Cascade Campus
MAHB Room 218
Chair: Beth Fitzgerald
971-722-5398
Rock Creek
Social Science, Humanities & Health Division
Building 5, Room 245
Chair: Stacie Williams
971-722-7780
Sylvania Campus
Performing Arts Center Room 102
Program Chair: Patrick Tangredi
971-722-4323
Description
The PCC Theatre Arts (TA) program offers a wide variety of courses primarily on the Sylvania campus, and occasionally on the Rock Creek and the Cascade campuses. The Sylvania based program produces three main-stage productions per school year, one each in the Fall, Winter and Spring terms, with no summer productions scheduled. The plays we produce are selected to offer as many opportunities for all students to practice hands-on skills in all areas of theatre production. The titles over the last decade have spanned great works by Shakespeare, Caryl Churchill, Jane Austen, Thornton Wilder, Oscar Wilde, Euripides, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Mary Zimmerman, Tom Stoppard, Noel Coward, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Stan Sakai and Orson Welles among other notable dramatists.
The Sylvania campus’ Performing Arts Center (PAC) houses a state-of-the-art proscenium multi-use theater and facility, which doubles as PCC’s most popular rental facility for over 800 annual events. The skills taught in TA program classes and productions allow students to qualify for paid work in the PAC's numerous rentals throughout the academic year, often leading to further employment in the greater Portland metro theatre community.
The Sylvania TA program embraces collaboration, equity, diversity and inclusion onstage as well as in the classroom with our main-stage productions. Our popular productions utilize students in all roles; actors, technicians, crew and designers, all of whom collaborate with professional staff, faculty and guest artists. The TA courses at Sylvania prepare community college students in the arts of fundamentals and intermediate acting; beginning and advanced improvisation; fundamentals and intermediate scenic, costume, lighting, and make-up design; backstage crew positions; stage management and stagecraft.
Our theatre-centered students often go on to obtain professional employment, are active in many areas of semi-professional and professional theatre, or excel with the hands-on skills obtained here when transferring to four-year academic programs. Many of the exceptional TA students in our program have competed in the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival and have brought home regional as well as national awards and recognition.
The Sylvania TA program follows a two-year cycle, including a bi-annual commitment to Classical, a Musical, Diverse Playwrights, and an American Classic. Students are required to take credit courses when involved in TA productions at all levels, and varying credit options are available. Auditions and crew assignments are open to all, where prior experience is also acknowledged with greater responsibility and the possibilities of crew leadership and assistant design when appropriate.
Theatre Arts courses provide a nurturing atmosphere for exploration of this collaborative and compelling art form. In addition, the popular student Short Play Festival showcases short works directed, acted, crewed and designed by PCC students. The Theatre Arts Club, when active, also produces short works, occasional original works and staged readings. The popular Improvisation Club (PANTS) has performed regularly in the past and has won local acclaim and competitions.
The emerging TA program at the Rock Creek and Cascade Campuses may include courses in Acting, Improvisation, Theatre Appreciation, and collaborative classes with Multimedia (Acting for Camera and Directing Actors for the Camera) at Cascade, and Occupational Therapy with Pacific University. In the past, Cascade offered a devised performance, an original piece created jointly by students and faculty.
TA 101. Theatre Appreciation. 4 Credits.
Explores live theatre productions in Portland metro area, enriching the understanding and appreciation of the theatrical event. Includes reading, researching and evaluating a play to collaboratively create a unified design. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 or equivalent placement. Audit available. This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Arts and Letters/AAOT, Arts and Letters/ASOT-B, Arts and Letters/AAS, Arts and Letters/AGS, Arts and Letters/AS.
TA 111. Fundamentals of Technical Theatre. 4 Credits.
Covers basic principles and techniques of technical theatre such as stage design, lighting, properties and stage management. Explores the role of the technician in the theatre organization. Lecture and lab allows flexible scheduling. Audit available.
TA 112. Introduction to Scenic Design. 4 Credits.
Covers elements of technical theater including practical hands-on experience in designing for the stage, construction, scenic design and stage rigging. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
TA 113. Introduction to Stage Lighting. 4 Credits.
