PIXAR – STORY MATTERS | COURSE DESCRIPTION  

Pixar – Story Matters focuses on the animated 3D films of Pixar Animation Studios, contextualizing this work in spheres of early and contemporary animation (theory and practice), popular culture, and developments in computer technology. It will also explore the creative process of story development, emphasizing the Pixar screenplay with its universal themes, compelling characters, and dramatic conflict. Film analysis of Pixar movies will delve into myth, fairytales, psychology, etc. The goal of the creative project is to take the student’s idea, which features animated characters, through the film development process from concept, to script & storyboard, to a final presentation that could be pitched to a family entertainment company such as Pixar.

In-person class meetup with the instructional team!

MEET YOUR LECTURER AND TA’S!

Noah Lucé | Lecturer 

Noah Lucé (he/they) is a native of Santa Cruzian. He developed a deep love for theatre thanks to his grandmother’s appreciation for classic cinema. At the tender age of five, Noah’s first experience on stage as The Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz ignited a lifelong passion for storytelling. From that moment, he was “hooked” on the transformative power of theatre. They are a multi-hyphenate theatre artist and storyteller. He is a lecturer in Drama in Performance, Play, and Design, at the University of California, Santa Cruz, serves as Associate Director for New Canon Theatre Company, and is an assistant faculty member of Theatrical Intimacy Education.

At UCSC they have taught the following courses in PPD: Psychological Realism (THEA 21), Introductory Studies in Acting (THEA 20), Shakespeare-to-Go (THEA 155), Directed Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl on the Mainstage (THEA 151), Directing Studio (THEA 141), and of course Pixar – Story Matters (THEA-80P). With John R. Lewis College he has also taught Academic Literacy and Ethos: Social Justice (CLTE-1).

Recent career highlights include: His production of Much Ado About Nothing at NCTC was awarded Theatre Production of the Year in Monterey County. Intimacy and fight direction for A Guide for the Homesick at Theatre Rhinoceros (America’s longest running LGBTQIA+ theatre), co-directing and intimacy choreography for NCTC’s Macbeth, associate directing EnActe Arts touring production of The Jungle Book; Rudyard Revised, assistant directing and fight choreography for An Iliad at the Jewel Theatre Company and intimacy directing the world premiere of The Formula; Santa Cruz Shakespeare. As an actor Noah has performed up and down the west coast most recently appearing in NCTC’s world Premier of Finding Chase by C. Wright.He has also appeared internationally in new play by Anuvab Pal, Admission (EnActe & Rage Productions).

Noah trained with Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts, attended Cornish College of the Arts (BFA), received his Master’s Degree from the UCSC, and completed his MFA in directing/pedagogy from the University of Idaho. To learn more him and his work, please visit: www.noahluce.com

Joshua Dsouza | TA

Prithvi Rey | TA

He is a passionate product manager and artistic influencer, currently pursuing his Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction at the University of California, Santa Cruz. With a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Engineering from PES University in Bangalore, he discovered early on that technology is not just about code—it’s about connecting people and transforming lives. At Software AG, he led AI-driven product initiatives that bridged the gap between complex engineering and intuitive design, sparking his interest in creating truly human-centered digital experiences.
Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of HCI, Prithvi is dedicated to designing AI-driven experiences that empower users and enrich everyday life. He believes that great products are not just built; they are crafted around the nuanced needs and aspirations of people. Through his work, he aims to bridge the gap between human insight and intelligent systems, transforming how we interact with technology and inspiring others to dream bigger. Explore more of his story through his vlogs on YouTube (Prithvi Rey).

Ruby Kastner | TA

Ruby Kastner (they/them) is a Theater Arts MA candidate at UCSC’s Department of Performance Play and Design. With a focus in dramaturgy their research looks at the relationships our bodies have with the physical landscapes around us, particularly in the architecture of higher education settings. They are so proud of the work all of their students have done this quarter and wish them luck in all their pursuits!

Sierra Wypych | TA

Sierra Wypych is a costume designer, actor, and dramaturg currently pursuing a master’s degree in Theater Arts Design at UCSC’s Department of Performance, Play & Design. Their focus is on consent-based costume design practices, how to support actors’ agency in costuming and fitting spaces, and the relationship between actors with marginalized identities and the embodiment of their characters– particularly trans and queer actors. Having studied history and literature during undergrad, they love to explore how dramaturgy and historical research intersect in all areas of theater and performance. To learn more about them and their work, please visit https://sierrawypych.wixsite.com/sierra-wypych! They are so proud of all of their students’ work this quarter!

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 

UC Santa Cruz was built upon the unceded territory of the Awaswas-speaking Uypi Tribe. The Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, comprised of the descendants of indigenous people taken to missions Santa Cruz and San Juan Bautista during Spanish colonization of the Central Coast, is today working hard to restore traditional stewardship practices on these lands and heal from historical trauma. If you would like to learn more about The Amah Mutsun Tribal Band or ways to get involved and volunteer as a contemporary steward of the land, please visit their website at amahmutsunlandtrust.org!