Download Class Descriptions Class Descriptions 2014:15

Technical Theatre I
Course Description
Technical theatre or stagecraft is the technical aspect of theatre, video and music
production. It can set the mood and spirit of performance art. It includes constructing
scenery, hanging and focusing lighting, mixing of sound, stage management, costumes,
makeup and building and procurement of props and set dressing.
This course provides instruction and experience in technical theatre. It is an introduction
to scenery, lighting, sound, costumes and makeup design for the theatre through lecture,
readings and practical experience through working on the theatre production for the
semester.
Course Objectives
A student successfully completing this course will be able to…
 Think about theatre in terms of design.
 Understand the basic systems in a theatre.
 Learn to operate the systems in the theatre.
 Be able to analyze and create functional design for the theatre.
 Be able to respond critically and to appreciate various theatrical performance
designs.
Theatrical Design and Production: An Introduction to Scenic Design and Construction,
Lighting, Sound, Costumes and Makeup, Seventh Edition by J. Michael Gillette
Technical Theatre II
(prerequisite Technical Theatre I)
Course Description
Technical Theatre II is designed for advanced students to do practical work in theatre. In
this class students will work together to produce all shows that are put on in the Tacoma
School of the Arts theatre, including SOTA theatre production, the SOTA dance
performance, musical productions, and (possibly) SOTA information nights. They will
work on stage, operate the light and sound boards, operate video, and do anything else to
meet the specific needs of a show. This advanced course will continue previous concepts
and develop each student as an artist dealing with the dynamic process of lighting design
and execution for a wide variety of live productions. Students will learn to draw a light
plot, program a light board and work with artists to determine lighting needs.
Students will work with educational resources to understand lighting design and then
begin hands on work with theatre lighting equipment including lighting instruments and
the light board. Students will be expected to work outside of class for at least one show.
This class works to prepare the theatre for usage by multiple groups including SOTA
performances, local dance company shows and various other community groups.
Students will gain hands on experience working in the theatre; hanging and focusing
lights, setting up sound systems, sweeping, mopping, setting up for shows, watching
professional load in and working at least one school and shadowing one professional
show.
Students should be prepared to work everyday.
Course Objectives
A student successfully completing this course will be able to . . .
 Work collaboratively on a team.
 Understand all systems within a theatre.
 Understand the protocol of working in a theatre.
 Prepare for joining IATSE local 15.
 Run a show at SOTA.
 Shadow on a show at the Broadway Center Pantages Theatre, Theatre on the
Square or the Rialto Theatre
Technical Theatre III
Course Description
Technical Theatre III will explore lighting and scenic design and Vectorworks with
advanced students. Students will explore the field of lighting and scenic design.
Students will work with Vectorworks to create a light plot and paperwork for the lighting
designer and master electrician and to create drawings for scenic design.
Course Objectives
A student successfully completing this course will be able to…
 Think about lighting for the theatre in terms of design.
 Understand the basic systems in theatre lighting.
 Learn to operate the lighting systems in the theatre.
 Be able to analyze and create functional lighting design for the theatre.
 Be able to use Vectorworks as a tool in creating lighting and scenic design.
 Identify lighting instruments for the theater
 Hang and focus a lighting instrument
 Install and focus a template
 Write cues on an ETC Express Light Board
 Operate an ETC Express Light Board
 Understand color mixing in light with color media
 Cut, label and install color media
 Read a light plot (beginning)
 Create a light plot (advanced)
 Wire a lamp
 Theatre Safety
Technical Theatre IV (by permission only)
Course Description
Technical Theatre IV will work to execute a design for SOTA’s play and dance
performances. Students will work independently and with the instructor to create and
execute a design with a collaborative effort including sound, lighting, costume, makeup,
hair, props and scenic design.
Course Objectives
A student successfully completing this course will be able to . . .
 Work collaboratively with a team to create an effective design for a show.
 Participate in production meetings.
 Run production meetings.
 Be able to analyze and create functional design for the theatre.
 Be able to execute their design for theatre.
 Work effectively on a show.
Introduction to Theatre
Course Description
In this introductory course, we will bring life to the stage through creating believable
illusions. Students will gain performance skills through the exploration of improvisation,
scene work, speech, and acting technique. We will discuss genres of theatre, specific
works and playwrights, types and history of theatre. Students will read a play, watch a
play, write a play and perform in a play (for the class only).
Course Objectives
A student completing this course will be able to …
 Read a play out loud in class.
 Perform a monologue.
 Act in a scene.
 Write and perform an informative and persuasive speech.
 Write a 5-act play.
 Analyze perspectives, articulate evidence, and evaluate drama processes.
Historical and Social Issues through Theatre
Course Description
This course is a study of how theatre can be an agent for social change. We will be
exploring the work of different playwrights and how they used their craft to affect social
change in their own era.
Course Objectives
A student completing this course will be able to …
 Read a play out loud in class.
 Write a critical analysis of a play.
 Participate effectively in class seminars and discussions.
 To analyze perspectives, articulate evidence, and evaluate drama processes and
theatre experiences.
 This class will teach students to respond and critique: to analyze the connection
between drama and/or theatre and contemporary and historical social issues.
 Students will learn how to critique a play that uses a specific genre of theatre
associated with various artists, cultures, and/or a historical period.
Theatre Production (audition only)
Course Description
This course is for advanced students who will work together to produce a play or
performance. Students who audition must have demonstrated a commitment to theatre
production in previous classes. Students must be responsible, collaborative and have a
willingness to put in extra hours for the benefit of the production.
Course Objectives
A student completing this course will be able to …
 .
 Write a critical analysis of a play.
 Work collaboratively as an ensemble.
 Understand the process of creating a performance.

Actor’s Studio
Course Description
Course Objectives