Explores theater and studio lighting. Focuses on elements of electricity, optics, stage lighting design, color in light, stage lighting instruments and intensity controls. Participate in stage lab activities. Audit available.
TA 116. Stagecraft. 3 Credits.
Introduces the basic operation of the stage, scene shop and their related equipment in relation to actual production. Covers the use of power tools as well as, construction materials and techniques used in the modern theater. Gives the student knowledge of the fundamental aspects of technical theater leading to an understanding of an appreciation for the art of stagecraft. Students are required to do three hours of lab a week and participation in departmental productions presented that term. Prerequisite: MTH 20. Audit available.
TA 141. Fundamentals of Acting Techniques. 4 Credits.
Introduces basic theatrical techniques. Develops text analysis and performance skills. Develops the beginning level awareness of the physical and vocal skills required of a stage performer. Includes reading and analyzing plays to develop acting skills. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available. This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Arts and Letters/ASOT-B, Arts and Letters/AAS, Arts and Letters/AGS, Arts and Letters/AS, Arts and Letters/AAOT.
TA 142. Fundamentals of Acting Techniques. 4 Credits.
Acquire concentration and relaxation in approaching a role. Improve performance skills with focus on vocal and physical control. Scene study is used. Prerequisite: TA 141 and its prerequisite requirements. Audit available.
TA 143. Fundamentals of Acting Techniques. 4 Credits.
Practice skills from TA 141 and TA 142. Stresses further inquiry and use of knowledge and skills in performance. Includes audition techniques. Prerequisite: TA 141 and its prerequisite requirements. Audit available.
TA 144. Improvisational Theatre. 3 Credits.
Become more in touch with the body and senses as used to express yourself and communicate with others. Includes exercise, theatre games and impromptu scenes to tap the creative potential of the human imagination. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
TA 145. Acting for the Camera. 4 Credits.
Identifies, exercises and utilizes the actor's resources to develop acting techniques specifically meant for acting on a visually recorded medium (camera). Taught only in conjunction with Video Production 2. Prerequisite: TA 141. Audit available.
TA 162. Introduction to Costume Construction. 3 Credits.
Explores principles of costume construction and alteration techniques to create finished costumes based upon an original design and/or renderings. Develops skills in sewing, measuring, beginning drafting, draping, and alterations. Requires observing or contributing to the process of producing costumes for a Theatre Arts production. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
TA 163. Introduction to Costume Crafts. 3 Credits.
Provides an overview of craft and sewing techniques used for creating costume pieces that are crafted in addition to being sewn. Explores a variety of construction techniques and materials to create unique costume pieces for a Theatre Arts production. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
TA 166A. Costume Fundamentals Lab A. 1 Credit.
Introduces fundamental aspects of costume creation. Offers opportunities for using costume-related skills in creating, building, altering, and maintaining unique costumes for the stage. Provides hands-on opportunities to develop skills and use professional tools to explore and enhance costume construction skills. Prerequisites: MTH 20. Audit available.
TA 166B. Costume Fundamentals Lab B. 2 Credits.
Continues to explore fundamental aspects of costume creation and construction. Offers opportunities for using costume-related skills in creating, building, altering, and maintaining unique costumes for the stage. Provides hands-on opportunities to develop skills and use professional tools to explore and enhance costume construction skills. Prerequisites: MTH 20. Audit available.
TA 167A. Costume Technology Lab A. 1 Credit.
Introduces basic hand and machine sewing techniques. Offers an opportunity for using costume-related skills in creating, building, altering, or maintaining costumes for the stage. Provides hands-on opportunities to develop skills and use professional tools to explore and refine costume construction skills. Prerequisites: MTH 20. Audit available.
TA 167B. Costume Technology Lab B. 2 Credits.
Introduces a variety of intermediate hand and machine sewing techniques for multiple projects. Offers an opportunity for using costume-related skills in creating, building, altering, and maintaining costumes for the stage. Provides hands-on opportunities to develop skills and use professional tools to explore and enhance costume construction skills. Prerequisite: MTH 20. Audit available.
TA 168A. Costume Craft Projects Lab A. 1 Credit.
