquette. Safety training requirement.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Laboratory 3-12 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 180G — Theatre Laboratory: Lighting/Sound/Projection (1-4 units)

Course Description: Practical experience working on lighting, sound or projections for Theatre & Dance department productions. Study and execution of basic techniques, materials, tools, and equipment use. Skill development, professional etiquette. Safety training requirement.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Laboratory 3-12 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 185A — Special Topics: Artist in Residence-Seminar (4 units)

Course Description: Exploration of contemporary topics in Theatre and Dance. Individual and collaborative project-based learning. Topics vary by instructor.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor or upper division major in Theatre and Dance.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 4 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Pass One restricted to Theatre & Dance majors only.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 3 time(s) when instructor differs.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH).

DRA 185B — Special Topics: Artist in Residence-Studio (4 units)

Course Description: Studio course in any area of Theatre & Dance offered by artist in residence. Individual and collaborative studio and practice-based learning. Topics vary by instructor.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor or upper division major standing in Theatre Dance.

  • Learning Activities: Studio 6 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Pass One restricted to Theatre & Dance majors.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 3 time(s) when instructor differs.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH).

DRA 192 — Internships in Theatre & Dance (1-12 units)

Course Description: Theatre production experience in creative, technical or management areas. Experience in galleries, performance sites, or theatre/dance/physical theatre companies.

  • Learning Activities: Internship 3-36 hour(s).
  • Credit Limitation(s): Not open to students who have completed DRA 192S.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 12 unit(s).
  • Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass only.

DRA 192S — Internships in Theatre & Dance (1-12 units)

This version has ended; see updated course, below.
Course Description: Theatre production experience in creative, technical or management areas. Experience in galleries, performance sites, or theatre/dance/physical theatre companies. May be taught abroad.

  • Learning Activities: Internship 3-36 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 12 unit(s).
  • Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass only.
  • DRA 192S — Internships in Theatre & Dance (1-12 units)
  • Course Description: Theatre production experience in creative, technical or management areas. Experience in galleries, performance sites, or theatre/dance/physical theatre companies.
  • Learning Activities: Internship 3-36 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 12 unit(s).
  • Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass only.
  • This course version is effective from, and including: Fall Quarter 2024.

DRA 194HA — Special Study for Honors Students (3 units)

Course Description: Preparation and presentation of a culminating project, under the supervision of an instructor, in one of the creative or scholarly areas of Theatre & Dance.

Prerequisite(s): Qualification for Letters Science Honors Program and admission to Theatre Dance Senior Honors Program.

  • Learning Activities: Independent Study 9 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass only.

DRA 194HB — Special Study for Honors Students (3 units)

Course Description: Preparation and presentation of a culminating project, under the supervision of an instructor, in one of the creative or scholarly areas of Theatre & Dance.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor; qualification for Letters Science Honors Program and admission to Theatre Dance Senior Honors Program.

  • Learning Activities: Independent Study 9 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 195 — Senior Capstone Experience (2 units)

Course Description: Capstone experience for majors. Examination, reflection and synthesis on development. Discussion of professional development and translatable skills. Individual project and development of portfolio.

  • Learning Activities: Project, Lecture/Discussion 1 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Open to Theatre & Dance Majors who have completed 135 or more units.
  • Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass only.
  • General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH); Writing Experience (WE).

DRA 197T — Tutoring in Dramatic Art (1-5 units)

Course Description: Leading of small voluntary groups affiliated with one of the department's regular courses.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor; upper division or graduate standing with major in Theatre Dance; consent of department chairperson.

  • Learning Activities: Tutorial 1-5 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated.
  • Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass only.

DRA 198 — Directed Group Study (1-5 units)

Course Description: Directed group study.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Variable.
  • Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass only.

DRA 199 — Special Study for Advanced Undergraduates (1-5 units)

Course Description: Special study for advanced undergraduates.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Variable.
  • Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass only.

DRA 200 — Methods & Materials in Theatre Research (4 units)

Course Description: Essential research tools in theatre and related fields; bibliographies, primary sources; methods of evaluating and presenting evidence; delineating research areas in the field.

  • Learning Activities: Seminar 3 hour(s), Term Paper.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 211 — Advanced Voice & Speech (3 units)

Course Description: Review a progression of exercises to free, develop and strengthen the voice, first as a human instrument, and then as an actor's instrument using various texts such as Shakespeare, Ibsen and contemporary plays. Required for the M.F.A. degree in Acting.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Discussion 2 hour(s), Laboratory 2 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Open only to Dramatic Arts Students and Ph.D. students with an emphasis in Performance and Theatre.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 2 time(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 212 — Advanced Stage Movement (3 units)

Course Description: Application of modes of exploration, breath placement, and the use of imagery as well as Laban's effort/shape system as a method of analysis in classic and modern plays.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor; graduate standing in the MFA Program.

