Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Theatre Arts

College of Arts and Humanities
Department of Theatre and Dance

Program Description

The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts prepare students in the areas of Performance, Theatrical Design and Technology, and Literature/History.  Our program is multi-cultural and multi-ethnic by nature and offers a wide range of theatre techniques to explore. The Theatre Performance Minor focuses on acting and directing, while the Theatre Education Minor doubles as both a general program and preparation for future teachers.   The B.A. in Theatre Arts offers courses in the field of acting and directing, design and technical theatre, theatre history, dramatic literature, multicultural children's theatre, speech, and drama for the classroom.  Students and faculty often collaborate with other departments including Art, Dance, Music, Digital Media, English and Humanities.

Features

Theatre Arts Majors and Minors participate in the department's ambitious production program through acting; scenic, lighting, and costume design; set construction; stage management; and theatre production. Students receive academic credit for their participation. Freshperson and sophomore Theatre Arts majors have the opportunity to secure roles in Theatre productions.  The department presents four shows each year, in the University Theatre or Edison Studio Theatre that range in styles from Contemporary, Multicultural, Shakespeare to Musical Theatre. Students have the opportunity to participate each year at KCACTF (Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival), USITT (United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Forensics Competitions, and other performance venues throughout the year.

The Department of Theatre and Dance maintains active membership in KCACTF (Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival), USITT (United States Institute for Theatre Technology, and ACDA (American College Dance Association.  The Theatre Arts Program is accredited by the National Association of    Schools of Theatre (NAST). NAST is located at

11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Ste. 21,
Reston, VA 22090.

Academic Advisement

The Theatre Arts Program places great importance on the advisement process. We request that students meet with their respective advisors for consultation. To obtain an advisor, students should contact Bill DeLuca, Katie Dowse, or Shaunté Caraballo to schedule a first meeting. Educational goals   and previous theatre experience will be discussed during the first advisement meeting. Based on this discussion, the progression of the student's major and minor requirements will be planned. Career opportunities will also be discussed.

Dedication and commitment are the keys to the successful pursuit of a career in theatre. To help students achieve high academic and production standards, the department requires all majors and minors to pass their required classes with a "C" grade or better. Students who receive lower than a "C" will need to "Repeat and Cancel" that course in the following semester.

Preparation

The B.A. in Theatre Arts strongly suggests that students wishing to major in theatre arts be able to deal effectively with the English language. Six to eight courses of college preparatory English are advised. In addition, students should have a strong background in vocal skills and basic movement capabilities. Since the theatre affects and makes use of the whole person, awareness and development of the human body and voice are equally important as the development of the human mind. Students are urged to take courses in speech, diction, singing, dance, fencing, stage combat, yoga, Pilates, and other recreational activities.

Student Organizations

  • Toro Forensics- is an award-winning Speech team that competes annually in Public Speaking, Debate, Oral Interpretation, and theatrical performance tournaments held throughout Southern California. Students acquire excellent training in speech support, articulation, organization, and non-verbal delivery skills.
  • Teatro Dominguez is open to all students and provides high-quality theatrical programs that inform, delight and promote cross-cultural understanding in the Dominguez communities. As actors and directors, discussion leaders, stage managers, playwrights, and business managers, members receive a full experience in developing life skills that will make them effective leaders in today’s pluralistic society.
  • The New African Grove Black Theatre Program (BTP) is a performing arts company comprised of students, alumni, and guest artists. The BTP offers performances, industry showcases, and community outreach that illuminates the Black experience for people of all ages and ethnic groups.  

Graduation with Honors

An undergraduate student may graduate with Honors in Theatre Arts if the following criteria are met:

  1. A minimum of 36 units in residence at CSU Dominguez Hills.
  2. A minimum GPA of at least 3.5 in all courses is used to satisfy the upper-division requirements.
  3. Recommendation by the faculty in the department or program in which the honors are to be awarded.