Theater Arts - Transfer major

mhcc.edu/PerformingArts

Faculty Advisers

Daryl Harrison-Carson: Website | 503-491-7159 | Room AC2135 | Daryl.Harrison@mhcc.edu 

theater

MHCC’s Theatre Arts Transfer Degree is for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college to major or minor in theatre. Students will complete courses that apply toward the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. Course topics include acting, set design, costumes, lighting, and more. All theatre majors are invited to participate in theatre productions to balance classroom learning with practical experience. MHCC Theatre presents full-scale productions each year in two theatres. MHCC’s College Theatre seats 500 and has state-of-the-art rigging and lighting. MHCC’s Studio Theatre seats 99 and is a flexible space for students to create and learn. 

Curricular Outcomes

At the completion of this curriculum, students should be able to:

  • Identify, interpret and apply stage and blocking terminology; read and execute technical drawings for scenery and lighting
  • Speak and write fluently about performances, correctly using the specific vocabulary of the art and craft
  • Work independently and as an ensemble team member in accomplishing performance and production tasks
  • Present an expressive, disciplined performance of a scene and/or monologue and/or present a completed production design in a manner that is original, lucid and well-crafted demonstrating process from script analysis to concept development to final presentation
  • Create a résumé and support materials (head shot and/or portfolio) suitable for an interview in professional or educational theatre

Students interested in pursuing the Theatre Arts transfer major can complete the following courses toward the Arts & Letters requirement and/or electives on the AAOT (recommended), AS, AGS or ASLA degrees. Admitted students may also log on to Navigate to start the process of building an academic plan based on this major and can notify an adviser for review.

Theatre courses recommended for students focusing on Performance:

COMM262Voice and Articulation3
TA101Appreciating Theatre3
TA106Theatre History: Origins to the Renaissance (Course offered online) (Cultural Literacy course)3
TA107Theatre History: Restoration to Contemporary (Course offered online) (Cultural Literacy course)3
TA121Costuming3
TA141Acting Fundamentals I3
TA142Acting Fundamentals II3
TA143Acting Fundamentals III3
TA144Improvisation3
TA148Movement for the Actor2
TA153ATheatre Workshops: First Year1
TA153BTheatre Workshops: First Year2
TA153CTheatre Workshops: First Year3
TA153DTheatre Workshops: Theatre for Young Audiences - First Year2
TA211Scene Design3
TA213Stage Lighting Design3
TA227Theatrical Makeup3
TA253ATheatre Workshops: Second Year1
TA253BTheatre Workshops: Second Year2
TA253CTheatre Workshops: Second Year3
TA253DTheatre Workshops: Theatre for Young Audiences - Second Year2

Theatre courses recommended for students focusing on Production/Design:

TA101Appreciating Theatre3
TA106Theatre History: Origins to the Renaissance (Course offered online) (Cultural Literacy course)3
TA107Theatre History: Restoration to Contemporary (Course offered online) (Cultural Literacy course)3
TA111Technical Theatre: Scenery3
TA112Technical Theatre: Lighting and Sound3
TA113Technical Theatre: Painting and Special Effects3
TA121Costuming3
TA134ATechnical Theatre Workshop: First Year1
TA134BTechnical Theatre Workshop: First Year2
TA134CTechnical Theatre Workshop: First Year3
TA135ATechnical Theatre Workshop: Major Production1
TA135BTechnical Theatre Workshop: Major Production2
TA135CTechnical Theatre Workshop: Major Production3
TA136ATechnical Theatre Workshop: Studio Production1
TA136BTechnical Theatre Workshop: Studio Production2
TA136CTechnical Theatre Workshop: Studio Production3
TA153DTheatre Workshops: Theatre for Young Audiences - First Year2
TA211Scene Design3
TA213Stage Lighting Design3
TA227Theatrical Makeup3
TA236ATechnical Theatre Workshop: Studio Production Second Year1
TA236BTechnical Theatre Workshop: Studio Production Second Year2
TA236CTechnical Theatre Workshop: Studio Production Second Year3
TA247Theatre Sound Design and Production3
TA253DTheatre Workshops: Theatre for Young Audiences - Second Year2

Transfer Schools

theater

Exploring theater arts as your major? Learn more with MHCC's Career Coach, which covers: skills needed for each career, wages, employment rates, and live job postings in the Greater Multnomah County Area.

