Concentrator Course

Stage Technology

Theater Production Arts provides instruction and training for students interested in stage design, promotion, and production. Students that achieve competency in this course will develop skills in stagecraft design and will be prepared for entry-level employment. Entry-level positions include set decorator, graphic artist, set designer, and assistant art director. Instruction and hands-on experience includes set architecture, design elements, photoshop, silkscreen, stage management, lighting design, costume design, make-up application and video production.

This yearlong course is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of theatrical design with hands-on experience in production. Students will gain skills in a variety of areas as they study plays, work on projects individually and in groups, and build expertise to support school productions. Students will be exposed to set design, construction, lighting, camera technique, sound, fly, house and backstage operations. The focus of this course will be on a wide variety of production skills and the complete technical operation of the theatre.

Students will learn research methods, organizational skills, time management and the skills needed to create everything from posters to props. Students will learn about the background of the theatre in different cultures, appropriate styles of clothing, ornamentation and decoration. They will also learn to use theatrical and artistic vocabulary in a working environment. Students will practice the use of basic drafting skills towards set construction, color and materials in scene painting as they study and implement the basic principles of design.

Training and instruction will be provided for the safe use of hand and power tools to construct the sets. Students will work in small groups to problem-solve, working to complete specific tasks and large productions. Students with experience will take more responsibility, managing groups, delegating tasks, and coordinating their efforts with other departments. All will learn to work in conjunction with a large group with one goal. They will assist in the production of various performances, cultural events, and presentations in the theater.

CAPSTONE Course

Advanced Stage Technology

Advanced Stage Technology is the culminating/capstone course in the CTE pathway for Stage Technology. The class will build on the skills developed in the Stage Technology Concentrator course to include design in a variety of dance, music, or theatrical performances.

Students will use analytical skills to interpret literary material to create a design concept. Students will be familiar with design elements, drafting techniques, computer software and modeling skills necessary to prepare designs and models of theatrical sets. They will be trained to interpret mechanical drawings to safely use apporpriate power equipment to construct sets based on artist's designs. They will also become familiar with the diverse array of production materials and techniquest used to augment live theatrial production. 

Advanced Stage Technology is a hands-on, practical class where students engage in professional level skills utilized in the professional industry. Common Core State Standards and Career Technical Education Standards align with each unit and include safety, communication, technology, ethics, and career planning skills.