  • Learning Activities: Laboratory 6 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Open to advanced undergraduates by consent of instructor.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 221 — Special Problems in Advanced Acting (4 units)

Course Description: Advanced acting problems arising from differences in the type and style of plays selected from Greece to the present.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Seminar 2 hour(s), Laboratory 4 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 224A — Seminar in Theatrical Design: Ancient Worlds; Early 17th Century (4 units)

Course Description: Group study while focusing primarily on one discipline: scenic, costume or lighting design. Periods covered: Greek, Medieval, Renaissance, Shakespearean, Jacobean, early 17th century. Design projects include script analysis, research of period style, fashion, character development, developing design concepts, presentation skills.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Seminar 2 hour(s), Project 2 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 224B — Seminar in Theatrical Design: Mid-17th Century to 1900 (4 units)

Course Description: Group study focusing primarily on one discipline: scenic, costume or lighting design. Periods covered: Cavalier, Restoration 18th century opera and ballet, 19th century drama. Design projects include script analysis, research of period style, fashion, character development, developing design concepts,presentation skills.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Seminar 2 hour(s), Project 2 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 224C — Seminar in Theatrical Design: the 20th Century (4 units)

Course Description: Group study focusing primarily on one discipline-scenic, costume or lighting design. Genres covered in 20th century: Realism, Brecht, Musicals, Contemporary Dance, short narrative film. Design projects include script analysis, research of period style, fashion, character development, developing design concepts, presentation skills.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Seminar 2 hour(s), Project 2 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 224D — Seminar in Theatrical Design: Contemporary Concepts (4 units)

Course Description: Group study focusing primarily on one discipline: scenic, costume or lighting design. Emphasis on contemporary design concepts for new works and classics: Shakespeare, modern dance, concept plays and musicals. Script and character analysis for design in performance, research, design projects.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Seminar 2 hour(s), Project 2 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 224E — Seminar in Theatrical Design: Advanced Concepts (4 units)

Course Description: Group study focusing primarily on one discipline: scenic, costume or lighting design. Emphasis on special issues in contemporary design concepts for new works and classics. Script and character analysis for design in performance, research, design projects.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Seminar 2 hour(s), Project 2 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 225 — Performance Design Studio: Techniques & Media (2 units)

Course Description: Exploration and development of techniques and skills in the performance design process. Drafting, model building, drawing, painting and rendering, costume drawing, color theory, lighting techniques, design portfolio preparation and presentation.

Prerequisite(s): DRA 224A (can be concurrent) or DRA 224B (can be concurrent) or DRA 224C (can be concurrent) or DRA 224D (can be concurrent) or DRA 224E (can be concurrent); consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Studio 2 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 5 time(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 228 — Seminar in Directing Theory: Non-Realism (4 units)

Course Description: Modern directing theory as it applies to non-realistic theatre; development of directorial concepts for production of selected non-realistic plays-Greek to the present; emphasis on textual analysis.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Seminar 3 hour(s), Term Paper.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 229 — Special Problems in Directing (4 units)

Course Description: Projects in directing scenes selected from plays from ancient Greece to the present.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Seminar 2 hour(s), Laboratory 2 hour(s), Rehearsal 4 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 2 time(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 230 — Advanced Problems in Choreography & Performance (2 units)

Course Description: Explores contemporary issues of choreography and performance in depth and how those issues pertain to performance work. Focus will include contemporary thought on representation, legibility, new forms, and cultural attitudes.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Discussion/Laboratory 2 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 6 time(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 244 — Critical Approaches to Traditional Systems of Body Movement (4 units)

Course Description: Introduction to traditional systems for body movement, development of critical approaches to them, and experiments in how they inform training and practice in theatre, dance, and performance.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Discussion/Laboratory 6 hour(s), Project, Term Paper.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 5 time(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 250 — Modern Theatre (4 units)

Course Description: Theatre of Europe and America, 1860-1940, with emphasis on the relationship of the dramas of the period to the physical circumstances under which they were produced.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Seminar 3 hour(s), Term Paper.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 251 — Scoring & Scripting in Performance (4 units)

Course Description: Process of weaving together various performance elements brought into play by the artists in their respective disciplines. The "script" is the thread from which the artists' "scores" will layer and transform the "script" into performance for specific time, place, spectators.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Laboratory 3 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 252 — Performance: Concepts of Space, Place, & Time (4 units)

