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About Us
Why Delta Drama?
Delta Drama is home to one of the most dynamic and diverse community college theatre arts programs in California. Delta Drama students who complete the AA transfer degree will be qualified for entry-level career placement and/or advanced degree transfer in theatre performance.
We Offer:
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A two-year actor-training program and technical theatre associate degree and certificate program.
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An affordable program with many opportunities for financial aid and scholarships.
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Production of four fully staged main stage productions a year in our main theatres, a summer season, and two performing workshops a year staged in the studio theatre.
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A professional, highly trained, faculty staff and guest artists committed to student success and artistic growth.
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A commitment to exploring inclusive values that reflect the cultural diversity of the Central Valley Community.
Outreach
How We Contribute
The Delta Drama Outreach program is presented by the Arts & Communication Division of San Joaquin Delta College. The outreach program seeks to provide accessible theatre education in an interactive and creatively challenging environment to high schools in Stockton, Lodi, Modesto, Tracy, Galt, Linden, Manteca and Lathrop, among others. As part of this mission, we offer opportunities in theatre workshops, networking and production viewings.
The SJDC Drama Department offers workshops and a talkback series to bridge the gap between the page and stage following any of our performances.
Theatre Arts Courses
A rigorous, disciplined, and innovative two year curriculum in acting is complimented by integrated studies in technical theatre, theatre history, and theatre production specifically designed to augment the acting focus. Developed for the career-oriented theatre student, the acting program seeks to unlock intuitive potential for performance, and combine it with a powerful, yet flexible set of techniques and skills. Additionally, the theatre training will contribute to the student’s development of people management skills, collaboration strategies, and artistic aesthetic.
Performance Courses
Introduction to Acting, DR 31
Acting 2: Intermediate Acting, DR 34
This course follows Acting I and continues the exploration of theories and techniques used in preparation for interpretation of drama through acting. The emphasis will be placed on deepening the understanding of the acting process through character analysis, monologues, and scenes. (CSU, UC, C-ID THTR 152)
Repertory Workshop, DR 27-29
This is a beginning course in rehearsal and performance of a laboratory production. As such, minimalistic use of set, lights and other production elements allow the students and director to focus on scene work and character development in a controlled environment. Emphasis is placed on individual creativity and ensemble building. (UC, CSU)
Theatre History, DR 16 A & B
In order to thrive as an actor, one needs a greater context for his or her work and the work of all contemporary theatre practitioners. We aim to create a well-rounded artist who has studied all areas of the field. This course is designed to introduce the scenic styles, theatre architecture, representative plays, practices and theatre traditions from the 18th century to the present in Europe and America. Influences derived from the Asian theatre are also included. (UC, CSU)
Movment for the Actor, DR 33
The body is an actor’s instrument and it is necessary for each individual actor to understand how his or her’s functions on the stage. This course provides foundations, principles, and exercises designed to aid the actor’s exploration of the body as the core instrument and mode of expression. Actors will work with body alignment in order to create a neutral palate from which the actor’s work begins. Techniques explored will include: Viewpoints, yoga, mask, dance, gesture, and psycho-physical acting. (CSU)
Vocal Technique for the Actor, DR 32
Speaking and being heard on the stage is perhaps the most important skill for any actor. In this course students will develop elements of voice and speech to strengthen, support, and vary the quality of the voice through practice of basic relaxation techniques, breath, resonance, articulation, and projection. The course focuses on pitch, stress, rate, quality, and inflection through a variety of material and the uses of the International Phonetic Alphabet to enhance clarity of speech on stage. (CSU)
Directing for the Actor, DR 39
Exploring the work from all angles is hugely important for any actor. In this course students will experience the process from the other side of the table to better understand how to communicate with the production team and how his or her work fits into the bigger picture. Coursework includes an introduction to the basic principles of directing including the preparation of a play script from the first reading, through casting, rehearsals, and performance. The student will examine the basic function of the stage director as emphasis will be placed on theory of directing as well as on its practical application for the stage.(CSU)
Voice for Musical Theatre, Music 20A
At Delta College we are seeking to diversify the performer. The more genres with which an actor is familiar, the more he or she will work professionally. This course is a continuation of the theory and techniques used to perform in the genre of musical theatre. Emphasis is placed on learning how to make believable transitions in characterizations from acting, to singing, to dancing. History and styles of musicals are included. The course is not designed to teach the basic elements of acting, singing, or dancing, but rather how to coordinate them. (UC, CSU)
Classical Acting, DR 3
An understanding of Shakespeare and classical work leads to an understanding of all contemporary drama as well. Building a strong foundation for the actor, this course is a continued exploration of the theories and techniques used in preparation for the interpretation of classical drama through acting. Emphasis will be placed on deepening the understanding of heightened texts and character analysis. The student will examine the approach to structure and meter of verse as well as the voice and movement needs to demystify the approach to styles of acting used in classical theatre from the Greeks through Shakespeare and the Restoration. (CSU)
The Business of Acting: Audition Techniques & Career Development, DR 41
More than just an art form, successful actors must learn how to navigate the entertainment industry as a business. This course will cover the elements of auditioning techniques for college, community, and professional theatre auditions and will include: monologue selection and styles, cold reading, actor’s preparation, research, resume development, interviewing skills and practical application of acting techniques for audition purposes. Students will be exposed to a variety of professionals from the theatrical and film world, meet guest artists and will learn how to create a portfolio of audition material. (CSU)
Improvisation for the Actor, DR 6A & 6B
Thinking spontaneously on stage is an important skill for any live performer. This course is designed as an introduction to theatre games and improvisational techniques. The students will examine and explore non-scripted creative expression and interaction while learning to “think on their feet” in the moment. The course will culminate in an improvisational performance technique known as “long form improv”, performed for an invited audience. (CSU)
Technical Theatre Courses
Makeup for the Theatre: Beginning Makeup , DR 15A
Introduction to Stagecraft , DR 19A
This course is an introductory lecture, demonstration and laboratory experience focusing on stage scenery production. An introduction to stage costume, lighting, and sound production are also included. Participation on construction crews for Theatre Arts productions is required.
