Course Syllabus

THEA 1513 Stagecraft

Course Description

This course is an introduction to technical theater methods, scenic construction, sound operations, stage lighting, scene painting, and stage management. The course provides opportunity for both theoretical and practical experience in the various aspects of technical theater.

Justification

This course is offered by most theatre departments in the state for lower-division credit. This course fills a lower division core for theatre majors wishing to transfer to a four-year institution. It also responds to the unique need of the Snow College Theatre Department to have student help in producing each year's theatrical season. Students will focus on the dynamics of the creative process of developing scenic elements for live theatre -- a process that includes a lifetime sensibility to disciplines both in and out of theatre. Students are expected to develop an understanding of conceptual and elemental principles fundamental to the creation of various forms of artistic expression -- especially in sound, lighting, scenic construction, and stage properties. Students will develop improved ability to critically analyze artistic works using appropriate techniques, vocabulary and methodologies.

General Education Outcomes

1. A student who completes the GE curriculum has a fundamental knowledge of human cultures and the natural world. Students will develop a better understanding of how theatre as an art form presents an overview of the basic human condition and shows the struggles and successes of human relationships. Students will attend and evaluate Snow College Theatre Department productions and write critiques of these live performances thereby exhibiting an ability to critically analyze artistic works using appropriate techniques, vocabulary, and methodologies through the lenses of historical and cultural context of both theatre in general and backstage/fabrication techniques.
2. A student who completes the GE curriculum can read and research effectively within disciplines. Learners will demonstrate their research and understanding through quizzes and application projections such as scenic flat fabrication for construction methods and techniques. Students will complete research for various historical stage properties in order to identify their respective time periods, cultures, and styles in relation to the utilization of the selected and/or created property they have chosen to develop. Class discussion and presentations will provide the student relevant feedback to either refute or confirm their analysis. Students will develop increased ability to read, retrieve, evaluate and interpret the material they research as determined by both instructor and peer feedback through projects such as mock production meetings where students will take on various roles and responsibilities for a production.
3. A student who completes the GE curriculum can draw from multiple disciplines to address complex problems. This course allows students an opportunity to work in a variety of capacities in producing a theatrical work of art. They are tutored in the art and craft of theatre and are evaluated on their contribution within the collaborative framework of theatre production. These experiences are invaluable in developing a student's appreciation and understanding of the art and craft of theatre. Students will demonstrate through classroom discussion, application through unit assignments, and written critiques an understanding of conceptual and elemental principles fundamental to the creation of artistic expression through their practical realization. Student response and work will be evaluated based on criteria that will be examined in class lectures and discussion emphasizing the multidisciplinary nature of theatrical work.
4. A student who completes the GE curriculum can reason analytically, critically, and creatively. This course allows students an opportunity to creatively explore the art of stagecraft by analyzing scripts and determining the best fit elements for a production. The student will be able to articulate through quizzes and written critiques the dynamics of the creative process including the development of a lifetime sensibility as it applies to the disciplines of dance, music, theater, or visual arts.

General Education Knowledge Area Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate the creative basics and develop the appreciation of a lifetime of sensibility as it applies to scenic construction, stage properties, projection and sound technology. In addition, they will learn creative collaboration skills. Students will demonstrate mastery through individual and group projects, such as individual theatrical framing fabrication and the team creation of an audio/visual narrative using theatrical equipment. Students will demonstrate the creative basics and develop the appreciation of a lifetime of sensibility as it applies to scenic construction, stage properties, projection and sound technology. In addition, they will learn creative collaboration skills. Students will demonstrate mastery through individual and group projects, such as individual theatrical framing fabrication and the team creation of an audio/visual narrative using theatrical equipment.
2. Provide an informed synopsis of the performing and/or visual arts in the contexts of culture and history through reading and interpreting pertinent information using a variety of traditional and electronic media. Students will demonstrate an understanding of basic digital projection and sound technology along with effective stage management. Students will be asked to consider how current theatrical design and construction practices fit within the overall historical and cultural framework of theatrical development. Students are asked to show mastery through graded projects and class assignments.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the conceptual and elemental principles fundamental to the creation of various forms of artistic expression. Students will be able to demonstrate creative artistic construction methods and techniques. Students will also be able to develop artistic expression through creative stage properties and utilizing proper tools and equipment such as sound and lighting consoles. Students will show improved understanding of how various methods of technical direction and stage management help audience members grasp the thematic and conceptual messages intended by both the director and the playwright. Students will be evaluated through projects and in-class evaluations.
4. Exhibit an ability to critically analyze artistic works using appropriate techniques, vocabulary, and methodologies. Students will demonstrate basic creative collaboration skills analysis. Laboratory exercises and performances will be evaluated on preparation, initiative, attitude, dependability, and technique through project completion. Students will demonstrate ability to critically analyze the dynamics of the creative process including the development of a lifetime sensibility as it applies to the disciplines of dance, music, theater, or visual arts.

Course Content

Theatre 1513 is an introductory to technical theatre methods, scenic construction, sound, operations, stage lighting and stage management. The course provides opportunity for both theoretical and practical experience in the various aspects of technical theatre through lecture, hands-on experience and both independent and group project opportunities. Units of study include:• Unit 1. Safety in the shop and on the stage• Unit 2. Stage Terminology (written and oral evaluations using proper terminology)• Unit 3. Scenic construction methods and techniques, and the tools and materials required to effectively construct a set• Unit 4. Stage management for effective play production • Unit 5. Basic stage properties• Unit 6. The tools and equipment used in producing sound for the stage• Unit 7. Basic creative collaboration skillsDiscussions, active observation, artistic expression, and critical analysis are conduits for growth and learning. Each of these practices are utilized throughout this class and students are encouraged to critically and respectfully critique their own and others work in an environment where all voices and perspectives are welcome. Students will develop increased skills and abilities in working as a collaborative member of a creative team in an open atmosphere.