Covers identifying, choosing, and implementing the appropriate materials for a basic costume craft project. Offers an opportunity for using costume-related skills in creating, building, altering, and maintaining costumes for the stage. Includes a hands-on assignment, using construction skills and professional tools, to explore and refine costume construction skills. Prerequisite: MTH 20. Audit available.
TA 168B. Costume Craft Projects Lab B. 2 Credits.
Covers identifying, choosing, and implementing the appropriate materials for numerous basic costume craft projects. Offers multiple opportunities for using costume-related skills in creating, building, altering, and maintaining costumes for the stage. Includes a hands-on assignment, using construction skills and professional tools, to explore and refine costume construction skills. Prerequisites: MTH 20. Audit available.
TA 180A. Theater Rehearsal and Performance. 1 Credit.
Credit for performance in theater production, if cast. Gain first-hand experience in performance techniques. Audition required. Audit available.
TA 180B. Theater Rehearsal and Performance. 2 Credits.
Performance in theater production. Audition required. Audit available.
TA 180C. Theater Rehearsal and Performance. 3 Credits.
Performance in theater production. Audition required. Audit available.
TA 180D. Theater Rehearsal and Performance. 4 Credits.
Performance in theater production. Audition required. Audit available.
TA 190A. Projects in Theatre 1A. 2 Credits.
Provides an opportunity to co-design an independent project associated with the current mainstage theatre production. Includes an assigned role within the production team which may be off stage, front of house, or backstage. Requires a contract with the theatre arts instructor covering the course expectations. Audit available.
TA 190B. Projects in Theatre 1B. 3 Credits.
Provides a variety of opportunities to co-design an independent project associated with the current mainstage theatre production. Includes a self-accountable role within the creative or production team which may be off stage or backstage. Requires a contract with the theatre arts instructor covering the course expectations. Audit available.
TA 190C. Projects in Theatre. 3 Credits.
Develop a study contract emphasizing self-directed research, on an individualized basis allowing for maximum flexibility. May be repeated. Audit available.
TA 211. Intermediate Technical Theatre. 4 Credits.
Covers intermediate elements of technical theatre directly associated with current performing arts production(s). Includes practical hands-on experience in a leadership role for one or more of the following: scenery, lighting, projection, sound, stage management and properties management. Prerequisites: TA 111 or instructor permission, and (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
TA 212. Intermediate Scenic Design. 4 Credits.
Provides an opportunity to design for the stage with a hands-on approach to construction, scenic design, and stage rigging. Prerequisite: TA 112 or instructor approval, and (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
TA 227. Stage Make-up. 3 Credits.
Techniques of applying stage make-up including use of tools and products. Focuses on analyzing the character and theater to create the best make-up for various roles on any given stage. Class time is divided into lecture and student make-up projects. Audit available.
TA 241. Intermediate Acting Techniques. 4 Credits.
Introduces intermediate acting techniques. Continues to explore text analysis and performance skills. Develops an intermediate-level awareness of the physical and vocal skills required of a stage performer. Includes one-act plays assigned as projects. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
TA 244. Advanced Improvisation. 3 Credits.
This class emphasizes the development of improvisational acting skills for sustained narrative and long-form of improvisational theater. Students are encouraged to trust their intuition and to focus their senses, their body awareness and vocal qualities on the creation of narrative structures. Team work and the development of group cohesion are stressed. Prerequisites: TA 144, (WR 115 or IRW 115) or placement into WR 121. Audit available.
TA 250A. Technical Theatre Production. 1 Credit.
Provides the opportunity to learn and apply elementary technical theatre skills. Participation in the main stage production required. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Prerequisite/concurrent: TA 111, TA 112, or TA 113.
TA 250B. Technical Theatre Production. 2 Credits.
Provides the opportunity to learn and apply basic technical theatre skills. Employee teamwork skills to collaborate throughout the production process. Participation in the main stage production required. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement, and TA 250A or Instructor Approval.
TA 250C. Technical Theatre Production. 3 Credits.
Provides the opportunity to learn and apply intermediate technical skills in one or more areas of technical theatre. Employ teamwork skills to collaborate throughout the production process. Participation in the main stage production required. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement, and TA 250B or Instructor approval.
