Instructor: Patrick Toebe

Office: Art 149

Phone: 239-3132

Office Hours: Thursday 1:00-2:00 and by appointment E-mail: ptoebe@ccsf.edu

This is a work experience class. This means that you get credit for the work you do based on the number of hours you do. For each unit of credit you sign up for you must complete an average of 5 hours a week. (1 credit = 85 hours, 2 credits = 170 hours, 3 credits = 255 hours) . These hours can be done on a regular weekly schedule (eg. 11-4 every Monday) or in a more condensed time (eg. crewing a show) based upon your schedule and the task you choose to take on.

So what kind of task can you take on?

This is based on your interest and goals. Here are a few examples:

• Work as crew on a show. You could run lights, sound, or video for one of out student productions. In this case, you would do your hours in a very condensed time. But just like the actors in the show, you commit to ALL technical rehearsals and performances of that play.
• Be the props coordinator for a departmental production. In this case you would find or build the props need for a production based on the needs of the show.
• Work as part of the set crew. In this case you would set up a regular schedule and assist in the construction and painting of sets for a departmental production.
• Lighting crew. You would work with our lighting designer to hang, focus and program lighting for a department show
• Costuming. You would work with our costume designer in the build and maintenance of costumes for a departmental production
• Work for a theatre company outside of CCSF. In this case you would set up a with a theatre company to work with and do your required hours with them. The hours must be completed during the semester. Any area of production could be considered for this: sets, costumes, lights, sound, and any front of house work.

These are just examples. If you have a particular interest or need, we can come up with something that fits you and your goals. Don’t worry if you do not think you have the skills task you choose. I will train you. That is what we do here!

What is the next step?

You will need to discuss with me your goals and your availability and we agree upon a project. This can be done in person, over the phone or through email. I will be on campus 9-4 Monday-Friday this week. Let me know when is a good time to get in touch. My office is in the hallway behind the Diego Rivera Theatre, A-149. It is best to set up a time if you wan to meet in person. I am often on other parts of the the campus or in the shop/onstage away from my desk. If we have already discussed your project, please send me an email confirming what you are planning to do.

Rules, Policies, Expectations

Textbook None

Attendance Your times and dates of attendance will be based on your assignment and the number of units you are working towards. For every unit of credit you must do a minimum average of 5 hours of work in the shop, rehearsal room, and/or the theatre. The location of you work will depend upon your assignment.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course a student will be able to:

A. Demonstrate competency in the techniques of theatre production including: construction of stage scenery, hanging, rigging and focusing lighting equipment, building and selecting stage properties, playback and reinforcement of sound effects, voices, and music, scenic painting techniques, and stage managing productions.

B. Categorize and utilize basic theatre equipment including: hand and power tools, theatrical lighting fixtures and control systems, theatre rigging systems

C. Prepare paperwork necessary to a production including cue sheets, prop lists,, shift plots, and prompt books

Your Assignment

Your assignment will come out of a meeting with your instructor, based on your educational goals and your theatre experience.

Typical Assignments

Stage Manage a production

As a stage manager, you will work with the director of the play. You will be expected to attend rehearsals, create a prompt book with blocking and cuing notes and attend production meetings. During the tech rehearsal/performance part of the production, you will work with technical staff and faculty to organize the cast, and call the cues for the show. This is a time intensive activity! For the tech/performance portion alone expect to work over 70 hours. The amount of time spent at rehearsals will vary but expect at least another 80 hours

Light Board Operator, Sound Board Operator, Deck Crew, Follow Spot Operator

For these tasks, you will be trained to operate the appropriate equipment. You will be trained to operate the appropriate equipment (e.g. Sound board, light board, etc). Once trained, you will be required to attend ALL tech rehearsals, dress rehearsals, performances, and the strike of the set. You may also need to help set up the equipment. Expect to work at least 85 hours on this assignment.

Shop Work

You can work either in the scene shop or costume shop and assist in the construction of sets or costumes. The number of units you can attain depends upon the number of hours you expect to work in this area. These hours can be earned by working a regular schedule throughout the semester or working more intensely for a shorter period. If working in the costume area, you may also help during tech/production week. You will work a MINMUM of 5 hours per week for each unit of credit.

Other assignments can be created based on your discussion with your instructor. Examples include: Props manager, design assistant, assistant stage manager.

Special Needs

I encourage any student with special needs to (e.g. learning/physical disabilities) to approach me and discuss your needs in confidence. You should also register with and be evaluated by the Disabled Students Program Services (DSPS) before any special considerations can be given. Grading Your grade will be assigned after an evaluation of your work and attendance by your