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.Course | Units | Typically Offered |
1st Semester | ||
Select one: THTR 101 / THTR 105 / THTR 105H (CSU GE C1)M | 3.0 | |
THTR 101 - Theatre Arts Appreciation (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This course is for students seeking an overview of the entire field of theatre. The practice and theory of the following are explored: costume, set and lighting design, acting, directing, playwriting, criticism, play structure, theatre architecture, and producing. The instructor includes a brief historical overview and organizes at least one field trip to a professional theatre production. THTR 105 - The History and Development of the Theatre (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This course is for students interested in the history of the theatre. It covers humanity’s relationship with theatre from primitive tribal cultures through today’s large musicals and blockbuster hits. The course explores the ways societal, religious, political, and social structures were presented and shared through the theatre; and investigates major plays, playwrights, and historic theatrical techniques through lectures, discussion, field trips, and films. THTR 105H - The History and Development of the Theatre Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course is for students interested in the history of the theatre. It covers humanity’s relationship with theatre from primitive tribal cultures through today’s large musicals and blockbuster hits. The course explores the ways societal, religious, political, and social structures were presented and shared through the theatre; and investigates major plays, playwrights, and historic theatrical techniques through lectures, discussion, field trips, and films. This course is designed for students eligible for the Honors program. | ||
ENGL 101 - College Composition and ResearchGE | 3.5 | |
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (3.5 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement This is a composition course that enables students to generate logical, coherent essays and reports necessary to academic and professional success. Students will become proficient in research techniques, learn critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections, and apply these skills to creating original essays and a final research paper. The lab component of this course is designed to assist students in improving and refining their writing and language skills. Students will complete lab activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct documentation form. Students will meet with composition instructors through individual conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. This course is designed for students who wish to fulfill the General Education requirement for Written Communication. | ||
CSU GE C2 - HumanitiesGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
CSU GE E - Lifelong Learning/Self DevelopmentGE | 3.0 | |
Select one: | ||
CSU ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select a course that transfers to CSU. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 15.5† | |
2nd Semester | ||
THTR 110 - Principles of Acting I (CSU GE C1 or C2)M | 3.0 | |
THTR 110 - Principles of Acting I (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement 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. | ||
Select one: THTR 150 / THTR 153 / THTR 174 M | 3.0 | |
THTR 150 - Stagecraft I for Theatre, TV and Film (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 030 or ENLA 034 or appropriate placement; READ 022 or appropriate placement 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: ENGL 030 or ENLA 034 or appropriate placement; READ 022 or appropriate placement The course is designed for the student who wants to gain an understanding and appreciation of the roles light and lighting design play in the theatrical production. Students will gain understanding in lighting design theory, function and esthetics. Students will be able to hang, focus, color, cable and strike conventional and automated lighting fixtures as well as identify and select appropriate types of lighting fixtures, cables, control and power distribution equipment for a given purpose. Electrical and operational safety will receive special emphasis. Students will be able to operate lighting consoles at a proficient level. THTR 174 - Costume Design and Production for Theatre, TV, and Film (3.0 units) Prerequisite:THTR 150 This course is designed for the student who seeks to gain an understanding and appreciation of costume techniques used for the theatre and other entertainment industries. The student will gain the practical knowledge and experience necessary to work in a costume shop; 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 will be able to 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. | ||
CSU GE B4 - Math/Quantitative ReasoningGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
CSU GE D - Social SciencesGE | 3.0 | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
CSU ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select a course that transfers to CSU. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 15.0† | |
Summer 1 | ||
CSU GE A3 - Critical ThinkingGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
US HISTORY (CSU GE D)GE | 3.0 | |
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. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 6.0† | |
3rd Semester | ||
Select one: THTR 159 / THTR 170 M | 1.0† | |
Notes: If THTR 159 is selected it must be taken for 3 units. THTR 159 - Stage Crew Activity (1.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This course is for students who want to gain practical, hands-on, technical experience working backstage. Students will gain experience working as part of a stage crew supporting public performances of theatrical, musical, or dance productions. This course may be taken once and repeated three times for credit. THTR 170 - Theatre Rehearsal and Performance (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement; THTR 110 This course is for the student who wants to participate in a stage production that is part of the American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) competition. Students' performances will be evaluated by judges representing ACTF during public performances at Rio Hondo, and some will be chosen to compete at the regional and national festivals in the areas of acting, writing, stage managing, directing, and stage design. 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. This course may be repeated three times for credit. | ||
THTR 111 - Principles of Acting IIM | 3.0 | |
THTR 111 - Principles of Acting II (3.0 units) Prerequisite: THTR 110 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. | ||
CSU GE A1 - Oral CommunicationGE | 3.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one: SPCH 100 ,101, 101H,140 | ||
CSU GE B1 - Physical SciencesGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
CSU ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select a course that transfers to CSU. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 13.0† | |
4th Semester | ||
Select one: THTR 150 / THTR 153 / THTR 174 M | 3.0 | |
