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Theater Arts
2025-2026 Edition
Department Chair:
Karen Miskell
Department Location:
Bldg 20 Rm 10
Department Phone:
760-245-4271 Ext 2729
Department Email:
Karen.Miskell@vvc.edu
School:
School of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences
School Dean:
Kelley Cahow
School Location:
Bldg 55 Rm 21
School Phone:
760-245-4271 Ext 2357
School Email:
Kelley.Cahow@vvc.edu
Theatre Arts is the essence of the humanities in that it is the only art form that incorporates all the other fine arts into its final product. Our primary goal is to educate the whole person, to emphasize comprehensive education. Everyone should experience the dynamics of theatre, and our ensemble technique teaches cooperation, teamwork, and communication. The skills learned in producing theatre are necessary in every occupational arena.
No associate degree offered with a major in Theatre Arts. Theatre Arts courses may be used to fulfill requirements for an Associate in Arts degree with a major in Fine Arts or Liberal Arts. See specific listings for requirements in these majors.
TA 138
Cooperative Education Theatre Arts may
be used as elective credits but may not be used to fulfill major requirements.
Career Opportunities
Actor/Actress, Box Office Staff, Choreographer, Makeup Artist, Publicist, Scene Designer, Screenwriter, Sound Technician, Stage Director, Teacher, Lighting Designer, Properties, Lighting Technician, Stage Manager, Assistant State Director, Scenic Artist, Costume Designer, Set Dresser, Assistant Stage Manager, Writer, Front House Staff, Musicians, Singers, Entertainers, Performers, Set Designers, Ushers, Agents, Business Mangers of Artists and Performers, Dancers, Promoters, Ticket Staff, Prop Masters and Scene Shop Facilitators.
Faculty
Transfer
California State University, San Bernardino: Theatre Arts major
University of California, Riverside: Theatre Arts major
For the most up-to-date information on these programs and others, visit
assist.org
. Please stop by the Transfer Center in Building 23 or make an appointment with a counselor if you have questions.
Theater Arts Courses
TA 101
Introduction to Theatre
(3.0 Units)
An introductory course of the history, the performers, the purpose and the perspective of theatre. Students will be introduced to the basic forms of theatre and disciplines involved in producing a play. Emphasis is on defining and experiencing the role of theatre in society. C-ID THTR 111.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 102
History of Theatre
(3.0 Units)
A survey course designed to introduce the student to a history of the world's theatrical experiences from primitive times to the present. An examination of the physical theatre and methods of staging drama from the days of the caveman to theatre of the avant-garde.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 104
Oral Interpretation of Literature
(3.0 Units)
A course designed for the student to learn to interpret literature for an audience. Students will learn and be evaluated on: doing performance anlyses, developing relevant introductions, communicating a relevant theme, executing proper character placement and focus, using effective vocal skills, using effective physical involvement. Students will demonstrate proficiency in the above through solo and ensemble class presentations.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 106
Beginning Acting
(3.0 Units)
Introduction to the basic principles and techniques of acting as an artistic discipline. Emphasis on pantomime, exercises, vocal techniques and scene work. The ultimate goal is to develop a firm foundation in basic acting techniques. C-ID THTR 151.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 107
Intermediate Acting
(3.0 Units)
This course provides the student an opportunity to enhance acting skills, and to develop and intensify dramatic ability by advancing the understanding of skills presented in Beginning Acting. The student will be introduced to the tporcess of analyzing character through lecture, demonstration, exercises, and the rehearsal and presentation of scenes from published texts.
Recommended Preparation: TA-106
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 109
Rehearsal & Performance Studio
(3.0 Units)
This course will provide study and laboratory explanation in all aspects of play production involving the actor in order to develop their acting capabilities, skills and discipline. The audition, preparation and presentational phases of the acting process will be explored under the supervision and guidance of a faculty director. Productions will be presented for public performance. Enrollment is for the duration of the preparation and presentation phases of production. Prerequisite: Qualify for cast at auditions. Recommended preparation:
TA 106
. C-ID THTR 191.
Recommended Preparation: TA-106
Lecture Hours: 18.0; Lab Hours: 108.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 110
Principles of Design for Theatre
(3.0 Units)
An introductory course in design principles as applied to the theatre in the areas of lighting, costuming, makeup, and set design. Students will apply concepts of texture, line, space, color and perspective to the various design aspects in theatre through specific 2-D and 3-D exercises.