Careers related to theater arts:

The following shows just one example of how students can complete an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree while also taking lower-division theater arts courses. Be sure to work with an MHCC adviser and the transfer institution you'd like to attend to ensure correct courses are being taken. Not all courses are offered every term. Click on a course number to see what term(s) the course is typically offered. 

  • Full time = 12 or more credits per term; takes about 2 years to complete.
  • 3/4 time = 9 to 11 credits per term; takes about 3 years to complete.
  • Part time = 6 to 8 credits per term; takes about 4 years to complete.

Sample Plan (full time)

Plan of Study Grid
First QuarterCredits
TA106 Theatre History: Origins to the Renaissance (Course offered online) (Cultural Literacy course) 3
TA141 Acting Fundamentals I 3
TA153D Theatre Workshops: Theatre for Young Audiences - First Year 2
WR121Z Composition I (Course offered online) 4
Oral Communication 3-4
 Credits16
Second Quarter
TA107 Theatre History: Restoration to Contemporary (Course offered online) (Cultural Literacy course) 3
TA142 Acting Fundamentals II 3
MTH105Z Math in Society 4
WR122Z
Composition II (Course offered online)
or Technical Writing (Course offered online)
4
Select one of the following: 1-3
Theatre Workshops: First Year
Theatre Workshops: First Year
Theatre Workshops: First Year
Technical Theatre Workshop: Major Production
Technical Theatre Workshop: Major Production
Technical Theatre Workshop: Major Production
 Credits15
Third Quarter
TA101 Appreciating Theatre 3
TA143 Acting Fundamentals III 3
Health & Physical Education 3
Science / Math / Computer Science 3-5
Select one of the following: 1-3
Theatre Workshops: First Year
Theatre Workshops: First Year
Theatre Workshops: First Year
Costuming
 Credits15
Fourth Quarter
TA227 Theatrical Makeup 3
Lab Science 3-5
Social Science (2 courses) 6-8
Select one of the following: 1-3
Theatre Workshops: Theatre for Young Audiences - Second Year
Technical Theatre Workshop: Second Year
Technical Theatre Workshop: Second Year
Technical Theatre Workshop: Second Year
 Credits16
Fifth Quarter
COMM262 Voice and Articulation 3
TA148
Movement for the Actor
or Stage Lighting Design
2
Lab Science 3-5
Social Science 3-4
Select one of the following: 1-3
Theatre Workshops: Second Year
Theatre Workshops: Second Year
Theatre Workshops: Second Year
Technical Theatre Workshop: Major Production Second Year
Technical Theatre Workshop: Major Production Second Year
Technical Theatre Workshop: Major Production Second Year
 Credits13-16
Sixth Quarter
TA144
Improvisation
or Scene Design
3
Arts & Letters (other than Theater Arts) 3-4
Lab Science 3-5
Social Science 3-4
Select one of the following: 1-3
Theatre Workshops: Second Year
Theatre Workshops: Second Year
Theatre Workshops: Second Year
Technical Theatre Workshop: Studio Production Second Year
Technical Theatre Workshop: Studio Production Second Year
Technical Theatre Workshop: Studio Production Second Year
 Credits14-16
 Total Credits89-94

TA101 Appreciating Theatre

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: WR090 or IECC201W, with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course level.

This is an audience-based approach to theatre that enables students to experience and appreciate the theatrical arts through attending plays. The roles of the playwright, actor, director, designers and technicians are explored. Additional 10 hours required attending plays outside of class. An additional cost to the student will be $95 for the term.

This course fulfills: Arts & Letters; Human Relations

TA106 Theatre History: Origins to the Renaissance (Course offered online) (Cultural Literacy course)

Credits 3Fall

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, each with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels.