Course Description: Innovative theories of creating performance spaces, establishing a sense of place, and communicating the concept of time explored through collaborative interaction. Research includes traditional principles, site-specific spaces and consideration of various tempi from music and movement.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Laboratory 3 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 253 — Approaches to Collaboration (4 units)

Course Description: Exploration of different approaches to collaboration among artists in different media and their influence on the creative process.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Laboratory 3 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 254 — Performing Identities/Personae (4 units)

Course Description: Historical and contemporary theories of constructing stage identities. Discussion and project collaborations based on theories. Questions of identity related to ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Laboratory 3 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 255 — Composition in the Arts (4 units)

Course Description: Examine manner in which specific elements utilized by actors, dancers, directors, choreographers, and designers are combined or related to form a whole in space and time, as well as methods of sequencing used by each discipline to produce artistic products.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Laboratory 3 hour(s).
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 1 time(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 256 — Visual Language for Performance (4 units)

Course Description: Exploration of different approaches and methods to the visual elements of performance. Focus on design and style for different media and genres, storytelling through visual elements of performance.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Laboratory 3 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Restricted to graduate students.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 257 — Interdisciplinary Seminar in Theatre, Dance & Performance (1 unit)

Course Description: Interdisciplinary seminar for first- and second-year M.F.A. students in Theatre & Dance. Topics range from current practice in dance, theatre, film and performance, to leading edge developments by outstanding practitioners in the field.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Seminar 1.50 hour(s), Project 1.50 hour(s).
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Restricted to students enrolled in the M.F.A. in Dramatic Art; students taking the Ph.D. in Performance Studies or the D.E. in Studies in Performance & Practice.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 2 time(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 259 — Topics in Contemporary Theatre & Performance (4 units)

Course Description: Special topics designed to study in depth aspects of contemporary performance including performance analysis, cultural and historical context, modes of production, theoretical and political entailments, and issues of spectatorship; e.g., "Brecht & After," "British Theater," "Race & Gender in Performance."

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Seminar 3 hour(s), Term Paper.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 5 time(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 260 — Approaches & Methodologies to Studies in Performance & Practice (4 units)

Course Description: Instruction is offered a variety of disciplinary approaches and methodologies in Performance & Practice, with a focus is on cross-disciplinary learning and research. Usually offered each quarter.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to any graduate program in the University and consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Seminar 3 hour(s), Term Paper, Project.
  • Enrollment Restriction(s): Preference to students enrolled in the Designated Emphasis in Studies in Performance and Practice.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated when content differs.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 265A — Performance Studies: Modes of Production (4 units)

Course Description: Introduces students to the literature of performance production in a variety of media: theatre, dance, film, video, computer-based, looking at cultural, aesthetic, rhetorical and political theory. Usually offered in alternate years.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Seminar 3 hour(s), Term Paper, Project.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 3 time(s) when topic and instructor differs.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 265B — Peformance Studies: Signification & the Body (4 units)

Course Description: Introduces students to analysis of the body in performance, drawing on theoretical models from several fields.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Seminar 3 hour(s), Term Paper, Project.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 3 time(s) when topic differs.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 265C — Performance Studies: Performance & Society (4 units)

Course Description: Introduces students to the role of performance (broadly defined), in everyday life, sociopolitical negotiation, identity, social movements, the media, and the state.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Seminar 3 hour(s), Term Paper, Project.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 3 time(s) when topic differs.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 265D —  Performance studies: Theory, History, Criticism (4 units)

Course Description: Introduction to the theory, history and criticism, informing performance studies.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Seminar 3 hour(s), Term Paper, Project.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated 3 time(s) when topic differs.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 280 — Theatre Laboratory (1-12 units)

Course Description: Advanced practice in acting, designing, directing, playwriting, and technical theatre.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Variable.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 298 — Group Study (1-5 units)

Course Description: Group study.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Variable.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.

DRA 299 — Individual Study (1-12 units)

Course Description: Individual study.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Variable.
  • Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only.

DRA 299D — Dissertation Research (1-12 units)

Course Description: Dissertation research.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Variable.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated.
  • Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only.

DRA 396 — Teaching Assistant Training Practicum (1-4 units)

Course Description: Teaching assistant training practicum.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Variable.
  • Repeat Credit: May be repeated.
  • Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass only.

DRA 413 — Stage Make-up (1 unit)

Course Description: Approved for graduate degree credit. Lectures, demonstrations, and practical work in aspects of theatrical make-up.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture/Lab 2 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.