Lecture Hours: 36.0; Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 111
Technical Stage Production
(3.0 Units)
This course is an introduction to the tasks, responsibilities, and skills of stage technicians. Stage managing, construction techniques, stage equipment use and function of technical stage personnel are introduced to develop the student's design capabilities, skills and discipline in stage production. Students will serve as technical stage crew members in Theatre Arts Department productions.
Lecture Hours: 18.0; Lab Hours: 108.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 113
Stage Makeup
(3.0 Units)
A course designed to introduce the student to the basic techniques and materials of stage make-up. Students will demonstrate understanding through actual make up, wig, and facial hair applications in the classroom. Grade Option. C-ID THTR 175.
Lecture Hours: 18.0; Lab Hours: 108.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
TA 114
Play Writing
(3.0 Units)
Fundamentals of play development, including plot, character, structure, and theme. Course exercises will culminate in students creating their own scenes and plays. .
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 115
Stagecraft
(3.0 Units)
An introductory course on the materials, tools and procedures of theatre set production including construction, painting, rigging, placement and manipulation of stage scenery, the organization and management of set pieces, and stagecraft terminology. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of set design, construction, painting and finishing.  UC,
Lecture Hours: 18.0; Lab Hours: 108.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 115.1
Stagecraft
(1.0 Units)
An introductory course on the materials, tools and procedures of theatre set production including construction, painting, rigging, placement and manipulation of stage scenery, the organization and management of set pieces, and stagecraft terminology. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of set design, construction, painting and finishing. Course may be repeated 3 times for a maximum of 4 units.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 115.2
Stagecraft
(2.0 Units)
An introduction course on the materials, tools and procedures of theatre set construction, painting stage scenery, stagecraft terminology.
Lab Hours: 108.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 115.3
Stagecraft
(3.0 Units)
An introduction course on the materials, tools and procedures of theatre set construction, painting stage scenery, and stagecraft terminology.
Lab Hours: 162.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 115.4
Stagecraft
(4.0 Units)
An introduction course on the materials, tools and procedures of theatre set construction, painting stage scenery, and stagecraft terminology.
Lab Hours: 216.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 116
Authors of the Theatre
(3.0 Units)
A survey of playwrights from the Greeks to the present. The selected plays are read, discussed and analyzed. Crosslisted with
ENGL 116
Recommended Preparation: ENGL-101 or ENGL-H101
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 117
Technical Theatre: Lighting and Sound
(3.0 Units)
This course will provide the student with a theoretical and practical introduction to theatre technology. This course will cover the theatre plant, rigging, theatre personnel electrical theory, stage lighting and sound. C-ID THTR 173.
Lecture Hours: 36.0; Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 120
Costuming for the Theatre
(3.0 Units)
A basic course in the skills of costuming for the stage and the art of costume design. Costumes will be created for Victor Valley College theatre arts departmental productions. C-ID THTR 174.
Lecture Hours: 18.0; Lab Hours: 108.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 124
Scenic Painting for the Theatre
(3.0 Units)
This course is an introduction to the basic techniques and materials used in the painting of scenery for the stage. Scene painting techniques, practices and materials covered will include color mixing and matching, wood graining, faux painting techniques, glazing, creating foliage, stone and brick. Students may assist in painting sets for Victor Valley College Theatre Arts Departmental Productions. .