This course introduces students to major playwrights, stage practices, theatre architecture, elements of design and styles of acting from the origins of theatre production to the Renaissance. Students examine the relationship between theatre arts and society in historical context. Not sequential.

This course fulfills: Cultural Literacy; Arts & Letters; Human Relations; Social Science

TA107 Theatre History: Restoration to Contemporary (Course offered online) (Cultural Literacy course)

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, each with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels.

This course introduces students to major playwrights, stage practices, theatre architecture, elements of design and styles of acting from the Restoration to contemporary theatre productions. Students examine the relationship between theatre arts and society in a historical context. Not sequential.

This course fulfills: Cultural Literacy; Arts & Letters; Human Relations; Social Science

TA111 Technical Theatre: Scenery

Credits 3Fall

This survey of theatrical stagecraft examines the theories and practices of theatre facilities, set construction, rigging and production.

TA112 Technical Theatre: Lighting and Sound

Credits 3Winter

This survey course examines stagecraft through the theories and practices of lighting and sound production for theatre.

TA113 Technical Theatre: Painting and Special Effects

Credits 3Spring

This survey course covers stagecraft: the theory and practice of scenic painting, properties and special effects for theatre.

TA115 Professional Technician Orientation

Credit 1Fall

Training for event management, safety, tech process and customer service. This orientation is required for students who wish to work as paid event staff for the MHCC College and Studio Theatres. Includes training demeanor, etiquette and skills for those wishing to apply for employment as professional theatre technicians.

TA121 Costuming

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: None.

This course is a study of costume design theory, history, principles and application for theatrical production. Students learn various periods of costume design, patterning, fabrics, cutting, fitting, sewing and costume crafts and accessories. There will be construction projects by students.

TA134A Technical Theatre Workshop: First Year

Credit 1Fall

Registration Requirement: - maximum 9 A beginning level practicum in technical theatre production. Training and practical experience in scenery construction and painting, lighting, sound, properties and stage management. Content and specialized nature of the workshop changes from quarter to quarter as different productions are mounted. Courses may be repeated for a maximum of nine credits. TA134A is an updated version of TA114A.

A beginning level practicum in technical theatre production. Training and practical experience in scenery construction and painting, lighting, sound, properties and stage management. Content and specialized nature of the workshop changes from quarter to quarter as different productions are mounted. Courses may be repeated for a maximum of nine credits. TA134A is an updated version of TA114A.

TA134B Technical Theatre Workshop: First Year

Credits 2Fall

- maximum 9 A beginning practicum in technical theatre production. Training and practical experience in scenery construction and painting, lighting, sound, properties and stage management. Content and specialized nature of the workshop changes from quarter to quarter as different productions are mounted. Courses may be repeated for a maximum of nine credits. TA134B is an update of TA114B.

TA134C Technical Theatre Workshop: First Year

Credits 3Fall

A beginning practicum in technical theatre production. Training and practical experience in scenery construction and painting, lighting, sound, properties and stage management. Content and specialized nature of the workshop changes from quarter to quarter as different productions are mounted. Courses may be repeated for a maximum of nine credits. TA134C is an update of TA114C.

TA135A Technical Theatre Workshop: Major Production

Credit 1Winter

A practicum in technical theatre production. Training and practical experience in scenery construction and painting, lighting, sound, properties, costume construction and/or stage management. Content and specialized nature of the workshop changes from term to term with this term focused on mounting a major production or musical. TA135C is an update and clarification of TA114C.

TA135B Technical Theatre Workshop: Major Production

Credits 2Winter

A practicum in technical theatre production. Training and practical experience in scenery construction and painting, lighting, sound, properties, costume construction and/or stage management. Content and specialized nature of the workshop changes from term to term with this term focused on mounting a major production or musical. TA135B is an update and clarification of TA114B.

