Film and Theatre Course Descriptions

Credit hour(s): 3

Discusses the role that the performing arts plays within society dating back to primitive times through the present. Students explore the functions of actors, directors, researchers, designers, playwrights and audiences in a theatrical performance. (H&A)

Credit hour(s): 3

Provides students with the foundational skills of acting through improvisation and exploratory participation, basic script analysis and exposure to live theatre and film. This course allows students to gain self-awareness while building communication skills that enhance social, professional and personal relationships. Acting supports emotional intelligence, emphasizes collaboration, encourages creative thinking and helps to improve confidence when interacting with others or in front of groups. Prerequisite: Eligibility for enrollment into ENGL 101. (H&A)

Credit hour(s): 3

Covers the transition between exercises involving student actors' portrayal of self and their subsequent portrayal of characters. Course activities allow students to build an auditioning repertoire that can be used for audition purposes. A course fee is required. Prerequisite: FMTH 103 with grades of C or higher.

Credit hour(s): 0 OR 3

Introduces students to the basics of digital film and video production. This course presents fundamental elements of creative development, shooting and editing. A course fee is required.

Credit hour(s): 3

Explores film as an art form. This course focuses on the integration of the key fundamentals of filmmaking, such as cinematography, mise en scene, editing and sound. Film theory and criticism are also discussed as a framework for understanding film and its significance. Students are then able to synthesize these foundational components, through shared viewing experiences, in order to critically analyze film. Prerequisites: Eligibility for enrollment into ENGL 101 and completion of any reading courses required by the College Testing and Placement Program.

Credit hour(s): 3

Investigates the development of film from the late nineteenth century to the present. This course emphasizes film genres, the people who encouraged or created those genres and how cultural patterns have affected the history of film.

Credit hour(s): 0 OR 1

Introduces students to voice techniques that allow actors to develop a natural speaking voice for work, on stage and/or on-camera. This course also covers how to interpret written materials (e.g. scripts, novels, etc.) effectively. A course fee is required.

Credit hour(s): 3

Introduces students to the International Phonetic Alphabet and dialects specifically intended for film and theatre. A course fee is required. Prerequisite: FMTH 120 with a grade of C or higher.

Credit hour(s): 0 OR 1

Covers basic movement for the actor and emphasizes motion and alignment. A course fee is required.

Credit hour(s): 2

Presents the development of a character through whole-body movement that focuses upon period styles. This course also includes an introduction to the basic skills of unarmed combat. A course fee is required. Prerequisite: FMTH 125 with grades of C or higher.

Credit hour(s): 3

Explores the aesthetics of scene design. Students are taught the fundamentals of construction, painting, drafting and mounting used in film and theatre productions. A course fee is required. Prerequisite: Completion of MATH 006 with a grade of C or higher; or placement through the College Testing and Placement Program.

Credit hour(s): 3

Studies the application of makeup including straight, corrective and prosthetic types based on character analysis. The course emphasizes the design and implementation of special effects makeup including life masks and casting of prosthetics. A course fee is required.

Credit hour(s): 3

Introduces the study and practical application of costume construction techniques for film and theatre. The course covers fabric study, patterning, draping, fitting and script analysis for film and theatre. Prerequisite: Completion of MATH 006 with a grade of C or higher; or placement through the College Testing and Placement Program.

Credit hour(s): 3

Explores the art and the technology of lighting used in film and theatrical environments. Students are introduced to both the theory and practice of film and theatrical lighting technology and design. Prerequisite: Completion of MATH 006 with a grade of C or higher; or placement through the College Testing and Placement Program.

Credit hour(s): 0 OR 1

Introduces students to theatre production through practical, hands-on experiences. This course is the first of three practicum experiences, in which students must participate in a HACC theatre production. A course fee is required. (FYS)

Credit hour(s): 1

Introduces students to theatre production through practical, hands-on experiences. This course is the second of three practicum experiences in which students must participate in a HACC theatre production. This course is open to all HACC students who meet the course prerequisite. A course fee is required. Prerequisite: FMTH 147 with a grade of C or higher.

Credit hour(s): 0 OR 1

Introduces students to theatre production through practical, hands-on experiences. This course is the third of three practicum experiences in which students must participate in a HACC theatre production. This course is open to all HACC students who meet the course prerequisite. A course fee is required. Prerequisite: FMTH 148 with a grade of C or higher.

Credit hour(s): 3

Uses the Meisner Technique to prepare students by means of exercise and projects to analyze plays, to develop characterizations, and to discuss pivotal scenes. This course also covers resumes, headshots, auditions, and interviews. A course fee is required. Prerequisites: FMTH 104 with a grade of C or higher.

