Academic Catalog

THTR 421A: SCENERY & PROPERTY CONSTRUCTION NONCREDIT

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Summer 2025
Units: 0
Hours: 2 lecture, 6 laboratory per week (96 total per quarter)
Degree & Credit Status: Non-Degree-Applicable Non-Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: None
Grade Type: Non-Credit Course (Receives no Grade)
Repeatability: Unlimited Repeatability

Student Learning Outcomes

  • A successful student can demonstrate the safe use of basic hand and power woodworking tools used in the production of scenery.
  • A successful student can describe and demonstrate knowledge of safe practices required in the creation and handling of stage scenery in stage and shop areas

Description

The theory and practice of creating and using scenery and properties for dramatic presentations. Students will learn basic vocabulary, processes, tools, and materials used in the production of scenery and properties for the stage. Practical application and safe use of basic woodworking tools used for creating scenery and properties for Theatre Arts productions.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

  1. Recognize and use stage and shop terminology, tools, materials, and techniques.
  2. Organize a basic scenic construction project, including reading plans, selecting materials, selecting tools, and working safely.
  3. Assess scenic production problems for complexity, schedule, and possible challenges.
  4. Work collaboratively with designers, technicians, and other theatre personnel.
  5. Recognize the values and responsibilities of crew organization as a member of a production group.
  6. Interpret general plans used in scenic construction, including ground plans, sections, lighting plans, and detail drawings.
  7. Understand and implement basic theatrical rigging techniques and safety procedures.

Course Content

  1. Introduction to relevant theatre terminology, tools, and materials
  2. Organization of theatre scenery process and personnel, from design to implementation onstage
  3. Identification and safe use of common hand and power woodworking tools
  4. Convert basic plans into theatrical scenery including use of standard construction and painting techniques
  5. Understand design parameters, material options, and production choices
  6. Safe working conditions in theatre production spaces

Lab Content

  1. Students will use basic power and hand woodworking tools found in a theatre shop to fabricate scenery and properties for current and future department productions.
  2. Students will create designs and working sketches for construction of scenery and properties used in department production projects.
  3. Students will learn to mix colors and apply scenic paints in the production of large and small projects for the stage.
  4. Students will work collaboratively on a variety of projects for current and future department productions to gain experience with different scenic materials, forms, and construction techniques.
  5. Introduction to and practical application of digital design software for computer driven fabrication tools.

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

1. All facilities of a fully-equipped theatre, including stage and audience seating areas, scene shop, costume shop, hand and power tools, and other stage equipment and supplies.
2. Online portions of class require weekly student access to an internet enabled computer.
3. Access to 3-D modeling software and CAD driven machines for prop and scenic dressing applications.
4. When taught via Foothill Global Access: on-going access to computer with email software and capabilities; email address; JavaScript enabled internet browsing software.

Method(s) of Evaluation

Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:

Class notebooks
Class participation and work habits
Practicum projects
Written production evaluations
Quizzes
Final exam

Method(s) of Instruction

Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:

Lectures
Group discussion with a specific prompt
Individual and small group projects in a supervised setting
Journals reflecting on project progress
Self-evaluations upon project completion

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

Gillette, J. Michael. Theatrical Design and Production, 8th ed.. 2020.

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments

  1. 60-80 pages per week of reading from the text.
  2. Script analysis for production requirements, including scenery and property needs.
  3. Attendance at or digital viewing of live theatre performances and written evaluations of the technical elements observed.
  4. Research and sketching for production projects.
  5. Class journal of tasks and projects.

Discipline(s)

Theater Arts or Stagecraft