Academic Catalog

THTR 21B: INTERMEDIATE SCENERY & PROPERTY CONSTRUCTION

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

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)
Prerequisite: THTR 21A.
Advisory: Not open to students with credit in DRAM 21B.
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 safely construct small projects using correct tools and procedures.
  • A successful student will be able to read and interpret shop drawings for scenic units and plan the steps need for construction.

Description

Continuation of THTR 21A. The theory and practice of creating and using scenery and properties for dramatic presentations. Students will learn vocabulary, processes, tools and materials specific to areas of the production of scenery and properties for the stage. Practical application and safe use of advanced woodworking tools used for creating scenery and properties for Theatre Arts productions. Introduction of designing and working safely with alternative materials, basic electrical and lighting functions and sound reinforcement. Practical application of 3-D design software and digital fabrication machines.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:
A. Easily carry on conversations with theatre professionals using appropriate stage and shop terminology.
B. Organize and execute a basic scenic construction project, including reading plans, selecting materials, selecting appropriate tools, and working safely in a leadership role with a small group.
C. Analyze scenic production problems; evaluate alternatives and recommend solutions.
D. Work safely and independently on small, multi-task projects to create scenery and properties for department productions.
E. Hang and focus theatrical lighting instruments, record a sound effect, and set up a microphone for vocal reinforcement.

Course Content

A. Organization of theatre scenery process from design to stage including creating schedules and tracking progress of projects for current departmental productions (Lec)
B. Identification and safe use of common lighting and sound equipment (Lec and Lab)
C. Assessment of material options for scenery and properties and the subsequent production for use on the stage (Lec and Lab)
D. Design parameters, material options and choices (Lec)
E. Practical experience installing lighting and sound equipment in a production setting (Lab)
F. Work in a collaborative environment leading a small group in the planning and creation of a single element of scenery for the stage (Lab)

Lab Content

A. Students will work in small groups in a supervised setting to plan and construct scenery and properties for current and future department theatre productions.
B. Students will work in small groups to hang and focus theatrical lighting instruments and set up sound reinforcement equipment.
C. Students will assume responsibility of a small crew for planning, scheduling and implementation of projects for current and future department productions.
D. Students will create working drawings from design sketches for scenery and property projects in department productions.
E. Exploration and practical application of digital design software for computer driven fabrication tools.

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

A. All facilities of a fully-equipped theatre including stage, house for audience, lighting and sound equipment, dressing rooms, scene shop, costume shop, tools and other stage equipment and supplies.
B. For online instructional portions students will need weekly access to an internet enabled computer.
C. Access to 3-D modeling software and CAD driven machines for prop and scenic dressing application.
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

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

Class notebooks
Class participation
Written production evaluations
Production project evaluations
Observation and critique of leadership skills
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.. 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 of 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 learning tasks and portfolio of projects.

Discipline(s)

Stagecraft or Theater Arts