THTR 150 - Stagecraft I for Theatre, TV and Film (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 030 or ENLA 034 or appropriate placement; READ 022 or appropriate placement 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: ENGL 030 or ENLA 034 or appropriate placement; READ 022 or appropriate placement The course is designed for the student who wants to gain an understanding and appreciation of the roles light and lighting design play in the theatrical production. Students will gain understanding in lighting design theory, function and esthetics. Students will be able to hang, focus, color, cable and strike conventional and automated lighting fixtures as well as identify and select appropriate types of lighting fixtures, cables, control and power distribution equipment for a given purpose. Electrical and operational safety will receive special emphasis. Students will be able to operate lighting consoles at a proficient level. THTR 174 - Costume Design and Production for Theatre, TV, and Film (3.0 units) Prerequisite:THTR 150 This course is designed for the student who seeks to gain an understanding and appreciation of costume techniques used for the theatre and other entertainment industries. The student will gain the practical knowledge and experience necessary to work in a costume shop; 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 will be able to 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. | ||
CSU GE B2 - Biological SciencesGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
CSU GE B3 - Lab ScienceGE | 1.0 | |
Select one if lab has not been completed in CSU B1 or B2. | ||
Select one: POLS 110 / POLS 110H (CSU GE D)GE | 3.0 | |
POLS 110 - Government of the United States (3.0 units) Notes: Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate assessment; READ 043 or appropriate assessment This course surveys and analyzes the origins, principles, institutions, policies, and politics of U.S. National and California State Governments, including their constitutions. Emphasis is placed on the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and an understanding of the political processes and issues involved in the workings of government. This course fulfills the American Institutions requirement for the Associate Degree. It also is suitable for students wishing to expand their knowledge of local, state and national governments. POLS 110H - Government of the United States Honors (3.0 units) Notes: Prerequisite: ENGL 101 with a "C" or better This course surveys and analyzes the origins, principles, institutions, policies, and politics of U.S. National and California State Governments, including their constitutions. Emphasis is placed on the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and an understanding of the political processes and issues involved in the workings of government. This course fulfills the American Institutions requirement for the Associate Degree. It also is suitable for students wishing to expand their knowledge of local, state and national governments. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program. | ||
CSU ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select a course that transfers to CSU. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 13.0† | |
Total Units for Theatre Arts AA-T program (Transfer to CSU) | 62.5† | |
† | Some classes may have higher units |
M | Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement |
GE | General Education course |
EL | Elective Course |
Course | Units | Typically Offered |
1st Semester | ||
Select one: THTR 101 / THTR 105 / THTR 105H (IGETC 3A)M | 3.0 | |
THTR 101 - Theatre Arts Appreciation (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This course is for students seeking an overview of the entire field of theatre. The practice and theory of the following are explored: costume, set and lighting design, acting, directing, playwriting, criticism, play structure, theatre architecture, and producing. The instructor includes a brief historical overview and organizes at least one field trip to a professional theatre production. THTR 105 - The History and Development of the Theatre (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This course is for students interested in the history of the theatre. It covers humanity’s relationship with theatre from primitive tribal cultures through today’s large musicals and blockbuster hits. The course explores the ways societal, religious, political, and social structures were presented and shared through the theatre; and investigates major plays, playwrights, and historic theatrical techniques through lectures, discussion, field trips, and films. THTR 105H - The History and Development of the Theatre Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course is for students interested in the history of the theatre. It covers humanity’s relationship with theatre from primitive tribal cultures through today’s large musicals and blockbuster hits. The course explores the ways societal, religious, political, and social structures were presented and shared through the theatre; and investigates major plays, playwrights, and historic theatrical techniques through lectures, discussion, field trips, and films. This course is designed for students eligible for the Honors program. | ||
THTR 110 - Principles of Acting I (IGETC 3A or 3B)M | 3.0 | |
THTR 110 - Principles of Acting I (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement 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 101 - College Composition and ResearchGE | 3.5 | |
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (3.5 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement This is a composition course that enables students to generate logical, coherent essays and reports necessary to academic and professional success. Students will become proficient in research techniques, learn critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections, and apply these skills to creating original essays and a final research paper. The lab component of this course is designed to assist students in improving and refining their writing and language skills. Students will complete lab activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct documentation form. Students will meet with composition instructors through individual conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. This course is designed for students who wish to fulfill the General Education requirement for Written Communication. | ||
IGETC 3B - HumanitiesGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 12.5† | |
2nd Semester | ||
Select one: THTR 150 / THTR 153 / THTR 174 M | 3.0 | |
