THTR 21A: SCENERY & PROPERTY CONSTRUCTION
Foothill College Course Outline of Record
| Heading | Value |
|---|---|
| Effective Term: | Summer 2021 |
| Units: | 4 |
| Hours: | 2 lecture, 6 laboratory per week (96 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in DRAM 21A. |
| Degree & Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU/UC |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass) |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
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
Course Objectives
The student will be able to:
A. Recognize and use stage and shop terminology, tools, materials and techniques.
B. Organize a basic scenic construction project, including reading plans, selecting materials, selecting tools, and working safely.
C. Assess scenic production problems for complexity, schedule and possible challenges.
D. Work collaboratively with designers, technicians, and other theatre personnel.
E. Recognize the values and responsibilities of crew organization as a member of a production group.
F. Interpret general plans used in scenic construction including ground plans, sections, lighting plans and detail drawings.
G. Understand and implement basic theatrical rigging techniques and safety procedures.
Course Content
A. Introduction to relevant theatre terminology, tools and materials (Lec and Lab)
B. Organization of theatre scenery process and personnel from design to implementation onstage (Lec and Lab)
C. Identification and safe use of common hand and power woodworking tools (Lec and Lab)
D. Convert basic plans into theatrical scenery including use of standard construction and painting techniques (Lec and Lab)
E. Understand design parameters, material options and production choices (Lec)
F. Safe working conditions in theatre production spaces (Lec and Lab)
Lab Content
A. 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.
B. Students will create designs and working sketches for construction of scenery and properties used in department production projects.
C. Students will learn to mix colors and apply scenic paints in the production of large and small projects for the stage.
D. 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.
E. Introduction to and practical application of digital design software for computer driven fabrication tools.
Special Facilities and/or Equipment
B. Online portions of class require weekly student access to an internet enabled computer.
C. Access to 3-D modeling software and CAD driven machines for prop and scenic dressing applications.
D. 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
Class notebooks
Class participation and work habits
Practicum projects
Written production evaluations
Quizzes
Final exam
Method(s) of Instruction
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.. 2017.
Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments
A. 60-80 pages per week of reading from the text.
B. Script analysis for production requirements including scenery and property needs.
C. Attendance at or digital viewing of live theatre performances and written evaluations of the technical elements observed.
D. Research and sketching for production projects.
E. Class journal of tasks and projects.