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Associate in Arts for Transfer Degree
Theatre Arts

The Associate in Arts in Theatre Arts Degree is intended to the meet the lower division requirements for Theatre Arts majors at a CSU campus that offers a Theatre Arts baccalaureate degree.

This degree is designed for students interested in a range of classes in the theatre arts.  Students who earn an AA-T in Theatre Arts demonstrate knowledge and skill in areas including acting, theatre technology, dramaturgy, design (lights,set, costume, and/or make-up), theatre history, and play production. Foundational skills and knowledge of theatre is the springboard for an array of careers including professional actor, theatre critic, theatre director, playwright, set, costume, make-up or light designer, running crew and various film and television jobs.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

Apply Now!


Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
Select sample path/map:
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
Select one: THTR 101 / THTR 105 / THTR 105H (IGETC 3A)M3.0
THTR 101 - Introduction to Theatre (3.0 units)

(Formerly THEAT 101, 005)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is for students seeking an introduction to all aspects of theatre. The course examines the following: the audience, theatre spaces, actors, directors, producers, playwrights, dramatic structure, dramatic characters, theatrical genres, theatrical forms, criticism, and the design elements of scenery, costume, make-up, lighting, and sound.  Students will see a college and/or professional theatre production.  The course prepares the student for other course offerings in the theatre curriculum.

THTR 105 - Theatre History (3.0 units)

(Formerly THEAT 105, 001)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: THTR 105 or THTR 105H)

In this course, students learn the history and development of theatre and drama in relationship to cultural, religious, political and social conditions of the time. Students read plays for analysis of dramatic structure, plot, and character and explore the general nature of dramatic presentation.  Students will see a college and/or professional theatre production.

THTR 105H - Theatre History Honors (3.0 units)

(Formerly THEAT 105H)

Advisory:ENGL C1000
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: THTR 105 or THTR 105H)

In this course, students learn the history and development of theatre and drama in relationship to cultural, religious, political and social conditions of the time. Students read plays for analysis of dramatic structure, plot, and character and explore the general nature of dramatic presentation. Students will see a college and/or professional theatre production. This course is designed for students eligible for the Honors program.

THTR 110 - Principles of Acting I (IGETC 3A or 3B)M3.0
THTR 110 - Principles of Acting I (3.0 units)

(Formerly THEAT 110, 010A)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is for students who are interested in acting in the areas of theatre, film, and television, whether as a profession or as a hobby. The class explores the theory, practice, and techniques of acting. Emphasis is placed on theatre games and exercises culminating in the presentation of scenes from contemporary dramatic literature.

ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (IGETC 1A)GE3.5
ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (3.5 units)

(Formerly ENGL 001A, ENGL 101)

Prerequisite:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. 

Cal-GETC 3b - HumanitiesGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.

Select one:
ANTH 104
ASL 124, 201
CHIN 102
CHST 101, 146, 148, 148H
ENGL126
FR 102, 201, 202
HIST 101, 102, 122, 131, 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 167, 170
HUM 110, 111, 125, 125H, 130, 140, 145
JAPN 102
LIT 102, 102H, 112A, 112AH, 112B, 112BH, 114, 114H, 117, 117H, 130, 130H, 140, 140H, 141, 141H, 142, 142H, 144A, 144AH, 144B, 144BH, 145, 145H, 146A,146AH, 146B, 146BH, 147, 147H, 148, 148H, 149, 149H
PHIL 101, 101H, 102, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 128H, 135, 140
POLS 128, 128H;
SPAN 102, 201, 201H, 202

Total Semester Units:12.5† 
2nd Semester
Select one: THTR 111 / THTR 150 / THTR 153 / THTR 174 M3.0
THTR 111 - Principles of Acting II (3.0 units)

(Formerly THEAT 111, 010B)

Prerequisite: THTR 110
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is for students who want to continue to explore theories and techniques used in preparation for the interpretation of drama through acting, and to develop their skills past the beginner level. Emphasis will be placed on deepening an understanding of the acting process through exercises, character analysis, monologues, and scenes.

THTR 150 - Stagecraft I for Theatre, TV and Film (3.0 units)

(Formerly THEAT 150, 020A)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

The course is designed for the student who wishes to gain a basic understanding of the technical phases of scene production including construction, painting, rigging, placement and manipulation of stage scenery, lighting equipment, sound equipment, properties and wardrobe as well as the organization and management of stage activity and stagecraft terminology. The student will study the aesthetics and practical application principles of stage scenic, sound and lighting design. Students are assigned a specific crew responsibility that directly relates to a college theatre production.

THTR 153 - Lighting Design and Production for Theatre, TV, and Film (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is designed for students who want to gain an understanding and appreciation of the roles light and lighting design play in a theatrical production. Students gain understanding in lighting design theory, function, and aesthetics. Students learn to hang, focus, color, cable, and strike conventional and automated lighting fixtures, as well as to identify and select appropriate types of lighting fixtures, cables, control, and power distribution equipment for a given purpose. Electrical and operational safety receive special emphasis. Students who complete the course successfully are able to operate lighting consoles proficiently.