Lecture Hours: 18.0; Lab Hours: 108.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 160A
Tap Dance IA
(1.0 Units)
Students who would like to explore tap dancing for the first time will experience basic tap dancing techniques with the foundational sense of musicality. During this course, many essentials elements will be stressed: style, proper counting techniques, rhythm, interpretation of music and basic choreographic elements. Grade Option. Crosslisted with
KIND 160A
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 160B
Tap Dance IB
(1.0 Units)
Students who would like to further explore tap dancing after having some tap experience will expand on their basic tap dance techniques with the foundational sense of musicality. During this course, many essential elements will be stressed: style, proper counting techniques, rhythm,interpretation of music and basic choreographic elements. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing musical and rhythmic phrasing and performance clarity in movement combinations. Grade Option. Crosslisted with
KIND 160B
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 160C
Tap Dance IC
(1.0 Units)
Students who would like to further explore tap dancing after having some tap experience and preparing for Tap IIA will expand on their tap dance techniques with the foundational sense of musicality. During this course, many essential elements will be stressed: style, proper counting techniques, rhythm, interpretation of music and basic choreographic elements. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing musical and rhythmic phrasing and performance clarity in complex movement combinations , and the refinement of performance style. Grade Option. Crosslisted with
KIND 160C
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 161A
Tap Dance IIA
(1.0 Units)
Students who would like to explore tap dancing at an intermediate level for the first time after having had some tap dance will experience intermediate tap dancing techniques with the foundational sense of musicality. During this course, many essential elements will be stressed: style, proper counting techniques, rhythm, interpretation of music and basic choreographic elements. Grade Option. Crosslisted with
KIND 161A
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 161B
Tap Dance IIB
(1.0 Units)
Students who would like to further explore tap dance at an intermediate level after having had some tap dance will experience intermediate tap dance techniques with a fundamental sense of musicality. During this intermediate course a number of elements will be stressed: style, proper counting techniques, rhythm, interpretation of music and basic choreographic elements. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing musical and rhythmic phrasing, efficient alignment, and performance clarity in movement combinations. Grade Option. Crosslisted with
KIND 161B
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 161C
Tap Dance IIC
(1.0 Units)
Students who would like to further explore tap dance at an intermediate level,working towards Tap III, after having some tap dance will experience intermediate tap dance techniques with a fundamental sense of musicality. During this course a number of elements will be stressed: style, proper counting techniques, rhythm, interpretation of music and basic choreographic elements. Emphasis is placed on enhancing musical and rhythmic phrasing, efficient alignment, performance clarity in complex movement combinations, and the refinement of performance style. Grade Option. Crosslisted with
KIND 161C
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 166A
Introduction to Ballet Dance IA
(1.0 Units)
Students with no previous training or experience in ballet will explore introductory level ballet technique, style, and movement characteristics. Grade Option. Crosslisted with
KIND 166A
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 166B
Building Ballet Basics IB
(1.0 Units)
Students with introductory level ballet training will build and expand basic ballet technique, style, and movement characteristics. Grade Option. Crosslisted with
KIND 166B
. .
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 166C
Ballet Fundamentals IC
(1.0 Units)
Students who have previous training in introductory Ballet IA and Building Ballet Basics IB will further explore and perfect their training in ballet fundamentals.Grade Option. Crosslisted with
KIND 166C
. .
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 167A
Introduction to Intermediate Ballet IIA
(1.0 Units)
An introduction to the technique and style of beginning intermediate level Ballet IIA dance. This course is for the student who has taken Ballet I level courses. Emphasis on exploring the movement characteristics of beginning intermediate Ballet IIA dance through dancing. Grade Option. Crosslisted with
KIND 167A
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 167B
Intermediate Ballet Dance IIB
(1.0 Units)
Students who have been introduced to intermediate Ballet IIA will build and explore intermediate Ballet IIB skills and concepts. Grade Option. Crosslisted with
KIND 167B
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 167C
Intermediate Ballet IIC
(1.0 Units)
Students will explore and build advanced and intermediate ballet skills. See cross listing for
KIND 167C
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 170A
Jazz Dance IA
(1.0 Units)
Students who would like to explore jazz dance for the first time will experience basic jazz dance techniques with a fundamental sense of musicality. During this beginning course a number of elements will be stressed: style, proper counting techniques, rhythm, interpretation of music and basic choreographic elements. Grade Option. Crosslisted with
KIND 170A
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 170B
Jazz Dance IB
(1.0 Units)
Students who would like to further explore jazz dance after having some jazz dance experience will expand on their basic jazz dance techniques and fundamental sense of musicality. During this course a number of elements will be stressed: style, proper counting techniques, rhythm,interpretation of music and basic choreographic elements. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing musical and rhythmic phrasing, efficient alignment, and performance clarity in movement combinations. Other styles such as theater jazz may be incorporated. Grade Option. Crosslisted with
KIND 170B
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 170C