TA135C Technical Theatre Workshop: Major Production

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: A practicum in technical theatre production. Training and practical experience in scenery construction and painting, lighting, sound, properties, costume construction and/or stage management. Content and specialized nature of the workshop changes from term to term with this term focused on mounting a major production or musical. TA135C is an update and clarification of TA114C.

A practicum in technical theatre production. Training and practical experience in scenery construction and painting, lighting, sound, properties, costume construction and/or stage management. Content and specialized nature of the workshop changes from term to term with this term focused on mounting a major production or musical.

TA136A Technical Theatre Workshop: Studio Production

Credit 1Spring

A practicum in technical theatre production. Training and practical experience in scenery construction and painting, lighting, sound, properties, costume construction and/or stage management. Content and specialized nature of the workshop changes from term to term with this term focused on the challenges of mounting a production in a small space with audience in flexible seating configurations. TA136A is an update and clarification of TA114A.

TA136B Technical Theatre Workshop: Studio Production

Credits 2Spring

A practicum in technical theatre production. Training and practical experience in scenery construction and painting, lighting, sound, properties, costume construction and/or stage management. Content and specialized nature of the workshop changes from term to term with this term focused on the challenges of mounting a production in a small space with audience in flexible seating configurations. TA136B is an update and clarification of TA114B.

TA136C Technical Theatre Workshop: Studio Production

Credits 3Spring

A practicum in technical theatre production. Training and practical experience in scenery construction and painting, lighting, sound, properties, costume construction and/or stage management. Content and specialized nature of the workshop changes from term to term with this term focused on the challenges of mounting a production in a small space with audience in flexible seating configurations. TA136C is an update and clarification of TA114C.

TA141 Acting Fundamentals I

Credits 3Fall

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, each with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels.

This course is about understanding and applying fundamental acting techniques through the study of Stanislavski and others. It explores techniques and exercises, including monologues and non-scripted and scripted scenes. It introduces scene-analysis and characterization. It is designed for theatre majors or students with previous stage experience.

This course fulfills: Arts & Letters; Human Relations

TA142 Acting Fundamentals II

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: TA141; or instructor consent.

This course is the study of applying fundamental acting techniques through intensive analysis of scenes for characterization, rehearsal experiments and performances (generally five scenes).

This course fulfills: Arts & Letters; Human Relations

TA143 Acting Fundamentals III

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: TA141 and TA142; or instructor consent.

This course is the study of applying fundamental acting techniques in preparing and performing auditions. Single and paired contrasting monologues, cold-readings and musical comedy songs. The course includes the preparation of resumes, photos and websites.

This course fulfills: Arts & Letters; Human Relations

TA144 Improvisation

Credits 3Fall/Spring

Registration Requirement: None.

This course is the study of the techniques of improvisation for continuing development of acting skills, confidence and ability to handle non-scripted (planned) situations. Specific techniques are those applicable to role preparation and performance.

TA148 Movement for the Actor

Credits 2Winter - odd years

This course is an introduction to the art of nonverbal communication. Coursework instructs the student in the development of body awareness and alignment, relaxation skills and using the body to create and communicate character.

TA153A Theatre Workshops: First Year

Credit 1Fall/Winter/Spring

Registration Requirement: None.

- maximum 9 This course is the study of rehearsal and performance techniques to include blocking, memorization, character development and public performance. TA153 may be repeated for a maximum of nine credits.

TA153B Theatre Workshops: First Year

Credits 2Fall/Winter/Spring

Registration Requirement: None.

- maximum 9 This course is the study of rehearsal and performance techniques to include blocking, memorization, character development and public performance. TA153 may be repeated for a maximum of nine credits.

TA153C Theatre Workshops: First Year

Credits 3Fall/Winter/Spring

Registration Requirement: None.

- maximum 9 This course is the study of rehearsal and performance techniques to include blocking, memorization, character development and public performance. TA153 may be repeated for a maximum of nine credits.

TA153D Theatre Workshops: Theatre for Young Audiences - First Year

Credits 2Fall

Registration Requirement: None.