TA 253A. Theatre Rehearsal and Performance. 1 Credit.
Performance in a play. May be repeated. Audition required. Audit available.
TA 253B. Theatre Rehearsal and Performance. 2 Credits.
Performance in a play. May be repeated. Prerequisite: Audition. Audit available.
TA 253C. Theatre Rehearsal and Performance. 3 Credits.
Performance in a play. May be repeated. Prerequisite: Audition. Audit available.
TA 261. Introduction to Costuming. 3 Credits.
Surveys costume history, design, and basic patterning-to-construction techniques. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
TA 262. Intermediate Costume Construction. 3 Credits.
Continues to explore principles of costume construction and alteration techniques to create finished costumes based upon an original design and/or renderings. Develops intermediate-level skills in sewing, measuring, drafting, draping, and alterations. Requires observing or contributing to the process of producing costumes for a Theatre Arts production. Prerequisites: MTH 20. Audit available.
TA 263. Intermediate Costume Crafts. 3 Credits.
Provides specific intermediate hands-on techniques and practices used in creating costume pieces that are crafted rather than sewn. Explores a variety of materials to design and complete elements for a Theatre Arts production. Prerequisite: MTH 20. Adult available.
TA 266A. Advanced Costume Lab A. 2 Credits.
Introduces advanced aspects of costume creation. Offers an opportunity for using costume related construction skills for creating, building, altering, or maintaining costumes for the stage. Provides hands-on assignments to explore and refine costume construction skills using professional tools. Audit available.
TA 266B. Advanced Costume Lab B. 2 Credits.
Continues to explore intermediate aspects of costume creation and construction. Provides an opportunity for using costume-related skills in creating, building, altering, and maintaining costumes for the stage. Provides hands-on opportunities to explore and refine costume construction skills using professional tools. Prerequisites: MTH 20 or equivalent, and (TA 166A or TA 166B or instructor permission). Audit available.
TA 267A. Advanced Costume Technology Lab A. 1 Credit.
Covers advanced hand- and machine-sewing and serging techniques. Offers a broad range of opportunities for using costume related skills in creating, building, altering, or maintaining costumes for the stage. Provides hands-on assignments to explore and refine costume construction skills using professional tools. Audit available.
TA 267B. Advanced Costume Technology Lab B. 2 Credits.
Covers intermediate hand-and machine-sewing, serging, cutting, and costume construction techniques. Offers a broad range of opportunities for using costume-related skills in creating, building, altering, and maintaining costumes for the stage. Provides hands-on assignments to explore and refine costume construction skills using professional tools. Prerequisites: MTH 20 or equivalent, and (TA 167A or TA 167B or instructor permission). Audit available.
TA 268A. Intermediate Costume Craft Projects Lab A. 1 Credit.
Covers determining the appropriate materials and completing an intermediate-level costume craft project. Offers a broad range of opportunities for using costume-related skills in creating, building, altering, and maintaining costumes for the stage. Includes a hands-on assignment to explore and refine costume construction skills using professional tools. Prerequisites: MTH 20 or equivalent, and (TA 168A or TA 168B or instructor permission). Audit available.
TA 268B. Intermediate Costume Craft Project Lab B. 2 Credits.
Covers the identification of and determining appropriate materials for an intermediate-level costume, craft or prop. Offers a broad range of opportunities for using costume-related skills in creating, building, altering, and maintaining costumes or a costume craft for the stage. Includes hands-on assignments to explore and refine costume construction skills using professional-level tools. Prerequisites: MTH 20 or equivalent, and (TA 168A or TA 168B or instructor permission). Audit available.
TA 290A. Projects in Theatre 2A. 2 Credits.
Provides an opportunity for an advanced individual project connected to a theatre production. Examples of projects could be assistant directing, lighting design, costuming. Instructor permission required. Audit available.
TA 290B. Projects in Theatre. 2 Credits.
Develop a study contract emphasizing self-directed research, on an individualized basis allowing for maximum flexibility. May be repeated. Audit available.
TA 290C. Projects in Theatre. 3 Credits.
Develop a study contract emphasizing self-directed research, on an individualized basis allowing for maximum flexibility. May be repeated. Audit available.