Drama
Your passion in the spotlightDrama
Your passion in the spotlightDrama
Your passion in the spotlight
If you’ve ever worked on a theatrical production, you know that it’s dynamic. Working in the performing arts – whether it’s acting, design or administration – requires you to use a wide range of skills and to solve complex problems. At SVC we have a program designed to help you develop skills to advance your study in the performing arts.
Program Options
As with our other performing and visual arts programs, the SVC Drama program is designed primarily to help students who are interested in beginning their study here and later transferring to a four-year institution. We offer a well-rounded introduction to theatre arts, including courses in acting, stage management, theatre history, and stagecraft.
While no direct transfer degree program in Drama is offered at SVC, students can pursue the Associate in Arts AA-DTA and work with their advisor for best transfer options.
Most coursework in the Drama program is not lecture-based, but highly practical, with lab, rehearsal and performance-based classes to help you develop skills in real-world settings. Students will gain experience working in a range of production facilities, from the state-of-the-art McIntyre Hall to the more intimate Phillip Tarro Theatre and other venues. Productions are student-based and student-driven, using resources from on campus and around the community.
SVC’s Drama program will help you step out of the shadows and into the light, where you’ll get valuable experience to prepare you for a four-year program.
Degree Paths
Associate of Arts Direct Transfer Agreement, AA-DTA
Program Courses
Courses List
DRMA 133 – Acting I
DRMA 133 – Acting I
(5)
Humanities
A study of the fundamental theory and practice of realistic acting with a focus on the physical and vocal instrument of the actor. Basic acting theory will be discussed and practiced. Prerequisite: Grade of 2.0 or higher in ENGL 097, or AESL 098, or appropriate test score.
DRMA 134 – Acting II
Humanities
A study of the fundamental theory and practice of realistic acting with a focus on script analysis and rehearsal technique. Prerequisite: Grade of 2.0 or higher in ENGL 097, or AESL 098, or appropriate test score.
DRMA 135 – Acting IIl
DRMA 136 – Acting Shakespeare
DRMA 136 – Acting Shakespeare
(5)
Humanities
An introduction for the actor to the plays of William Shakespeare, including historical perspectives, script analysis, verse forms, and acting traditions, using the “”Playing Shakespeare”” videotape series from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Prerequisite: Grade of 2.0 or higher in ENGL 097, or AESL 098, or appropriate test score.
DRMA 137 – Acting for the Camera
DRMA 137 – Acting for the Camera
(3)
An introduction to acting for the camera. Auditions, agents, casting directors, resumes and unions will also be discussed. None
DRMA 138 – Auditioning Skills
DRMA 138 – Auditioning Skills
(4)
A practical overview of the audition process for the actor. Subjects to be covered will include prepared monologues, cold readings, preparing an effective resume, and interviewing techniques. None
DRMA 139 – Improvisation and Game Theater
DRMA 139 – Improvisation and Game Theater
(3)
A practical course in the techniques of improvisation for the stage. Theater sports, sketch comedy and game theatre will be studied. Students should have basic acting experience. None
DRMA 140 – Viewpoints I: Physical Viewpoints
DRMA 140 – Viewpoints I: Physical Viewpoints
(3)
This course introduces students to the exciting new training program created in NYC and used throughout the world by theatre professionals to heighten the perception of our bodies in time and space. Excellent for development of new skills and attitudes by theatre artists, athletes, dancers, musicians, choreographers, and anyone else interested in movement, space, and time. This course may be repeated once for credit. None
DRMA 141 – Viewpoints II: Vocal Viewpoints
DRMA 141 – Viewpoints II: Vocal Viewpoints
(3)
Building upon DRMA 140, Physical Viewpoints, Vocal Viewpoints focuses on language from the perspective of pitch, dynamics, tempo, repetition, timbre, and silence. This course provides a new approach to listening and speaking in an age of internet communication. Prerequisite: DRMA 140 or instructor’s permission
DRMA 144 – Writing for Performance
DRMA 144 – Writing for Performance
(3)
Screenplay and stage script format, story construction and character development will be studied. Student writing will be read and discussed in a supportive workshop setting. An appropriate class for both beginning and advanced writers. None
DRMA 151 – Theater Workshop
DRMA 151 – Theater Workshop
(1)