- maximum 6 This course is the study of rehearsal and performance techniques for children's audiences. Rehearsal processes including blocking, memorization, character development and public performance for children. This course may be repeated for a maximum of six credits.

TA198A Independent Studies: Theatre

Credit 1Fall/Winter/Spring

Registration Requirement: Instructor and dean consent is required.

- maximum 9 This course is designed for unique individual projects of in-depth work not normally covered in an existing course. Topics covered may include directing plays, writing plays, designing plays, specific acting studies, management projects and research projects. Enrollment requires a written project proposal that must be approved by the instructor and dean. This course may be repeated up to a maximum of nine credits.

TA198B Independent Studies: Theatre

Credits 2Fall/Winter/Spring

Registration Requirement: Instructor and dean consent is required.

This course is designed for unique individual projects of in-depth work not normally covered in an existing course. Topics covered may include directing plays, writing plays, designing plays, specific acting studies, management projects and research projects. Enrollment requires a written project proposal that must be approved by the instructor and dean. This course may be repeated up to a maximum of nine credits.

TA198C Independent Studies: Theatre

Credits 3Fall/Winter/Spring

Registration Requirement: Instructor and dean consent is required.

This course is designed for unique individual projects of in-depth work not normally covered in an existing course. Topics covered may include directing plays, writing plays, designing plays, specific acting studies, management projects and research projects. Enrollment requires a written project proposal that must be approved by the instructor and dean. This course may be repeated up to a maximum of nine credits.

TA199TD Special Topics: Introduction to Directing for the Stage

Credits 3

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, each with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels.

This is a course that studies the theories of stage directing, the role of the director, script analysis, actor objectives, composition, picturization, movement, rhythm, action choices, technical, aesthetic and stylistic requirements. The course also discusses analysis of directorial processes from casting to opening. The student will prepare a production prompt book of one act plays.

TA211 Scene Design

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, each with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels.

This course is an examination of the function and process of set design for the theatre and the role of the designer in interpreting and reinforcing the thematic content of the play. Projects are required.

TA213 Stage Lighting Design

Credits 3Winter - odd years

Registration Requirement: None.

This course examines the function and process of lighting design and the role of the designer and other production staff in its execution. Included are exercises and discussions pertaining to lighting equipment, systems and manufacturers; relative laws of physics pertaining to electricity, color and optics; elements of design; and the lighting plot and associated paperwork. Projects are required.

TA215 Professional Technician Portfolio

Credit 1Fall

Registration Requirement: TA115.

This course provides hands-on training for advanced event management, safety and customer service. Activities include completing an industry standard resume and portfolio as well as practicing job search strategies for those seeking employment as theatre professionals.

TA227 Theatrical Makeup

Credits 3Fall/Winter

Registration Requirement: None.

This course analyzes the principles of stage makeup for performance with direct application of techniques in a laboratory situation. The material covers basic facial reinforcement, character and age, and fantasy makeup design. The course also includes introduction to latex, prosthetics and wigs.

TA234A Technical Theatre Workshop: Second Year

Credit 1Fall

Registration Requirement: None.

- maximum 9 This is a sophomore level Technical Theater Workshop with increased responsibility and skill level in the use of tools. This course may be repeated for a maximum of nine credits.

TA234B Technical Theatre Workshop: Second Year

Credits 2Fall

Registration Requirement: None.

- maximum 9 This is a sophomore level Technical Theater Workshop with increased responsibility and skill level in the use of tools. This course may be repeated for a maximum of nine credits.

TA234C Technical Theatre Workshop: Second Year

Credits 3Fall

Registration Requirement: None.

Six additional lab hours to be arranged per week. Students taking the "C" option will be assigned a position of responsibility for the production.

TA235A Technical Theatre Workshop: Major Production Second Year

Credit 1Winter

Registration Requirement: None.

An intermediate level practicum in technical theatre production. Training and practical experience in scenery construction and painting, lighting, sound, properties, costume construction and/or stage management. Content and specialized nature of the workshop changes from term to term with this term focused on mounting a major production or musical. TA235A is an update and clarification of TA214.