Jazz Dance IC
(1.0 Units)
Students who would like to further explore jazz dance after having some jazz dance experience, will expand on their jazz dance techniques and fundamental sense of musicality. During this course a number of elements will be stressed: style, proper counting techniques, rhythm, interpretation of music and basic choreographic elements. Emphasis is placed on enhancing musical and rhythmic phrasing, efficient alignment, performance clarity in complex movement combinations, and the refinement of performance style. Grade Option. Crosslisted with
KIND 170C
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 171A
Jazz Dance IIA
(1.0 Units)
Students who would like to explore jazz dance at an intermediate level for the first time after having had some jazz dance will experience intermediate jazz dance techniques with a fundamental sense of musicality. During this intermediate course a number of elements will be stressed: style, proper counting techniques, rhythm, interpretation of music and basic choreographic elements. Grade Option. Crosslisted with
KIND 171A
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 171B
Jazz Dance IIB
(1.0 Units)
Students who would like to further explore jazz dance at an intermediate level after having had some jazz dance will experience intermediate jazz dance techniques with a fundamental sense of musicality. During this intermediate course a number of elements will be stressed: style, proper counting techniques, rhythm, interpretation of music and basic choreographic elements. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing musical and rhythmic phrasing, efficient alignment, and performance clarity in movement combinations. Grade Option. Crosslisted with
KIND 171B
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 171C
Jazz Dance IIC
(1.0 Units)
Students who would like to further explore jazz dance at an intermediate level, working towards Jazz III, after having some jazz dance will experience intermediate jazz dance technique with a fundamental sense of musicality. During this course a number of elements will be stressed: style, proper counting techniques, rhythm, interpretation of music, and basic choreographic elements. Emphasis is placed on enhancing musical and rhythmic phrasing, efficient alignment, performance clarity in complex movement combinations, and the refinement of performance style. Grade Option. Crosslisted with
KIND 171C
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 174A
Introduction to Modern Dance
(1.0 Units)
Introduction to technique and stylization of modern dance. For the student who has never had modern dance or who is new to the beginning level of modern dance. Emphasis on exploring the movement characteristics of introductory level modern dance through dancing. Grade Option. Crosslisted with
KIND 174A
. .
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 175A
Introduction to Modern Dance II
(1.0 Units)
Technique and stylization of introductory level modern dance II. This course is for the student who has taken Modern Dance I level classes. Emphasis on exploring the movement characteristics of introductory level modern dance II through dancing. Grade Option. Crosslisted with
KIND 175A
. .
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 180
Introduction to Classical Musical Theatr
(1.0 Units)
This course is an in-depth performance experience focusing on styles of body movement indicative of Classical Musical Theatre stage productions (1943 - 1965). The fundamentals of Classical musical theatre dance will be introduced, including Classical Broadway jazz and tap-style genres. Concepts of the history of dance in Classical musical theatre will also be introduced. See cross listing for
TA 180
. Grade Option. .
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 181
Introduction to Contemporary Musical Theatre Dance
(1.0 Units)
This course is an in-depth performance experience focusing on styles of body movement indicative of Contemporary Musical Theatre stage productions (1966 - Present). The fundamentals of Contemporary musical theatre dance will be introduced, including Contemporary Broadway jazz and tap style genres. Concepts of the history of dance in Contemporary musical theatre dance will also be introduced. See cross listing for
TA 181
. .
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 182
Beginning Classical Musical Theatre Dance
(1.0 Units)
Technique and style of beginning Classical theatre dance (1943 - 1965) will be explored. This course is an in-depth performance experience focusing on styles of body movement for Classical Musical Theatre stage productions. The fundamentals of Broadway style dance will be reviewed, including basic Classical jazz and tap. Classical Musical theatre dance genres will be introduced by category, including more sophisticated character stylization of Classical musical staging. Concepts of the history of Classical musical theatre dance will be further explored. Cross listed with
TA 182
. .
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 183
Beginning Contemporary Musical Theatre Dance
(1.0 Units)
Technique and style of beginning Contemporary theatre dance (1966 - Present) will be explored. This course is an in-depth performance experience focusing on styles of body movement for Contemporary Musical Theatre stage productions. The fundamentals of Contemporary Broadway style dance will be reviewed, including basic Contemporary jazz and tap. Contemporary Musical theatre dance genres will be introduced by category, including more sophisticated character stylizations of Contemporary musical staging. Concepts of the history of Contemporary musical theatre dance will be further explored. See cross listing for
TA 183
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
TA 203
Script Analysis
(3.0 Units)
This course will explore the principles involved in the analyzing of dramatic scripts, their form and structure, using Aristotelean analysis and other historical and scholarly critical traditions. Key concepts such as studying a playwright's intentions, methods and meanings will be covered. Students will apply these principles to diverse and representative examples from dramatic literature, and how these principles impact a production and performance. C-ID THTR 114.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
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Victor Valley College 2025-2026 Catalog
A PDF of the entire 2025-2026 catalog.