THTR 174 - Costume Design and Production for Theatre, TV, and Film (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is designed for students who seek to gain an understanding and appreciation of costume techniques used for the theatre and other entertainment industries. Students gain the practical knowledge and experience necessary to work in a costume shop, including an understanding of costume history; basic costume design including sketching; basic costume construction including alteration and sewing; costume design tools, materials, fabrics, textiles, and crafts; costume sourcing practices; and backstage costume preparation and practices for productions. Students identify period costumes (garments and accessories), analyze the effectiveness of costumes in a production, draft a pattern in order to sew/construct a garment, and source costumes needed for a production through vendors.

MATH 150 - Survey of Mathematics (IGETC 2)GE3.0
Notes:
While the above course(s) are recommended, students may take any of the following courses to fulfill this requirement:  MATH 130/H, MATH 150, MATH 160, MATH 170, MATH 180, MATH190/H, PSY 190.

MATH 150 - Survey of Mathematics (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an intermediate algebra course.
Transfers to: CSU, UC

In this course students will learn to read and understand quantitative information, solve practical problems, and make sound decisions using numbers. Topics include consumer applications, logic, probability, statistics, algebra, and geometry. This course is for students who need a quantitative reasoning course for graduation or transfer.

Cal-GETC 6 - Ethnic StudiesGE3.0

Select one:
CHST 101
EGSS 110

UC/CSU ElectiveEL3.0

Select a course that transfers to UC. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:12.0 
Summer 1
Cal-GETC 1b - Critical Thinking and CompositionGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.

Select one:
ENGL C1001, 1001H
PHIL 110, 110H

The course data is currently unavailable.0
Total Semester Units:3.0† 
3rd Semester
Select one: THTR 159 / THTR 170 M1.0†
Notes:
If THTR-159 is taken, must be taken for 3 units.

THTR 159 - Stage Crew Activity (1.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts, THTR 150
Transfers to: UC,CSU

musical, or dance productions presented to the community. Students will be involved in one or more of the following areas of concentration and responsibility: stage management, house management, stage crew, scenery building and painting, props, lighting, costumes, make-up, sound and/or special effects. Students will identify a preference for stage crew/technical theatre production assignments through the interview process. This course may be taken once and repeated three times for credit.

THTR 170 - Theatre Rehearsal & Performance (3.0 units)

(Formerly THEAT 170, 030)

Advisory: THTR 110, THTR 150
Limitations: Performing students must audition/interview and Technical/Production students must interview prior to participating in the course. It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course offers students practical experience in the rehearsal and performance of a theatrical production.  Students are provided an opportunity to be part of a theatre company in the organization of full-length and/or one-act plays under the guidance of a faculty director.  During the public performance at Rio Hondo College, students will be evaluated by judges representing the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), and some will be chosen to compete at the regional and national festivals in the areas of acting, writing, stage management, directing, dramaturgy, design, and technical production.  Actors will be selected through audition. All others will identify a preference for production assignments through the interview process. This course may be repeated three times for credit.

Select one: THTR 111 / THTR 150 / THTR 153 / THTR 174 M3.0
THTR 111 - Principles of Acting II (3.0 units)

(Formerly THEAT 111, 010B)

Prerequisite: THTR 110
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is for students who want to continue to explore theories and techniques used in preparation for the interpretation of drama through acting, and to develop their skills past the beginner level. Emphasis will be placed on deepening an understanding of the acting process through exercises, character analysis, monologues, and scenes.

THTR 150 - Stagecraft I for Theatre, TV and Film (3.0 units)

(Formerly THEAT 150, 020A)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

The course is designed for the student who wishes to gain a basic understanding of the technical phases of scene production including construction, painting, rigging, placement and manipulation of stage scenery, lighting equipment, sound equipment, properties and wardrobe as well as the organization and management of stage activity and stagecraft terminology. The student will study the aesthetics and practical application principles of stage scenic, sound and lighting design. Students are assigned a specific crew responsibility that directly relates to a college theatre production.

THTR 153 - Lighting Design and Production for Theatre, TV, and Film (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is designed for students who want to gain an understanding and appreciation of the roles light and lighting design play in a theatrical production. Students gain understanding in lighting design theory, function, and aesthetics. Students learn to hang, focus, color, cable, and strike conventional and automated lighting fixtures, as well as to identify and select appropriate types of lighting fixtures, cables, control, and power distribution equipment for a given purpose. Electrical and operational safety receive special emphasis. Students who complete the course successfully are able to operate lighting consoles proficiently.

THTR 174 - Costume Design and Production for Theatre, TV, and Film (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is designed for students who seek to gain an understanding and appreciation of costume techniques used for the theatre and other entertainment industries. Students gain the practical knowledge and experience necessary to work in a costume shop, including an understanding of costume history; basic costume design including sketching; basic costume construction including alteration and sewing; costume design tools, materials, fabrics, textiles, and crafts; costume sourcing practices; and backstage costume preparation and practices for productions. Students identify period costumes (garments and accessories), analyze the effectiveness of costumes in a production, draft a pattern in order to sew/construct a garment, and source costumes needed for a production through vendors.