Principles of Stage Design , DR 19B
This course is a study of stagecraft design, stagecraft research techniques, and stagecraft production organization as it pertains to scenery, lighting, sound, and costuming. Students study the aesthetics, practical applications, and the principles of set, sound, lighting, and costume production as it applies to theatre performance. Participation in backstage crews for Theatre Arts productions is required.
Scenic Painting, DR 20
This course is a study of scenic painting techniques. The course focuses on the tools materials and techniques of the scenic artist for live theatre.
Stage Sound , DR 21
This course is a study of theatrical sound production. The course introduces the theory and practice of sound design and engineering and practical experience with a variety of sound equipment.
Stage Lighting , DR 22
This course is a study of stage lighting for live theatrical production. Stage lighting technology and lighting design principles are explored. Practical application of lighting principles is emphasized.
Stage Costume: Costume Construction I, DR 23A
This course is a study in costume construction and the basic techniques needed to create simple garments for the stage. Emphasis is placed on hand and machine sewing as well as recognizing essential elements found in traditional patterning and finished garments. These skills will provide the student with the necessary knowledge to implement hands-on activities in support of theatrical productions.
Scenic Construction, DR 24
This course is an intermediate course in scenic construction. Students study tools, materials, and techniques used in the construction of scenery for live theatrical performance. Emphasis is placed on traditional construction techniques using wood, metal, and plastics.
Technical Theatre Portfolio I-4, DR 40A-D
These courses are an introductory through advanced series of courses in the development of the technical theatre portfolio. These courses focus on the creation, documentation and critique of portfolio projects, and the process of seeking employment in technical theatre.
Theatre Production: Crew, DR 25A
This course is a laboratory in rehearsal, performance and production crew work, with emphasis placed on solving the problems of production by preparing plays for public performance.
Traditional Theatre Production: Crew, DR 44B
This course is a course in rehearsal, performance, and production crew work where emphasis is placed on solving the problems of production by preparation of public performance for a traditional theatre audience.
Theatre Arts Degree Requirements:
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Auditions
Delta Drama will not be producing a summer season in 2021 due to the pandemic.
BUT, we look forward to an exciting fall semester which we hope will be in person! Auditions will be the first week of classes in August. Exact info TBA.
Stay tuned for more info and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest info!
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Delta Drama is committed to open and inclusive casting that reflects the diversity of our community. ALL are encouraged to audition.
For Information about Crew and Technical Positions please contact
Kevin Bautch, Faculty, Technical Director
kevin.bautch@deltacollege.edu
Media/Press
Voted
"Best Live Theatre" of 2019
in San Joaquin County
Hear what others are saying about Delta Drama
"Baltimore", a co-production between Delta Drama and Sacramento based theatre company, Intrepid Theatre Lab
Facilities
Where We Work & Play
Delta Drama maintains two fully functioning theatres that serve our students in their artistic and technical endeavors. In addition to production work, acting students and technical students enjoy the benefits of taking all classes in the theatres themselves.
Alfred H. Muller Studio Theatre
The Alfred H. Muller Studio Theatre is our black box theatre with a seating capacity of 128. Removable seating allows for staging and seating configurations to change according the design of each show. Wheelchair accessible.
The Tillie Lewis Theatre
The Tillie Lewis Theatre is our proscenium thrust style theatre with a seating capacity of 393. Wheelchair accessible.
Greg Foro
Professor of Drama
Kevin Bautch
Professor of Stagecraft/Technical Director
Jonathan Singer
Professor of Costume Design