TA235B Technical Theatre Workshop: Major Production Second Year

Credits 2Winter

Registration Requirement: None.

An intermediate level practicum in technical theatre production. Training and practical experience in scenery construction and painting, lighting, sound, properties, costume construction and/or stage management. Content and specialized nature of the workshop changes from term to term with this term focused on mounting a major production or musical. TA235B is an update and clarification of TA214B.

TA235C Technical Theatre Workshop: Major Production Second Year

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: None.

An intermediate level practicum in technical theatre production. Training and practical experience in scenery construction and painting, lighting, sound, properties, costume construction and/or stage management. Content and specialized nature of the workshop changes from term to term with this term focused on mounting a major production or musical. TA235C is an update and clarification of TA214C.

TA236A Technical Theatre Workshop: Studio Production Second Year

Credit 1Spring

Registration Requirement: None.

A Sophomore level practicum in technical theatre production. Training and practical experience in scenery construction and painting, lighting, sound, properties, costume construction and/or stage management. Content and specialized nature of the workshop changes from term to term with this term focused on the challenges of mounting a production in a small space with audience in flexible seating configurations. TA236 is an update and clarification of TA214.

TA236B Technical Theatre Workshop: Studio Production Second Year

Credits 2Spring

Registration Requirement: None.

A Sophomore level practicum in technical theatre production. Training and practical experience in scenery construction and painting, lighting, sound, properties, costume construction and/or stage management. Content and specialized nature of the workshop changes from term to term with this term focused on the challenges of mounting a production in a small space with audience in flexible seating configurations. TA236 is an update and clarification of TA214.

TA236C Technical Theatre Workshop: Studio Production Second Year

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: None.

A Sophomore level practicum in technical theatre production. Training and practical experience in scenery construction and painting, lighting, sound, properties, costume construction and/or stage management. Content and specialized nature of the workshop changes from term to term with this term focused on the challenges of mounting a production in a small space with audience in flexible seating configurations. TA236 is an update and clarification of TA214.

TA247 Theatre Sound Design and Production

Credits 3Winter - even years

Theatre Sound Design and Production explores the basic principles and processes of theatrical sound, including equipment, acoustics, design and playback applications, and best practices for sound design and technical personnel.

TA253A Theatre Workshops: Second Year

Credit 1Fall/Winter/Spring

Registration Requirement: TA153A, TA153B or TA153C.

- maximum 9 A continuation of TA153A, TA153B and TA153C, this course is the study of rehearsal and performance techniques, to include blocking, memorization, character development and public performance. TA253 may be repeated for a maximum of nine credits.

TA253B Theatre Workshops: Second Year

Credits 2Fall/Winter/Spring

Registration Requirement: None.

A continuation of TA153A, TA153B and TA153C, this course is the study of rehearsal and performance techniques, to include blocking, memorization, character development and public performance. TA253 may be repeated for a maximum of nine credits.

TA253C Theatre Workshops: Second Year

Credits 3Fall/Winter/Spring

Registration Requirement: TA153A, TA153B or TA153C.

A continuation of TA153A, TA153B and TA153C, this course is the study of rehearsal and performance techniques, to include blocking, memorization, character development and public performance. TA253 may be repeated for a maximum of nine credits.

TA253D Theatre Workshops: Theatre for Young Audiences - Second Year

Credits 2Fall

Registration Requirement: TA153D.

A continuation of TA153D, this course is a continuation of the study of rehearsal and performance techniques for children's audiences. Rehearsal processes include blocking, memorization, character development and public performance for children. Children's Theatre Workshop courses may be repeated for a maximum of six credits.

TA280F Co-op Education - Theatre

Credits 6Spring

This course is intended to provide students with learning experience to support their course of study and/or career goals. Each Co-op experience will provide opportunities to (a) develop marketable workplace readiness skills, (b) apply classroom learning on-the-job and (c) gain specific occupational skills through a live learning lab.

Course offered online

Cultural Literacy course