THTR 150 - Stagecraft I for Theatre, TV and Film (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 030 or ENLA 034 or appropriate placement; READ 022 or appropriate placement 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: ENGL 030 or ENLA 034 or appropriate placement; READ 022 or appropriate placement The course is designed for the student who wants to gain an understanding and appreciation of the roles light and lighting design play in the theatrical production. Students will gain understanding in lighting design theory, function and esthetics. Students will be able to hang, focus, color, cable and strike conventional and automated lighting fixtures as well as identify and select appropriate types of lighting fixtures, cables, control and power distribution equipment for a given purpose. Electrical and operational safety will receive special emphasis. Students will be able to operate lighting consoles at a proficient level. THTR 174 - Costume Design and Production for Theatre, TV, and Film (3.0 units) Prerequisite:THTR 150 This course is designed for the student who seeks to gain an understanding and appreciation of costume techniques used for the theatre and other entertainment industries. The student will gain the practical knowledge and experience necessary to work in a costume shop; 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 will be able to 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. | ||
IGETC 2 - Math/Quantitative ReasoningGE | 3.0† | |
Note: Select one: | ||
IGETC 4 - Social and Behavioral SciencesGE | 3.0 | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
UC ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select a course that transfers to UC. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
UC ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select a course that transfers to UC. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 15.0† | |
Summer 1 | ||
IGETC 1B - Critical Thinking and CompositionGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
IGETC 6 - Foreign Language (UC ONLY)GE | 4.5 | |
Notes: Proficiency equivalent to two years of high school study in the same language or select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 7.5† | |
3rd Semester | ||
Select one: THTR 159 / THTR 170 M | 1.0† | |
Notes: If THTR-159 is taken, must be taken for 3 units. THTR 159 - Stage Crew Activity (1.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This course is for students who want to gain practical, hands-on, technical experience working backstage. Students will gain experience working as part of a stage crew supporting public performances of theatrical, musical, or dance productions. This course may be taken once and repeated three times for credit. THTR 170 - Theatre Rehearsal and Performance (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement; THTR 110 This course is for the student who wants to participate in a stage production that is part of the American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) competition. Students' performances will be evaluated by judges representing ACTF during public performances at Rio Hondo, and some will be chosen to compete at the regional and national festivals in the areas of acting, writing, stage managing, directing, and stage design. 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. This course may be repeated three times for credit. | ||
THTR 111 - Principles of Acting IIM | 3.0 | |
THTR 111 - Principles of Acting II (3.0 units) Prerequisite: THTR 110 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. | ||
IGETC 1C - Oral Communication (CSU Only)GE | 3.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one: | ||
IGETC 5A - Physical SciencesGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
US HISTORY (IGETC 4)GE | 3.0 | |
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. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 13.0† | |
4th Semester | ||
Select one: THTR 150 / THTR 153 / THTR 174 M | 3.0 | |
THTR 150 - Stagecraft I for Theatre, TV and Film (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 030 or ENLA 034 or appropriate placement; READ 022 or appropriate placement 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: ENGL 030 or ENLA 034 or appropriate placement; READ 022 or appropriate placement The course is designed for the student who wants to gain an understanding and appreciation of the roles light and lighting design play in the theatrical production. Students will gain understanding in lighting design theory, function and esthetics. Students will be able to hang, focus, color, cable and strike conventional and automated lighting fixtures as well as identify and select appropriate types of lighting fixtures, cables, control and power distribution equipment for a given purpose. Electrical and operational safety will receive special emphasis. Students will be able to operate lighting consoles at a proficient level. THTR 174 - Costume Design and Production for Theatre, TV, and Film (3.0 units) Prerequisite:THTR 150 This course is designed for the student who seeks to gain an understanding and appreciation of costume techniques used for the theatre and other entertainment industries. The student will gain the practical knowledge and experience necessary to work in a costume shop; 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 will be able to 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. | ||
IGETC 5B - Biological SciencesGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
IGETC 5C - Lab ScienceGE | 1.0 | |
Select one if lab has not been completed in IGETC 5A or 5B. | ||
Select one: POLS 110 / POLS 110H (IGETC 4)GE | 3.0 | |
POLS 110 - Government of the United States (3.0 units) Notes: Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate assessment; READ 043 or appropriate assessment This course surveys and analyzes the origins, principles, institutions, policies, and politics of U.S. National and California State Governments, including their constitutions. Emphasis is placed on the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and an understanding of the political processes and issues involved in the workings of government. This course fulfills the American Institutions requirement for the Associate Degree. It also is suitable for students wishing to expand their knowledge of local, state and national governments. POLS 110H - Government of the United States Honors (3.0 units) Notes: Prerequisite: ENGL 101 with a "C" or better This course surveys and analyzes the origins, principles, institutions, policies, and politics of U.S. National and California State Governments, including their constitutions. Emphasis is placed on the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and an understanding of the political processes and issues involved in the workings of government. This course fulfills the American Institutions requirement for the Associate Degree. It also is suitable for students wishing to expand their knowledge of local, state and national governments. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program. | ||
UC ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
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 UC/CSU) | 61.0† | |
† | Some classes may have higher units |
M | Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement |
GE | General Education course |
EL | Elective Course |
All Theatre Arts majors will identify basic theatre vocabulary and terminology (for example, stage directions and theatre genres).
Students will demonstrate an understanding of basic backstage practices and procedures.
Students will memorize and perform a live scene successfully
For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions please click here: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
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Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.
Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601
Phone: (562) 692-0921
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