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UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI
THEA 2610 – DESIGN FUNDAMENTALS
SYLLABUS – FALL 2008
INSTRUCTORS: Asst. Prof. Gregory J. Owen; Theatre Faculty CREDIT: 3 hours
OFFICE/PHONE: Martin 107 ext 4021 or 4020 (Theatre Dept. Office) MEETING: MWF 9-9:50 Wood 304
EMAIL: (preferred)
OFFICE HOURS: MWF 10:00 – 11:00, T Th 1:00 – 2:00
REQUIRED TEXT: Theatrical Design and Production, 5th edition by J. Michael Gillette
From Page to Stage by Rosemary Ingham
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS:
Sketchbook (11x14 minimum)
Tracing paper
Drawing pencils (various led weights)
Ruler and drafting tools – to be determined
#11 Exacto knife & cutting surface
Foam Board, illustration board, Cardstock
Eraser (one kneadable rubber)
Watercolor set (paints, brushes, palette)
Watercolor paper (block, sheet, or spiral acceptable)
Prismacolor pencil set (24 or more) or Prismacolor marker set
Architect’s scale rule
Blank CD-Readable/Writable or better yet, a flash drive
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to introduce a survey of the concepts, applications, tools and
techniques of technical areas in theatrical production. Examined will be the responsibilities and processes of the scenic designer, costume designer, and lighting designer through lecture and practical in-class production exercises.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Each student will be responsible for all reading and homework assignments on the date
assigned before class period. .
This course is a requirement of the B.S.E. Speech Communication and Theatre Program. Therefore it is designed to meet the Missouri Standards for Teacher Education Program (MoSTEP) Quality indicators 1.2.1.1, 1.2.5.2, and 1.2.11.5
Conceptual Framework:
Belief Statement
The Central educator is a competent, caring, reflective practitioner committed to the premise that all can learn.
Mission
As a cornerstone of the institution for over 130 years, the University of Central Missouri's Teacher Education Program shapes teachers and other school professionals who are well grounded in theory, display competence in content knowledge and instructional strategies, and possess the dispositions to ensure success for all learners. The Teacher Education Program prepares individuals as professional educators for an ever-changing, culturally diverse population. Faculty and candidates provide support and service to schools in meeting their present and future challenges by developing communities that learn through research and scholarly activities. Educator preparation is a campus-wide responsibility, a commitment that reflects the honor and worth of serving a vital profession.
Vision
Through a dedication to teaching, scholarship, collaboration, and outreach, the University of Central Missouri's Professional Education Faculty prepare school professionals who have high expectations for P-12 student learning, are informed decision makers, and value diversity. The UCM Teacher Education Program provides each graduate with a foundation for a life of continued learning and professional engagement.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. To understand the contributions of designers and production artists to a theatrical production. (MoSTEP) Quality Indicator 1.2.1.1
2. To understand the process of research and its application in theatrical design. (MoSTEP) Quality Indicator 1.2.1.1
3. To understand the script as a basis of analysis for all theatrical design and production. (MoSTEP) Quality Indicator 1.2.1.1
4. To acquire basic drawing and rendering skills both in traditional and computer areas. (MoSTEP) Quality Indicator 1.2.11.5
5. To adopt the principles of collaboration for use in theatrical production as a director, designer, performer and participant. (MoSTEP) Quality Indicator 1.2.5.2
INTENDED STUDENT OUTCOMES IN THEATRE:
The following departmental intended student outcomes will be developed, practiced, and/or assessed in this course. A complete listing of the seven Theatre Department intended student outcomes is published in the departmental student handbook.
#1 The student should be able to communicate and collaborate effectively in the interactive and creative
process of theatre.
-Identify the common elements and vocabulary of production and of the interaction of these elements
-Think, speak and write clearly in order to communicate one's views effectively
-Work effectively in team assignments, interacting productively with individuals from diverse areas of knowledge
and skills
-Recognize organizational structures and management principles as they apply to theatre
#2 In preparation for careers within a global society, students should demonstrate a working knowledge of the historical, cultural, and stylistic dimensions of drama and theatre.
-Relate the theatre and dramatic arts to social, political, and religious history of each theatrical period
-Place works of theatre in historical and stylistic contexts
-Utilize the skills and techniques needed to conduct research into the culture, history, and style of a particular
period or genre for the purpose of production
#3 Students should be able to utilize critical thinking skills in order to analyze and interpret a script for the
purpose of developing a concept and systematic plan for the production of a play.
-Analyze a script for the development of a character in a scene or monologue
-Analyze each character and the character's relationship to all the other characters in the text.
-Analyze a script for its artistic and practical needs in relationship to all areas of design
#4 Students should be able to form, communicate, and defend value judgments about quality and
aesthetics in works of theatre
-Critique constructively the creative work of peers
-Analyze one's own creative process and product.
#6 The student should be able to demonstrate a basic proficiency in the areas of theatrical design and
technology in order to create and present theatrical performances
-Apply the basic technical skills, technology, and operations needed to mount a theatrical production
-Function safely and effectively using contemporary theatre technology
-Produce freehand drawings, technical drawings, color renderings, models and/or designs
-Prepare and present a portfolio of design work in an area of specialization
-Identify, define, and explain the principles of composition including rhythm, harmony, and balance as they relate
to theatrical design
-Recognize the functions and responsibilities of the various members of a production design team
-Develop and communicate orally and visually a design concept and specific designs for a theatrical production
#7 The student should be able to technical direct and direct one-act plays for public performances and successfully fulfill significant production assignments for public performances in the department’s mainstage and/or children’s theatre series.
