Academic Catalog

THTR 21B: INTERMEDIATE SCENERY & PROPERTY CONSTRUCTION

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2026
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

  • Interpret shop drawings and paint elevations for scenic units.
  • Plan and execute a simple prop or scenic project, including selecting and using proper tools and materials.

Description

This course is a continuation of THTR 21A, continuing study of the theory and practice of creating and using scenery and properties, including more specialized vocabulary and additional tools, materials, and techniques used in the creation of scenery and properties for the stage, such as alternative scenic materials, basic electrical for illuminated props and scenery, and basic digital design and fabrication. Students will apply their skills to solving design challenges and building scenery and props for Theatre Arts productions and other projects.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

  1. Carry on conversations with theatre professionals using appropriate stage and shop terminology.
  2. Organize and execute a basic scenic construction project, including reading plans, allocating resources, selecting materials, selecting appropriate tools, and working safely.
  3. Analyze scenic production problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend solutions.
  4. Work safely and independently on small, multi-task projects to create scenery and properties.
  5. Take on a leadership role within the class, such as demonstrating techniques and delegating tasks to less experienced students.

Course Content

  1. Specialized theatre terminology, tools, hardware, and materials, including current, more inclusive terminology.
  2. Organization of theatre scenery process and personnel, including budgeting, scheduling, resource planning, and fair and equitable leadership practices.
  3. Identification and safe use of specialized hand and power tools.
  4. Developing build plans from design drawings, including creating scale drawings, selecting construction materials, and planning paint processes.
  5. Weighing the benefits and drawbacks of various construction materials and techniques.
  6. Fundamentals of creating illuminated and moving properties and set pieces.
  7. Leadership in the scene shop, emphasizing inclusivity and mutual respect.

Lab Content

  1. Students will use power tools, hand tools, and other techniques to fabricate scenery and properties.
  2. Students will create working drawings from design sketches for scenery or property projects.
  3. Students will plan and execute scenic painting steps based on paint elevations.
  4. Students will use digital software for design or computer driven fabrication tools.
  5. Students will work on a variety of projects to gain experience with different scenic materials, forms, and construction techniques.
  6. Students will take a leadership role in a small group to practice supervising diverse crews in a caring and equitable manner.

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 application.

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
Observation 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, 9th ed.. 2024.

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 of production requirements, including scenery and property needs.
  3. Attendance at--or digital viewing of--live theatre performances and written observations of the technical elements.
  4. Research, sketching, and project planning for production projects.
  5. Class journal of learning tasks and portfolio of projects.
  6. Discussion prompts.

Discipline(s)

Stagecraft or Theater Arts