An introduction to the production components of live theatre in which students will develop an awareness of technical aspects including scenery, lighting, costume, properties and sound. Students are expected to attend theatre performances outside of regularly scheduled class time. This course is recommended for non-theatre majors and minors.

If this course proposal changes the requirements for any existing program, a program change form that reflects the change must be completed and submitted with this course proposal.

According to the *NEA, 37.6 million American adults attended a musical theatre performance and 21.2 million attended a non-musical performance in 2008. Most introductory courses in drama encourage students to gain understanding of live theatre by focusing on one of two perspectives: Actor or audience. Introduction to Acting and Introduction to Theatre courses will emphasize performance and, more specifically, the processes of creating a character and directing the action. This course emphasizes the technical and design elements of live theatre. Even those who attend theatre on a regular basis are unlikely to be familiar with the artistic approaches and technological factors that inform the design process. Students will be introduced to the historical developments and dynamic artistic movements, which inform today’s theatre practitioners. By critiquing actual productions, students will not only analyze the work of others but generate other design possibilities based upon textual understanding and production concepts. While there are many points of convergence with other disciplines (e.g., Visual Arts, Architecture, and Manufacturing), theatre design provides a unique application of theory and practicality. The beginning theatre student will gain a deeper appreciation for and a clearer understanding of live theatre production.

*National Endowment for the Arts: 2008 Survey of Public Participation in the Arts (Research Report #49), Nov. 2009. (http://www.nea.gov/research/2008-SPPA.pdf)

Becoming a well-educated person requires growing, evolving, enriching and refining oneself as a human being and contributing to a better world. Becoming well educated involves learning to interact with the world around us as well as preparing for a career.

 listen respectfully to the stories of others and recognize the value of differing interpretations

The Weber State University Creative Arts and Humanities general education requirements help all students discover their uniqueness and individuality while recognizing the common bonds that unite people everywhere.

Students taking courses that satisfy the creative arts general education requirements will gain skills and/or increase understanding in three areas.

_____ critical thinking, cognitive learning, and problem solving (both individually and in groups)

Area 2: Students will improve or develop at least two of the following skills:

__X__ gain knowledge and understanding of key themes and principles in a particular discipline in the humanities

__X__ gain knowledge and understanding of key terminology in a particular discipline in the humanities

__X__ gain knowledge and understanding of the history, underlying theory, and applicable ethical standards in a particular discipline in the humanities

____ gain knowledge and understanding of the methodologies used throughout the humanities

Area 3: Students will improve their ability to do at least two of the following:

____ recognize and appreciate diverse thought and traditions (and their effects)

2. List those general education courses in other departments with similar subject matter and explain how this course differs.

3. If the proposed new general education course affects course requirements or enrollments in other departments, list the departments and programs involved and attach comments from each.

4. Attach a topical outline of the course. Include the number of contact hours per week and the format of these hours (e.g., lecture, lab, field trip, etc.).

5. Discuss how you will assess student learning outcomes associated with this course

Two papers (students will be required to attend live theatre productions and respond critically using the ideas and terminology discussed in class

Current General Education Courses and Existing Courses Seeking General Education Status:

6. Discuss how you have assessed the applicable or identified student learning outcomes associated with this course.

Students are required to write two papers for the course. The first is a review of one of the five technical aspects of a play as they develop the ability to break down the play components during performance. The second is a complete analysis of all five technical areas and their individual and combined effect upon a performance and the audience perception of that performance.

Most students currently perceive a performance as a whole: the technical elements, scenery, costumes, lighting, properties, sound, and the performance by the actors as one assembly. This course will require that a student look through the eyes of designers (sound, light, costume, properties, scenic) from a single perspective and then understand how each of those designs come together along with the acting to form a complete performance. The course will cover different approaches in each technical area that has the possibility of changing the performance and the audience perspective.

Area 2: Gain knowledge and understanding of key themes and principles in a particular discipline in the humanities

Through lectures, attendance at live performances and the analysis of the areas of technical theatre, the students will learn about the interaction of those technical elements and theatre or entertainment arts. They will learn the steps designers take to create in their areas of concentration. They will look at how theatrical organizations work together to produce a single performance. Students will work through organization, creation and production of the technical elements. In doing so, they will gain a broad understanding of how the technical components support the performance.