This is a practical workshop during which students will provide technical support for the play(s) being produced by the Theater Arts department. Duties may include set construction, lighting, costuming, house management, publicity or assignment to a running crew. Running crews will work from production week through closing. None
DRMA 152 – Theater Workshop
List with DRMA 151, 152 using abstract from DRMA 151 None
DRMA 153 – Theater Workshop
DRMA 154 – Workshop for Actors
DRMA 161 – Basic Stagecraft
DRMA 162 – Stage Design Theory & Practice
DRMA 163 – Introduction to Stage Lighting
DRMA 163 – Introduction to Stage Lighting
(1-4)
An introduction to the basic concepts of stage lighting, including the operation of stage lighting, planning and rigging; theory of lighting design, color and basic electricity; implementation of light plots, lighting equipment, control systems, technical rehearsal/performance procedures and operations. None
DRMA 164 – Costume Construction
DRMA 164 – Costume Construction
(3)
This course focuses on the practical aspects of costume construction to include fabric selection, machine and hand sewing, pattern drafting and draping, fitting, and finishing. None
DRMA 166 – Introduction to Stage Costuming
DRMA 166 – Introduction to Stage Costuming
(3)
An introduction to costuming for the stage including history, theory, design, and practical applications. None
DRMA 168 – Introduction to Stage Management
DRMA 168 – Introduction to Stage Management
(3)
This course introduces the student to the basic principles of stage management, including a study of differences between educational, community, and professional productions. The course includes the basic techniques used to oversee rehearsals and performances, assembling a prompt book, supervision of stage craft staff and compliance with safety regulations. None
DRMA 230 – Advanced Theatre Seminar
DRMA 230 – Advanced Theatre Seminar
(1-5)
A seminar to discuss special topics of interest in the theatre arts. Prerequisite: Declared theatre arts major or permission of the instructor
DRMA 233 – Introduction to Directing
DRMA 233 – Introduction to Directing
(3)
An introduction to directing for the theater, including history, styles and traditions, and practical techniques and theories of directing. None
DRMA 234 – Directing II: Scene Study
DRMA 234 – Directing II: Scene Study
(4)
A scene study class for advanced directors. Student directors will work with student actors in rehearsing and staging of scenes from different types of dramatic literature. Prerequisite: DRMA 233 or previous directing experience and written approval of instructor.
DRMA 235 – Advanced Acting
DRMA 235 – Advanced Acting
(5)
A scene study class for the experienced actor. Prerequisite: DRMA 135 or instructor permission
DRMA 236 – Theater History I: Ancient-Renaissance
DRMA 236 – Theater History I: Ancient-Renaissance
(5)
Humanities
An introduction and exploration of the relationship between historical events and the theater arts from the ancient period to the Renaissance. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement or grade of 2.0 or higher in ENGL 099.
DRMA 237 – Theater History II: Renaissance-1850
DRMA 237 – Theater History II: Renaissance-1850
(5)
Humanities
An introduction and exploration of the relationship between historical events and the theater arts from the Renaissance to 1850. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement or grade of 2.0 or higher in ENGL 099.
DRMA 238 – Modern Theater History
DRMA 238 – Modern Theater History
(5)
Humanities
An introduction and exploration of the relationship between historical events and the theater arts from 1850 to the present. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement or grade of 2.0 or higher in ENGL 099.
DRMA 299 – Learning into Action
DRMA 299 – Learning into Action
(1-15)
Student develops and completes curriculum-related independent project which demonstrates skills and abilities and explores career options. May include, but not limited to, service learning, original research, and travel abroad. Faculty sponsor approval required. Students with 45 transferable college credits are eligible to begin Learning into Action. None
DRMA& 101 – Intro to Theatre: D
DRMA& 101 – Intro to Theatre: D
(5)
Humanities
An introduction to the art, craft, and history of the theater. The process of play production will be studied from the points of view of the playwright, actor, director, and designer. Prerequisite: Grade of 2.0 or higher in ENGL 097, or AESL 098, or appropriate test score.
Courses List
Help Provide Scholarships for Drama Students
Your tax-deductible donation to the Drama Department will be used to fund departmental scholarships. Thank you for your support. For more information, please visit the Skagit Valley College Foundation website:
Scholarships for Drama Students
Put in your information, then specify “Other: please specify”. Write DRAMA in the drop-down menu.
Thank you for your generous support of Drama Department Scholarship recipients.
