Catalog Description
- Transfer Status
- CSU/UC
- Unit(s)
- 3.00
- Activity: 102.00 Contact hours/51.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
- Total: 102.00 Contact hours/51.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
Course Description: Students will gain practical experience in the application of production responsibilities in any of the following: stage management, house management, construction, scenery, properties, costume, lighting, sound, and running crews. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Theatre Arts. (C-ID THTR 192).
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate proficiency in the skills required for a technical theatre crew.
- Demonstrate and employ basic skills to address the technical demands of a theatrical production.
- Execution of assignment responsibilities in technical rehearsals, during production run, and strike.
Course Content
Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic
Lecture/Activity
| Topics | Lec Hrs | Act Hrs |
|---|---|---|
Assignment to production and performance responsibilities | 5.00 | |
Preparation for production including necessary theatrical techniques | 15.00 | |
Identify and safely utilize appropriate tools to fulfill production requirements for performance | 10.00 | |
Basic technical theatre terminology | 10.00 | |
Recognize and demonstrate collaborative responsibilities with the director, designers, and crew supervisors | 15.00 | |
Demonstrate and apply basic skills in running a production | 15.00 | |
Create, maintain or construct basic production elements | 32.00 | |
| Total Hours: | 0.00 | 102.00 |
Methods of Instruction
- Class Activities
- Demonstrations
- Discussion
- Guest Speakers
- Homework: Students are required to complete one hour of outside-of-class homework for every two hours of activity
- Reading Assignments
- Technical Meetings, Rehearsals, Public Performance
Methods of Evaluation
- Exams/Tests
- Portfolios
- Papers
- Projects
- Demonstration
- Public Performance
Examples of Assignments
Reading Assignments
- Read a script of the play being produced and compose a list of production requirements.
- Read the chapter of the text that discusses backstage protocol, and list three safety concerns.
Writing Assignments
- Write and submit a 2-3 page journal documenting your production experiences, your personal growth, and challenges faced during rehearsals and performances throughout the production process.
- Complete the 1-page performance report after each rehearsal or performance, detailing key observations. This could include personal performance, areas for improvement, notes for the ensemble, technical elements (lighting, sound, set), any adjustments made during the performance process, audience size, etc.
Out-of-Class Assignments
- Attend the assigned play and write a 2-3 page evaluation, analyzing the acting, direction, set design, costumes, and overall production quality. Be prepared to discuss your insights and critique the performance in class, focusing on how these elements contributed to the effectiveness of the storytelling.
- Visit a local theatre (e.g., CSUC Theatre shop, Blue Room Theatre, Chico Theatre Company) and prepare a 10-minute presentation that covers their technical theatre process, including set design, lighting, sound, and costumes. Your presentation should highlight unique techniques, challenges faced, and how their approach compares to your own theatre experience. Include visuals such as photos or diagrams to support your findings, and be ready for a brief Q&A session with the class.
Recommended Materials of Instruction
Kenneth Macgowan and Robert Edmond Jones. (2022). Continental Stagecraft. Legare Street Press, 1st. 978-1016503457.
Other Learning Materials
Instructor handouts; script (assigned by instructor)
Minimum Qualifications
Stagecraft
Drama/Theater Arts (Masters Required)