USC Schedule of Classes

Study of genres, terminology, and disciplines of acting; fundamental techniques necessary for performance; scene study from contemporary plays.

Basic principles and techniques of acting through theatre games and improvisation. Introduction to contemporary texts, basic characterization and cold reading techniques. Open to BFA acting majors only.

Individual and group exercises to free the actor physically and emotionally and to stimulate creativity, imagination, and self-expression.

Concentration of imaginative processes which develop the individual characteristics of a dramatic role. Not available for credit to theatre majors.

Introduction to the non-performance areas of theatrical production(administrative, design, and technical fields) through hands-onparticipation in USC productions.

Development of the artistic process and theatrical design vocabulary of the individual within the environment of collaborative storytelling.

Physiological mechanism of voice: breath control, phonation, resonance, articulation of language for the stage; expressive use of stress, intonation and rhythm.

Application and consolidation of the skills, knowledge and techniques acquired in the study of fundamentals of acting encountered in THTR 101.

Introduction to the theater and its relationship to society through major plays in film versions. Separate screenings to be arranged.

Comedy and Performance traces the history of comedy in performance from its earliest incarnations to the present day.

A multicultural and transnational examination of the history, theory, and practice of theatre from its origins to the age of Shakespeare and Zeami. Recommended preparation: THTR 125.

A multicultural and transnational examination of the history, theory and practice of theatre from the late 19th century to the present date. Recommended preparation: THTR 125.

Training of the actor's body with focus on mask work for the development of precision, strength and expressiveness.

Training and practice in the coordination of the physical apparatus of the actor utilizing various movement techniques through improvisation.

Continuing development of imagination leading to an increased range of dramatic expression through the formalized text of William Shakespeare. Open to BFA acting majors only.

Principles of stage make-up materials and skills allowing the actors to enhance their features and techniques for moderate and extreme aging, injuries, and character roles.

The visualization and communication of design ideas through free-hand and mechanical drawing: orthographics, isometrics,perspective, shades and shadows, plans, sections and elevations.

Historical survey, theory and practice in construction of costume, emphasis on period and style.

Theory and practice of theatrical lighting design including electricity, radiant energy, refraction, reflection, absorption, chromatic variation, and electronic controls.

Development of the voice using material which explores the techniques of Shakespeare and his contemporaries.

Cutting-edge and traditional methods and materials that enhance both the planning stages and realization of the theatrical design.

a: Polishing the actor's skills through analysis and class performance of scenes from plays.

Polishing the actor's skills through analysis and class performance of scenes from plays. Continuation of 252a.

Current state of American theatre, through a study of acting, playwriting, criticism, stage design, lighting and dramatic styles.

The plays and theatre of Shakespeare, the influences on his work and his contemporary world. Recommended preparation: THTR 201, THTR 310, THTR 311

Examination of basic directorial principles. Pre-production analysis and rehearsal procedures; relationship of the director to actor; integration of technical aspects of production.

Examination of basic directorial principles. Pre-production analysis and rehearsal procedures; relationship of the director to actor; integration of technical aspects of production.

20th century realism and the avant-garde. Recommended preparation: THTR 201, THTR 310, THTR 311

Actor training anchored by rigorous physical movements. Activities include comedy, clowning, juggling, and mask work. Open to BFA acting majors only.

Advanced physical training and practice for the BA actor utilizing various movement techniques through improvisation.

Further development of range and breadth of performance skills with emphasis on texts of heightened language and style. Open to BFA acting majors only.

Historical styles, methods and dramatic analysis in lighting design as applied in contemporary practice.

The art and techniques of theatrical sound design. The use of music and ambient sound in theatrical presentations. Design elements as metaphor.

Extended development of vocal freedom and range, acquisition of articulate speech. Enhancement of vocal power and resonance, techniques for performing with a dialect. Open to BFA acting majors only.

a: Examination of the individual voice centering on resonance, tone, flexibility, and support through dramatic selections for transmitting meaning and emotion of character.

Examination of the individual voice centering on resonance, tone, flexibility, and support through dramatic selections for transmitting meaning and emotion of character. Continuation of 342a.

Designed to give students confidence and integrity for auditions in musical theatre. Choosing appropriate material and preparation for the audition and performance. Audition required.

Continuation of world drama. Class performance and critique.

Basic approach to the acting and analysis of the highly formalized texts of William Shakespeare. Recommended preparation: THTR 252b.

Essential elements of playwriting through weekly assignments, students' initiative, occasional productions of scenes, and extensive classroom analysis.

Continuation of the work begun in 365.

A focus on American ethnic and multicultural diversity from the perspectives of gender, race, and myth as revealed in plays, film, and other performance media.

Substantive participation in a production sponsored by the School and supervised by the faculty.

An interdisciplinary inquiry into the aesthetics of the performing arts. Examines a dramatic classic and its adaptation into musical theatre, opera, ballet, and film. Duplicates credit in the former THTR 303.

Drawing and rendering techniques appropriate for theater designers. Drawing and drawing theory.

The study of standard American stage dialect using the international phonetic alphabet.

The study of accents and regional dialects.