Credit hour(s): 3

Studies the histrionic theories, techniques and performance practices of Period Acting. Period Acting includes the following styles: Greek, Commedia, Elizabethan, Restoration, Melodrama and Absurdism. A course fee is required. Prerequisite: FMTH 203 with a grade of C or higher.

Credit hour(s): 3

Introduces students to the basic differences between the acting styles used in film versus those used in theatre. This course presents the fundamentals for auditioning and performing on-camera with specific focus on sight-reading, vocal quality, physical preparation, commercial presentation and scene work. Prerequisites: FMTH 103, 104 or 203 with a grade of C or higher.

Credit hour(s): 3

Builds upon the skills acquired in previous acting courses. This course allows students to enhance their improvisational abilities through spontaneous action. A course fee is required. Prerequisite: FMTH 103 with a grade of C or higher.

Credit hour(s): 0 OR 3

Covers the techniques of single camera video production from the pre-production phase to the post-production phase. A course fee is required. Pre or Co-requisite: FMTH 107, 135 and MUSB 227 with a grade of C or higher.

Credit hour(s): 3

Studies six socially and culturally diverse plays by major American playwrights. Students examine the social, historical and cultural fabric of the theatrical voice of America through three main units: Theatre of Identity, Theatre of Protest and Cross-Cultural Theatre. Prerequisites: ENGL 101 with grade of C or higher.

Credit hour(s): 3

Focuses on the art and craft of writing for the stage and screen. This course covers the rules and conventions of the form as well as the principles of storytelling central to the one act and short film formats. Students are directed, by the instructor, through the process of creating a script, from initial conception to completed work, that includes the creation and shaping of story ideas, script structure, character development and arcs. Students are also taught how to write visually compelling scenes. Prerequisite: ENGL 101 with a grade of C or higher.

Credit hour(s): 3

Immerses students into the vibrant theatre cities of London, England and Dublin, Ireland. This course explores the significance of each city’s contribution to history and its corresponding development of theatre by attending professional performances, taking backstage tours and exploring historical sites. Highlights in England include Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick Castle, Stonehenge, the British Museum, Westminster Abbey, the Globe Theatre and the Tower of London. Ireland highlights include the Trim Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Smock Alley Theatre. Students are allotted time to explore the cities on their own to pursue individual interests. A course fee is required.

Credit hour(s): 3

Highlights the best of London – one of the epicenters of theatre. Students attend five performances and participate in the backstage tours of some of London’s most prominent theaters. Students visit Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare’s birthplace), the reconstructed Globe Theatre, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, Stonehenge, the City of Bath, Warwick Castle, the British Museum, The British Library and the Victoria and Albert Museums. Students are allotted time to explore the city on their own to pursue individual interests. A course fee is required.

Credit hour(s): 3

Encompasses a ten-day exposure to the performing arts and culture of Prague. This course features unique theatrical conventions that include puppetry, dance and black light theatre. Students are also able to study different aspects of the architecture, history and social life of the Czech Republic. A course fee is required.

Credit hour(s): 3

Studies the application of special effects makeup and emphasizes its design and implementation for film and television productions. This course specifically covers character renderings, script breakdown, hand-laying facial hair, tattoos, bald caps and prosthetic application based upon character analysis. A course fee is required.

Credit hour(s): 3

Examines the application of airbrush makeup to create special effects commonly found in the film and television industry. This course focuses upon airbrush gun and compressor maintenance as well as beauty, fantasy, full body, stencils and character renderings. A course fee is required.

Credit hour(s): 3

Provides students with the ability to develop, rehearse and present an approved capstone experience that demonstrates their full understanding of script and character analysis. With consultation of both theatre and film faculty, the capstone experience is completed under a strict timeline and reflects the student’s comprehension of professional standards in the respective industry. Prerequisites: FMTH 121, 149 and 205 with grades of C or higher. Pre or Co-requisite: FMTH 132, 133, 134 and 203 with a grade of C or higher.

Credit hour(s): 3

Provides students with an opportunity to develop a professional, digital, technical portfolio. In consultation with film and theatre faculty and within a strict timeline, students propose, develop and present a final project that demonstrates their understanding of professional standards in the respective industry. Prerequisites: FMTH 135, 205 and 220 with grades of C or higher. Pre or Co-requisites: FMTH 132, 134, 207, 233 or 234 and 291 with grades of C or higher.

Credit hour(s): 3

Provides students with the opportunity to gain valuable real-world experience, carefully chosen for optimal career exposure. This course allows students to apply the knowledge and skills taught in film and theatre courses directly to their desired area of specialization, for a total of 135-hours during a semester. The course emphasizes experiential learning, bolsters professional development and promotes the application of skills in the workplace. Students submit a final comprehensive reflective report that documents the main achievements of their internship experience. Prerequisite: Completion of 36 credits of FMTH coursework, or permission from the Instructor.