Technical Theater and Design Class Syllabus
(abbreviated - full Syllabus available by request)
Course Description:
Technical Theater and Design is a year-long class designed to give Upper School students a clear understanding of the ins and outs of Technical Theatre and Design, covering ALL technical elements that create a physical production with the Cape Fear Academy Theatre Department. The term Technical Theatre covers EVERY element of backstage production from Set Design and Construction, through to Drafting Design Plans, Lighting/Sound Design opportunities and Costume Building and Prop Construction.
*Honors Students return to this class with a higher expectation of craftsmanship, self-motivation, work ethic and dedication to the design process. (See HONORS EXPECTATIONS ON PAGE 3)
Students will be graded on practical design assignments, project-based tasks on a per-show basis and the successful participation of scenic design builds for the four Theatre Department productions throughout the season. Students who take this course will investigate the varied skills and responsibilities of the artistic and production staff who support the actors on stage. Students will also learn how to safely and proficiently use hand and power tools commonly used in theater as well as other theatre specific technology and equipment. These skill areas cover:
Basic scenery construction (building flats, platforms, etc.)
Scenic painting (using brushes, rollers and sprayers)
Set, costume, prop, sound and lighting design techniques
Creating sketches, models (3D and White Card), and architectural scale drawings, etc.
Various other skills (sewing, simple electrical wiring, basic rigging etc.)
For all of our productions to be successful, it will require the help of all our technical theater students. Naturally, all our classes will be engaged in working on productions during our class periods as a means of teaching the required skills for Technical Theater Arts. Everything that is created in the technical theatre and design class IS USED IN OUR PRODUCTIONS.
Critical Understandings:
Students will be able to analyze a play’s script and determine an original concept for the ‘setting’ of its production.
Students will be able to recognize and determine the appropriate staging techniques for mounting a specific production.
Students will utilize historical, conceptual, and design research to create their show’s ‘concept’
Students will garner an understanding for the Style, Composition, Color, and Design of specific Scenic Elements that are used to create a production concept.
Students will utilize Thumbnail Sketches, Renderings, and Drafting to complete a set of drawings ready for the creation of a show’s Scenic Design.
Students will utilize 3D model-making techniques to produce a Functional White Card Production Set Model for a play.
Students will utilize industry-standard set construction techniques to assist in building scenic elements during CFA Theatre production builds.
Students will gain a clear understanding of basic lighting terms, instrument use, and lighting techniques to aid in the overall concept of a production.
Students will gain an appreciation of the importance of sound design, effects, mic’s and sound reinforcement to aid the overall concept of a production.
Students will utilize critical thinking in regards to designing practical scenic elements that fit a show's concept representative of setting, period, tone, practicality, and aesthetic purpose.
Honors Expectations:
An Honors level grade CAN be earned with the successful completion of the following high expectations:
Display a consistently high level of motivation in class throughout the year
Exhibit a strong leadership role in mentoring on-level students during set construction
Present an enthusiasm to produce the highest quality of craftsmanship during construction
Nurture a persistence to always explore new concepts and techniques during the design process
Honors level students are expected to sustain a tenacious desire to gain a high level of competency and mastery and will be expected to prove that mastery through a series of practical assessments.
Participate in the end-of-year USITT High School Technical Theatre BACKstage Exam
Course Outline Overview:
The Creative Team reserves the right to amend and revise the following syllabus based on the needs of the class and of the school’s scheduling procedures.
Unit 1 - Theatre Venue and Personnel, Production Sequence and Backstage Etiquette
Unit 2 - Lighting, Sound and Rigging Basics
Unit 3 - Tools, Safety and the Scene Shop
Unit 4 - Fall Production Build
Unit 5 - Winter Play Production Build
Unit 6 - US Musical Production Build
Unit 7 - MS Musical Production Build
Grading Breakdown:
In-Class Design Assignments / Notes 20%
Scene Shop Safety and Etiquette 20%
Fall Production Build 10%
Winter Play Production Build 10%
US Musical Production Build 10%
MS Musical Production Build 10%
Student Self-Evaluations and Reflections (+ USITT BACKstage Exam - Honors ONLY) 20%
Grade Total: 100%