Area 2: Gain knowledge and understanding of key terminology in a particular discipline in the humanities

Though lectures, assigned course readings and terminology list, the students will become versed in terminology used in theatre. The terminology will be required in course papers to show that students have an understanding of the terminology and use it in their analysis of live performance.

The course will introduce students to a variety of art/humanities fields that make up modern design and technology. The study of drawing, painting in scenic design, the study of light, color and perspectives in lighting design, the study of psychology and human emotions in sound design, and the study of historical awareness of clothing design trends and their impact upon society are a few of the disciplines that converge in the creation of worlds for audience of the past and present. Lectures and participation in live theatre will help the students to become aware of how the arts, sciences and humanities come together in the creation of live performance

This course will help students recognize a bias toward the end product of theatre - the performance. Through the analysis of each technical aspect, students will recognize the components that make up the modern performance. Through analysis papers and classroom lectures the student’s thinking about the art form will be influenced to reflect a multi-step approach that makes up the final performance.

This course will begin to help students recognize how aspects of technical theatre can be used to manipulate and influence the audience’s interpretation of a play. Through the analysis of each technical aspect, students will be able recognize how a director of a play or film or television commercial is hoping to influence their audience.

Intro to Technical Theatre

Instructor: Herb Garman

Val A. Browning Center Room 105B: Office hours by appointment.

herbgarman@weber.edu (please include (THEA 1053) in the subject heading)

Overview

Introduction to Technical Theatre is an introduction to the five primary technical production components of theatre including scenery, lighting, costume, properties and sound. The course will use lecture, classroom demonstration, text and supplemental materials to explore these areas. Students are expected to attend theatre performances outside of regularly scheduled class time. This course is recommended for non-theatre majors and minors.

Course Materials

Required Text: Drew Campbell: Technical Theatre for Non-Technical People

Other Materials: Course syllabus, classroom lecture PowerPoint presentations, technical terms with definitions, study guides and other supplemental materials will be posted on Blackboard.

Objectives

1. To gain an understanding of the technical aspects of theatre or other live productions and how they support the overall goals of the production.

2. To be able to perform an in-depth analysis of the different technical elements and how each contributes to the overall production

3. To be able to write a brief analysis of one technical component of a theatrical or other live production and one complete analysis of a theatrical production covering all five technical elements using the knowledge of gained from class room lectures, demonstrations, text and terms.

4. To be able to participate in classroom conversations about daily material and productions.

Definitions - Five Technical Elements

Lighting Design and Technology – The study of the basic elements of lighting design and technologies that are used by designers to enhance the action of the stage. Shadows, colors, angle, mood and setting will be discussed in addition to different forms of lighting instruments and their use within the design.

Costume Design and Technology – The study of costume types and construction techniques used by designers to shape characters on the stage. How costume styles, types and quality affect our perception of characters is covered in these sections.

Scenery Design and Construction – The study of the design techniques and technologies used to create and build the stage elements that give a physical life to the production. Components such as flats, platforms, revolves, drops and painting techniques will be studied.

Sound Design – The study of the interaction of sound within a theatrical production and how it used by the designer to influence moods, emotions and perceptions in support of the director’s concepts.

Stage Properties – The study of stage properties and their use in development of characters, stage settings and the depth and believability of the overall scenic design. Design, construction and acquisition of properties will also be covered in this section

Papers

Two papers are required for the course. The first is an analysis of one technical aspect of a live production. The second is an in-depth analysis all five elements of a theatrical production.

Term Paper – In-depth analysis of a live theatrical production – 4-5 page paper on the technical aspects of a WSU theater program production. The paper should include detailed descriptions / critiques of ALL five aspects of scenery, properties, lighting, costuming, and sound as well as any other technical aspects you feel are pertinent.

The paper should include a title page, be original*, typed/printed, double spaced, single sided and represent the standards of university work. Margins shall be no more then one inch on any side. Twelve-(12) point font is the largest font accepted. Hard copies of the term papers are required and need to be “checked in” with the instructor no later than November 24 at (time). Electronic copies of the paper will not be accepted.

Paper is due on November 24 by (time)

Papers may be turned in before the due date.
10 percent (one letter grade) will be subtracted from the grade of late papers for each day the paper is late. There are no exceptions.