Advanced physical acting focusing on principles of verbal/non-verbal improvisation and communication. Elements of textual analysis, including development of character mask and of the ensemble. Open to BFA acting majors only.

Introduction to safe and effective portrayals of violence for the stage. Training and practice of unarmed stage combat skills. Recommended preparation: THTR 216.

Training and practice in the work of F.M. Alexander. A clear and systematic look into the underlying principles that govern human movement.

Contemporary material from plays and screenplays with an emphasis on individual challenges and problems. Open to BFA acting majors only.

Public speaking approached as performance, using acting techniques to communicate with confidence, clarity and charisma.

Application of stage management procedures required in the professional theatre.

Research into the application of contemporary topics relevant to theatrical design within the diverse cultural environment of the greater Los Angeles area.

Continuation of THTR 330. Evolution of scene design through analysis of script, environmental factors, and styles.

Evolution of costume design through analysis of script, environmental factors, and styles.

Continuation of THTR 332. Evolution of lighting design through analysis of script, environmental factors, and styles.

Drafting style and complex graphic communication. Emphasis on creating professional plates, developing an individual style and graphic problem solving.

Techniques, materials, and equipment of the scenic artist including both historic and modern methods. Recommended preparation: paint and drawing experience

Theory and practice of technical theatre. Emphasis is on technical problem solving and graphic solutions to technical theatre.

Continuation of exercises related to the individual student for the stage. Open to BFA students only.

Advanced exploration of theatrical sound design theory and related technology; creative uses of music, sound effects, and audio equipment in modern theaters.

Acting techniques, recording studio technology and editing for the field of voice acting and voice overs.

A continuation and deeper investigation of the analysis and performance of the highly formalized texts of William Shakespeare. Prerequisite: THTR 354.

Designed to provide the graduating students with an opportunity to select, prepare and perform for agents, directors and producers in film, television and theatre. Audition required. Open to theatre majors only.

Introduction to the skills, knowledge, and promotional materials that will enable the student to manage an independent career in the performing arts. Recommended preparation: THTR 101 and THTR 252ab.

A workshop in the techniques of performing humorous sketches, in collaboration with writers, directors, and technicians in the production of a live sketch comedy show. Recommended preparation: THTR 101, THTR 122, THTR 470.

An introduction to the discipline of conceiving, writing, and creating original Stand Up Comedy routines

In this course acting students will learn to develop on-camera acting skills and to collaborate with student directors and cinematographers from the School of Cinematic Arts. Recommended preparation: a 300-level acting course.

A survey of African American theatre and cultural performance traditions as a reflection of both African American culture and American history.

Continuation of (a), bringing developed pieces into production for regional K-12.

A writing-performance workshop in which students write, develop, and rehearse original, autobiographical and character monologues and perform them at the end of the semester.

Structured to address the dynamics of acting in relation to film/television. Refining the students' understanding of the similarities/differences between acting on stage/film. Duplicates credit in former THTR 480.

Continued exploration of acting for film/television. Furthering the student's understanding of the similarities/differences between acting on stage/film

An on-camera, workshop-style introduction to techniques, perspectives and theories unique to performing in television commercials. Recommended preparation: a 300-level acting or voice class

Research and actively develop the theory of theatre as a movingpolitical, social, economic and spiritual force of change withinthe local community.

Practical experience in the entertainment industry.

Individual research and readings. Not available for graduate credit.

Analysis of all procedures involved in producing theatre (commercial or non-profit) including legal and business guidelines and contracts.

A survey of the influence of historical and cultural events on the evaluation of theatrical styles. Restoration to 20th century.

Intensive participation in a production sponsored by the school and supervised by the faculty, to increase and develop artistic growth.

Investigates art and craft of dramatic writing initiated/completed in other MFA in Dramatic Writing courses or that was submitted as a sample for program entry.

Plays for the stage shall be written using public-domain poetry and prose as inspiration and source material, complemented with exploring poetry, prose, and varied dramas as context for the student writer. Students should be well-versed in literature, and have written in one or more genres. Recommended preparation: reading poetry and novels.

An advanced writing workshop that focuses on continuing development of the crafting of character, centering on depth, breadth, dimensionality, and authenticity.

Advanced exercises in movement for the use of the body in relation to the stage.

Advanced exercises in movement for the use of the body in relation to the stage.

Advanced exercises in movement for the use of the body in relation to the stage.

Advanced training in acting skills; emphasis upon individual needs.

Advanced training in acting skills; emphasis upon individual needs.

Advanced training in acting skills; emphasis upon individual needs.

Close textual reading of dramatic texts as a fundamental tool for rehearsal and performance.

Individual work in improving the actor's vocal range.

Individual work in improving the actor's vocal range.

Individual work in improving the actor's vocal range.

Investigates gestalt of the student dramatic writer's professional development from the empty page and writing fundamentals to the first-draft script, business affairs, and dramaturgical advancement.

Introduction to the world of the professional actor.

Research leading to the Master's Degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.

Designed to guide the MFADW student toward refinement of thesis including vision, development, and execution.

Substantive participation in productions sponsored by the school and supervised by the faculty.