EXP ENG 5513: Stage Pyrotechnics and Special Effects
Students are instructed in the safe application of stage pyrotechnics for rock concerts, theatrical productions, etc. Also covered is the design and implementation of special effects. Students design and execute realistic pyrotechnic displays under NFPA 1126 guidelines.
Instructors: Matt Coy, Matt Sutcliffe and Paul Worsey
Description: (LEC 1.0 and LAB 2.0) Use of energetic materials in close proximity to audiences. Provide participants with training preparing for Missouri Pyrotechnics Display Operators License. Covers: close proximity indoor and outdoor pyrotechnics and special effects. Working with stage crews and talent, safety and permitting. Prerequisites: Both Chem 1310 and Chem 1319 or their equivalent; US Citizen or permanent resident, Successful background check, resident enrollment at Missouri S&T.
Exp 5513 FS 2015 Syllabus
Instructors: Matthew Coy, Dr. Paul Worsey
This course is conducted with the lectures available online, and the lab sections conducted at the MS&T Experimental Mine. The lectures will be posted 1 week in advance of the corresponding lab. It will be the responsibility of the student to go through the lectures and prepare for the lab class. Quizzes and tests will be announced during the lab section.
This curriculum is subject to changes, additions, and corrections as warranted.
Lecture 1
Intro Lecture 1 – State of the Industry and General Safety
Activity – Fire Extinguishers, Summer Camp Exercise
Class 2
Lecture 2 - Chemistry of Pyrotechnics
Activity – NFPA 1126 and NFPA 160 Effects
Class 3
Lecture 3 - Circuits and Firing Systems
Activity – Wiring and Firing Systems
Class 4
Lecture 4 – General Operation
Activity – Mock Indoor Shoot
Class 5
Lecture 5 – Special Effects
Activity – Choreography, brainstorming
Class 6
Activity - Midterm Test, Permitting Exercise
Class 7
Lecture 6 – Putting on a Show
Activity - Preparation for final
Class 8
Lecture 7 – Fire Marshall Inspection
Activity – Preparation for final
Class 9
Final Concert - Scheduling will need to happen as instructor is available.
Quizzes, Tests, and Homework account for 89% of your grade. The remaining 11% is attendance. Miss more than 2 classes without good excuse and you will not receive this credit. Hard-copy homework will be collected at the beginning of the next class.
Also, attendance to at least 1 of the on-campus shows is mandatory. Not participating will void your 11% attendance.
There will be assignments with each class meeting. They will be due the next week during class. Quizzes will be mixed in.
Grades are:
90%+ A
80-89% B
70-79% C
60-69% F
There is no rounding up because the Missouri State Fire Marshalls Office won’t round up on their tests. Cheating will not be tolerated.