SPTH 1140: Stagecraft

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  1. COURSE TITLE: Stagecraft

COURSE NUMBER:1140CATALOG PREFIX:THEA

  1. PREREQUISTE(S):None
  1. CREDIT HOURS: 3LECTURE HOURS:3

LABORATORY HOURS:0OBSERVATION HOURS:0

  1. COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is an introduction to scenic design and construction. Emphasis will be placed on practical application of knowledge and skills in the following areas: safety, tools, materials, construction, painting, and stagehand duties. Costumes, lighting, and sound will also be explored to some degree.

  1. ADOPTED TEXT(S):

Theatrical Design and Production

6th Edition.

Michael J. Gillette.

McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

ISBN: 978-0-07-351419-2.

Backstage Handbook

by Paul Carter.

Script of Current SSCC Theatre Production

  1. COURSE/LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

At the completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Analyze a script for scenic, costume, property, lighting, and sound requirements.
  2. Design a set for a particular production.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge and use of standard safety practices.
  4. Identify and explain the tools, material, and hardware for construction.
  5. Identify and explain different types of scenery.
  6. Identify and utilize different construction techniques.
  7. Demonstrate proficiency with different shop tools.
  8. Construct scenery for a theatrical production.
  9. Practice basic scene painting techniques.
  10. Practice stagehand and/or running crew responsibility and duties.
  1. GRADING:

Grading will follow policy in the SSCC Catalog:

A = 90-100Excellent

B = 80-89Good

C = 70-79Average

D = 60-69Poor

F = 0-59Failing

  1. COURSE METHODOLOGY:

This course is a hands-on, practical application of scenic knowledge and construction skills for an SSCC theatre production. A combination of lecture, demonstration, quizzes/tests, and written assignments will be utilized as well.

  1. COURSE CONTENT/OUTLINE:

Production Organization and Management

The Design Process

Brief History of Scenic Design and Elements

The Stage and Its Equipment

Style, Composition, Color and Design

Drawing, Drafting, and Rendering

Safety in the Theatre

Tools, Material, and Hardware

Scenic Construction and Production Work

Painting Techniques

Stage Properties

Stagehand Responsibilities, Running Crews

FINAL PRODUCTION/STRIKE

Lighting Design

Costume and Makeup Design

Sound Design

SAMPLE COURSE SCHEDULE:

WEEK 1Course Introduction, Chapter One: Production Organization and Management, Read Script of Current SSCC Theatre Production

WEEK 2Chapter Two: The Design Process, Chapter Three: Brief History of Theatre Architecture and Stage Technology, Homework: Assignment #1 – 10 points

WEEK 3Chapter Four: The Stage and Its Equipment, Chapter Five: Style, Composition, and Design;Introduce Master Carpenter and Other Crew Members, Spiking the Set,Homework: Assignment #2 – 10 points

WEEK 4Chapter Six: Color, Chapter Seven: Mechanical Drafting, SAFETY FIRST! Video, Homework: Assignment #3 – 10 points

WEEK 5Chapter Eight: Perspective Drawing, Chapter Nine: Scenic Design

Construction Work, Homework: Assignment #4 – 10 points

WEEK 6Chapter Ten: Tools and Materials, Chapter Eleven: Scenic Production Techniques, ConstructionWork,Homework: Assignment #5 – 10 points

WEEK 7Chapter Twelve: Scenic Painting, Chapter 13: Stage Properties, Construction/Painting/Properties Work

WEEK 8Construction/ Painting/Properties Work,

MIDTEREM EXAM (100 points)

WEEK 9Construction/Painting/Properties Work

Chapter 14: Lighting Design, Chapter 15: Electrical Theory and Practice

Homework: Assignment #6 – 10 points

WEEK 10Construction/Painting/Properties Work

WEEK 11Finishing Touches on Construction, Chapter 16: Lighting Production, Chapter 17: Projections, Homework: Assignment #7 – 10 points

WEEK 12PRODUCTION, Homework Assignment #8 – 10 points

WEEK 13Chapter 18: Costume Design, Chapter 19: Costume Construction,

Chapter 20: Makeup, Homework: Assignment #9 – 10 points

WEEK 14Chapter 21: Sound Design and Technology, Homework: Assignment #10 – 10 points

WEEK 15Review

FINALFINAL TEST (100 POINTS)

  1. OTHER REQUIRED BOOKS, SOFTWARE AND MATERIALS:

Students are required to attend the current SSCC Theatre production. Students are also required to STRIKE the set.

  1. EVALUATION:

Attendance: 50 points (-10 absence, -2 tardy or leave early)

Attendance is required for this class. It is also important that you are on time. If you are absent, you must have written documentation in order to make up any work. Make-up work is due the day you return to class. Late work will not be accepted. If you anticipate an absence, it is your responsibility to turn in the assignment on time or before it is due (email, faculty mailbox, etc.) Faculty may recommend that the College withdraw students who have missed more than 20% of the total scheduled classes of a course (WI).

Participation: 50 points

This grade encompasses your conduct, attitude, teamwork, self-discipline, ability to follow directions, contribution to class, etc. Always be on task and in the moment. NO CELL PHONES. NO LAPTOPS.

Assignments: 100 Points

Midterm: 100 Points

Final: 100 points

Set Construction: 100 points

TOTAL: 500 POINTS

  1. SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS:

Time management, team player, self-discipline

  1. OTHER INFORMATION:

FERPA: Work submitted in this class may be seen by others. Others may see your work when being distributed, during group project work, or if it is chosen for demonstration purposes.

Students also need to know that there is a strong possibility that your work may be submitted to other entities for the purpose of plagiarism checks.

DISABILITIES: Students with disabilities may contact the Disabilities Service Office, Central Campus, at 800-628-7722 or 937-393-3431.