Download Stagecraft Syllabus

Mr. Craig Duke
Theatre Production
E-Mail: [email protected]
Phone: 908-464-4700 ext. 770
Syllabus 2010-2011
Period 2
Course Description:
Theatre Production will introduce to the student, both novice and experienced, a practical
approach to the technical and production aspects of musical theatre and drama. Students will
learn the skills needed to construct scenery, hang and focus lighting instruments, implement a
sound system for effects and reinforcement, and scenic artistry, all in a variety of techniques. In
conjunction with the Music and Drama Departments, students will take an active role in each of
the major productions at NPHS. Additionally, students will be introduced to theatrical design, and
will be given an opportunity to draft their own designs for scenery and/or lighting of a theatrical
production.
Textbooks:
There is no textbook for this class. Materials will be distributed in class, along with some notes.
Several stagecraft books have been ordered for the NPHS Media Center. They are available in the
reference section of the library, and I will refer to them in class from time to time. Most of the
material presented comes from The Stagecraft Handbook by Daniel Ionazzi, and from Richard
Pilbrow’s Stage Lighting Design.
Course Topics:
I. Introduction
A. A Brief History of Theatre
B. The Production Team
C. Safety in the Theatre
D. Tools of the Trade
II. Scenic Design for the Stage
A. Reading the Play
B. The Design Concept
C. Sharing Your Designs
III. Scenic Construction
A. Types of Scenery
B. Construction Techniques
C. Painting Techniques
IV. Lighting for the Stage
A. Why Light the Stage?
B. Instruments of the Designer
C. Properties of Light and Dark
D. Color Theories
E. Lighting Design Paperwork
V. Other Topics
A. Sound Systems
B. Rigging the Stage
C. Special Effects
D. Stage Management
E. Theatre Etiquette
F. Costumes
Classroom Materials:
Must be present at the start of class. A planner, calendar, or date book is required for keeping
track of assignments and deadlines, as well as a notebook with paper, pen, pencil, and a folder
for keeping handouts, photos, drawings, etc.
Tool Kit:
Each student will be expected to provide a basic tool kit for this class, consisting of:
25' Tape Measure
Adjustable/Crescent Wrench
Slip-Joint Pliers
Retractable Utility Knife
Work Gloves
Saftey Goggles
These materials will be due in class for each student by the end of the second full week of school,
Friday, Sept. 17. Most of these tools can be purchased very cheaply at Home Depot and other
hardware supply stores. If there is a concern regarding the expense, please contact me outside of
class to make alternative arrangements.
Grading:
Grades will be based on a number of factors including, but not limited to the following:
Participation, Lab Hours, Quizzes/Tests, Projects, Critiques.
Work Clothes:
Because this class requires students to paint, haul and cut lumber, move dusty scenery, etc,
students are asked to bring and wear "work clothes" to work in. Failure to participate in a class
assignment or production activity because you don't want to ruin your good clothes will result in
possible detention and a lower grade.
Lab Hours:
While it’s great to learn about stagecraft theories and practices, it serves no purpose unless that
knowledge can be applied. There is a close link between the activities of this course and the Tech
Crew, a club that meets after school (schedule to be announced). Since you can’t go home with a
bunch of lumber and power tools, you’ll need to come back here during Tech Crew work hours to
complete this “homework assignment” of 15 lab hours per semester. Trust me, this isn’t that
hard. You are not required to join the Tech Crew (but you’re always welcome), nor are you
expected to commit to the run of a show; but you must put in 15 hours per semester to meet this
important class requirement.
Miscellaneous:
-Gum, food, and drinks are not allowed in the classroom.
-I-Pods, phones, CD Players are not to be used in class.
-No running, shoving, or horseplay in or around the Auditorium.