Cal-GETC 1c - Oral CommunicationGE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

Select one:
COMM C1000, C1000H

Cal-GETC 5a - Physical ScienceGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.
All labs or courses with labs are indicated by an '*'.

Select one:
ASTR 110, 110H, 112*, 137*
GEOG 101, 101L*
GEOL 150, 151*, 152, 152L*
CHEM 110*, 120*, 130*, 140*, 230*, 231*
PHY 120*, 150*, 160*, 211*, 212*, 213*

US HISTORY (IGETC 4)GE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

All CSU campuses have a graduation requirement in American Institutions. Students may choose one of the following US History courses to partially fulfill this requirement: HIST 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 170.

UC/CSU ElectiveEL3.0

Select a course that transfers to UC. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:16.0† 
4th Semester
Select one: THTR 111 / THTR 150 / THTR 153 / THTR 174 M3.0
THTR 111 - Principles of Acting II (3.0 units)

(Formerly THEAT 111, 010B)

Prerequisite: THTR 110
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is for students who want to continue to explore theories and techniques used in preparation for the interpretation of drama through acting, and to develop their skills past the beginner level. Emphasis will be placed on deepening an understanding of the acting process through exercises, character analysis, monologues, and scenes.

THTR 150 - Stagecraft I for Theatre, TV and Film (3.0 units)

(Formerly THEAT 150, 020A)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

The course is designed for the student who wishes to gain a basic understanding of the technical phases of scene production including construction, painting, rigging, placement and manipulation of stage scenery, lighting equipment, sound equipment, properties and wardrobe as well as the organization and management of stage activity and stagecraft terminology. The student will study the aesthetics and practical application principles of stage scenic, sound and lighting design. Students are assigned a specific crew responsibility that directly relates to a college theatre production.

THTR 153 - Lighting Design and Production for Theatre, TV, and Film (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is designed for students who want to gain an understanding and appreciation of the roles light and lighting design play in a theatrical production. Students gain understanding in lighting design theory, function, and aesthetics. Students learn to hang, focus, color, cable, and strike conventional and automated lighting fixtures, as well as to identify and select appropriate types of lighting fixtures, cables, control, and power distribution equipment for a given purpose. Electrical and operational safety receive special emphasis. Students who complete the course successfully are able to operate lighting consoles proficiently.

THTR 174 - Costume Design and Production for Theatre, TV, and Film (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is designed for students who seek to gain an understanding and appreciation of costume techniques used for the theatre and other entertainment industries. Students gain the practical knowledge and experience necessary to work in a costume shop, including an understanding of costume history; basic costume design including sketching; basic costume construction including alteration and sewing; costume design tools, materials, fabrics, textiles, and crafts; costume sourcing practices; and backstage costume preparation and practices for productions. Students identify period costumes (garments and accessories), analyze the effectiveness of costumes in a production, draft a pattern in order to sew/construct a garment, and source costumes needed for a production through vendors.

Cal-GETC 5b - Biological ScienceGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.
All labs or courses with labs are indicated by an '*':

Select one:
ANTH 101, 101H, 101L*; BIOL 101*, 105, 105L*, 111, 111L*, 120, 120L*, 200*, 201*, 206, 222*, 226*;
PSY 210, 210H.

Cal-GETC 5c - LaboratoryGE1.0

Select one if lab has not been completed in IGETC 5A or 5B.
All labs or courses with labs are indicated by an '*':
ANTH 101L*;
ASTR 112*;
BIOL 101*, 105L*, 111L*, 120L*, 200*, 201*, 222*, 226*;
CHEM 110*, 120*, 130*, 140*, 230*, 231*;
GEOG 101L*;
GEOL 151*;
PHY 120*,150*, 160*, 211*, 212*, 213*

Select one: POLS C1000 / POLS C1000H (IGETC 4)GE3.0
POLS C1000 - American Government and Politics (3.0 units)

(Formerly POLS 110, 002)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: POLS C1000 or POLS C1000H)

This course is an introduction to government and politics in the United States and California. Students examine the constitutions, structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political behaviors, political issues, and public policy using political science theory and methodology.

POLS C1000H - American Government and Politics - Honors (3.0 units)

(Formerly POLYS 110H, POLS 110H)

Advisory: ENGL C1000
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: POLS C1000 or POLS C1000H)

This is an introduction to government and politics in the United States and California. Students examine the constitutions, structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political behaviors, and public policy using political science theory and methodology. This is an honors course.

UC/CSU ElectiveEL3.0

Select a course that transfers to UC. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:13.0† 
Total Units for Theatre Arts AA-T program (Transfer to Cal-GETC)56.5† 
Notes:
  • AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
Some classes may have higher units
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
GEGeneral Education course
ELElective Course
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

1

All Theatre Arts majors will identify basic theatre vocabulary and terminology (for example, stage directions and theatre genres).


2

Students will demonstrate an understanding of basic backstage practices and procedures.


3

Students will memorize and perform a live scene successfully


About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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