-Distinguish the processes involved in the creation of theatre, from script selection through performance obtained
by the student outside of class time
-Participate as a crew or cast member of a production during every semester as a major or minor in the department
ATTENDANCE:
Attendance and punctuality is required. Five points will be deducted from the student's semester grade for each unexcused absence beyond two. Two unexcused late arrivals will equal one unexcused absence. An excused absence is one due to approved University activities or serious and unavoidable events, such as hospitalization or a death in the student's immediate family. Documentation for excused absences will be required (example: a funeral program.) Illnesses that do not require hospitalization or a physician's order to stay home, car or computer breakdowns, non-emergency doctor or dental appointments, and other "ordinary" and/or undocumented absences will NOT be considered excused. Plan to use your “free” unexcused absence for these occurrences. IN THE EVENT OF AN EXCUSED ABSENCE PLEASE CONTACT THE INSTRUCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
PLEASE TURN OFF ALL CELLULAR PHONES, IPODS AND SIMILAR DEVICES, AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES THAT MAY BECOME DISTRACTING BEFORE CLASS. If you have an emergency situation, contact the instructor prior to class time.
ASSIGNMENT DEADLINES AND GRADING POLICY:
Failure to hand in a written assignment on the assigned day without prior consent of the instructor will result in a 10% reduction of the student's grade for each weekday it is late, up to a maximum of one week late. After this time the student will receive a zero for the assignment. Failure to hand in a design assignment on the assigned day without prior consent of the instructor will result in a 20% reduction of the student's grade for each weekday it is late, up to a maximum of one week late. After this time the student will receive a zero for the assignment.
You have the right to know your grade at any point during the course of the semester. In addition to my records, it is in your best interest to keep a current record of your point standings and retain copies of returned projects, written papers and critiques.
EVALUATION: Points:
8 Discussion papers via Blackboard 100 (12.5 points each)
Scenic project 100
Costume project 100
Lighting project 100
Short Assignments* 350
Participation/Attendance 50
Written Exam on Page To Stage 50
Final Project/Portfolio 150
Graduate Student Project 100
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TOTAL 1000 points (undergraduate)
1100 points (graduate)
100%-90% = A; 89%-80% = B; 79%-70% = C; 69%-60% = D; 59%-0% = F
Short Assignments:
Design Project #1 25
Water Color #1 30
Water Color #2 30
Water Color #3 30
Water Color #4 30
Line Weight Project 30
Script Analysis 20
Concept Board 20
Sketch Up Project 20
Thumbnails 20
Groundplan 30
Elevations 30
Renderings 35
This course requires written assignments, which will be evaluated at a basic college level. Students requiring assistance in improving their writing skills, generally or on specific assignments, are encouraged to utilize the services of the Writing Lab located in Humphreys 116.
Students with documented disabilities who are seeking academic accommodations should contact the Office of Accessibility Services, Union 220, 543-4421.
Point breakdown and class calendar subject to change as dictated by the needs of the course.
ASSESSMENT:
You will be assessed via the following methods:
1. Exercises in drawing, drafting, watercolor, and other media which demonstrate your ability to apply concepts and techniques demonstrated in class as well as your ability to develop your own sense of creativity.
2. Written responses to discussion questions designed to demonstrate your ability to communicate your ideas concerning creativity and the fundamentals of the design process and related topics.
3. Quizzes consisting of multiple choice, short answer, T/F and/or fill in the blank which cover material covered in class lectures and in the text book.
4. Participation in in-class discussions and critiques.
This class will utilize Blackboard, the UCM electronic classroom management tool.
Schedule – Subject to Change
Aug W 20 Class Introduction
F 22 Design Project #1
M 25 Design Project #1Due
W 27 Intro to Water Color
F 29 Water Color #1 Due, Page To Stage Chapter 1 Discussion Due
Sept M 1 NO CLASS – LABOR DAY
W 3 Water Color #2 Due
F 5 Water Color #3 Due Page To Stage Chapter 2 Discussion Due
M 8 Water Color #4 Due
W 10 Line Weight Project Due
F 12 Mixed Media. Page To Stage Chapter 3 Discussion Due
M 15 The Design Package – What’s Next? Script Choice Due
W 17 Intro to Google Sketch Up
F 19 TBA – STAM Page To Stage Chapter 4 Discussion Due
M 22 Script Analysis and Research
W 24 Analysis Due
F 26 Research Due Page To Stage Chapter 5 Discussion Due
M 29 Concept Board Due
Oct W 1 Thumbnails, Ground plans and Elevations
F 3 Google Sketch Up Project Due Page To Stage Chapter 6 Discussion Due
M 6 Thumbnails Due
W 8 Renderings Demo
F 10 Ground Plan and Elevations Due Page To Stage Chapter 7 Discussion Due
M 13 Renderings Due
W 15 Highlander Shell Demo
F 17 Highlander Shell project Due Page To Stage Chapter 8 Discussion Due
M 20 Sketch Model Demo
W 22 Written Exam on Page To Stage
F 24 Sketch Model Due
M 27 Photograph Sketch Models
W 29 Lighting & Photoshop Fun
F 31 Lighting & Photoshop Fun HALLOWEEN
Nov M 3 Lighting & Photoshop Fun
W 5 Lighting & Photoshop Fun
F 7 Lighting & Photoshop Fun
M 10 Lighting & Photoshop Fun
W 12 Costume Fun
F 14 Costume Fun
M 17 Costume Fun
W 19 Costume Fun
F 21 Costume Fun
M 24 NO CLASS – FALL BREAK
W 26 NO CLASS – FALL BREAK
F 27 NO CLASS – FALL BREAK
Dec M 1 Costume Fun
W 3 Light & Costume Wrap Up
F 5 Final Exam Instructions/Demo
M 8 FINAL EXAM 11:00 AM