Stage Craft
&
Production
Are You Interested in Working Behind the Scenes?
Are you interested in working backstage or being part of the technical crew for theatrical productions and events? If so, the Stage Technology Pathway will provide hands-on, on-the-job training for entry level work or college major in technical theatre. Students will learn theatre safety, set design and construction, and participate as stage crew for productions and events at Westlake High School.
Theatre 1
This course presents a basic understanding of contemporary theatre and its historical roots. Students will engage in physical warm-ups and activities, scene study, monologue work, technical theatre, improvisation, auditioning, and journaling. Instruction is given in theatre history and dramatic literature from the ancient Greek to present. Students will have the opportunity to view extracurricular theatrical productions and design, produce, or perform scenes or plays from a variety of theatrical periods and styles, including Shakespearean and contemporary realism. Students will also have a chance to employ the tools, techniques, and leadership skills of theatre through film/video, and electronic media, as well as, problem solve by making choices in artistic and technical fields of the play or a production of a theatrical work. Regular reading, written evaluations, and critiques will be required.
Technical Theatre
This course will introduce the student to what goes on behind the scenes of the theatre, in all technical aspects: lights, sound, set construction, costuming, properties, rigging, and stage management. Students are responsible for creating the technical aspects of school theatre productions, as would be expected in a professional theatre company, and performing the following duties: writing and implementing budgets, creating designs and bringing them to fruition for each production, creating and interpreting lighting and sound plots, color renderings, and completing script analysis on various types of scripts throughout the history of theatrical traditions. Students will be placed on various technical crews, working with other students collaboratively to accomplish specific creative goals geared toward theatrical productions, and creating a community where ideas can be shared positively. Through the knowledge gained of the subject matter, students will also be expected to self-reflect, critique work of others, and put together multimedia presentations representing works of various theatrical traditions studied. The student will leave this course with a general understanding of the subject, demonstrating the ability to use technical vocabulary in their chosen area of expertise, learn proper safety, protocol, and etiquette, and give students the confidence to work for community or professional organizations in theatre. Prerequisite course: Theatre 1
Stage Craft
Stagecraft introduces students to the fundamental elements and principals of technical theater through hands on learning. This course includes an overview of professional theater and associated labor unions. Students will learn the functions of the creative team, production staff, technicians, and stage crew. Basic elements of scene construction, design concepts, theatrical lighting, sound technologies, and stage management will be introduced and assessed through practical application
Prerequisite course: Technical Theatre
Honors Stage Production
Honors Stage Production introduces students to the elements of design with a concentration on proper techniques of drafting ground plans and other design drawings. Included is the design of a final project. Students will understand the advanced functions of a stage manage by including terminology, skills, and tools. Students will be able to competently stage manage a theatrical production and properly execute the skills, functions, and duties required by a stage manager during the production meetings, rehearsal periods, and performance.
Prerequisite course: Stage Craft
Lead Teacher: Tara Krisch tkrisch@conejousd.org
Continuing Education and Training
Moorpark College has a program that allow students to continue their education and training after high school in Theatre Arts, For more information about these programs use the link below.