Single Element Analysis – 2-3 page paper on one technical aspect of a live performance. The paper should include detailed description / critique of one of five technical aspects selected from scenery, properties, lighting, costuming or sound. The paper is due no later then October 21. Papers may be turned in early. Electronic papers will not be accepted. 10 percent (one letter grade) will be subtracted from the grade of late papers for each day the paper is late. There are no exceptions. See the section above for paper format.

Exams and Quizzes

The course is broken up into three sections. Each section is followed by an exam. While there is not a single cumulative exam, material from previous exams may be covered on current exams. The exams are primarily made up of multiple choice and true false questions. They will be 50 questions each. Short answers and/or essay questions may also be used. The exams make up 45% of the final grade. NO MAKE UP EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN. In special circumstances a “pre-test” may arranged with the instructor.

There will be 5 quizzes scattered throughout the semester. Some will be posted on Blackboard and completed online and others will be completed in class. Quizzes will be in true/false, multiple choice or short answer formats. Quizzes account for 10% of the final grade.

Theatre Tours

The class will do an in-depth tour of the performance spaces in the Browning Center. During the tour we will discuss theatre architecture and its influence on the production and presentation styles, look at technical controls and system backstage and visit areas such as the costume and scenery production shops. During the tours please wear closed toes shoes such as athletic shoes or boots and clothing that you do not mind getting a bit dusty. The tours will be broken into three groups so that smaller groups have the opportunity to see and explore during the tours. See the class schedule for dates for the tour assigned by last name.

Class Communication

Communication between the students and instructor outside of class is primarily through Weber State University email. (If WSU email is not your system of choice, please be certain to utilize the forwarding feature.) Office hours are by appointment by emailing the instructor. The syllabus, course documents, study guides and other class materials will be posted on Blackboard. Class notifications, changes and other information will be sent by email. Please check your email daily.

Misc. Course Policies

Attendance in class is required as tests are primarily based on lectures and classroom demonstrations.
Attending two WSU DPA Theatre productions is required. Tests will include information from the performances. Students must purchase tickets before the performances at the Student Union Information desk or the Dee Event Center Ticket office. The shows will sell out quickly so get your tickets in advance.
Turn off all cell phones before class. Any person with a ringing cell phone will be asked to leave for the day. This includes exams. Text messaging is also not allowed as it creates a disturbance to those around you.
Please arrive on time as the class will begin on time. If you are going to be more then 15 minutes late to class, please do not attend. Your late entrance disturbs the class
Do not leave the class early unless you have made prior arrangements. Take care of all personal matter before you enter the classroom. If you leave for any reason, please do not return as your exit and entrance creates a disturbance within the classroom.
During examination periods, two pencils and something to write on will be allowed. Electronic devices (including cell phones, PDAs or music players), food or beverages of any kind will not be allowed during the exam periods. Backpacks will remained closed at all time.

Grading Scale

Exams: 45%

*WSU Student Code

According to the WSU Student Code, Students must maintain academic ethics and honesty. To this end, the following activities are specifically prohibited:

4) Knowingly obtaining, using, buying, selling, transporting, or soliciting in whole or in part the contents of any test without authorization of the appropriate University official

B. Plagiarism, which is the unacknowledged (uncited) use of any other person’s or group’s ideas or work. This includes purchased or borrowed papers;

C. Collusion, which is the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing work offered for credit.

Infractions of the Student Code will result in a failing grade for the semester.

Any Student requiring accommodations or services due to a disability must contact Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) in Room 181 of the Student Service Center. SSD can also arrange to provide materials (including this syllabus) in alternative formats if necessary.

WSU provides students with a process for grievances against faculty (PPM 6-23 - 6-33). Students may seek resolution, which involves filing written formal complaints and various hearings committees. For academic disputes direct students to the due process officer Dr. Frank Guliuzza, 626-6698 for behavioral disputes direct students to the Dean of Student Life, Dr. Jeffrey Hurst, 626-7897.

Complaints about student grades should be handled first between the instructor and the student. If the dispute cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of both parties, then the student may discuss this issue with the program director or the department chair.

In an effort to prevent student complaints about grades, faculty are encouraged to announce evaluation criteria to students and to publish grade weights and due dates in their syllabi.

The syllabus is subject to change during the semester. Notification will be given before any change(s) occur. Please see classroom communication for more information about notification methods.

Sept. 2 Theatre Architecture – Theater spaces and how they affect the production

16 Stage Mechanics / Effects (Film: Real Big Things: KA) – Modern technology and its use on the stage