Scope And Sequence

Design And Production Scope And Sequence 

Middle School 

6th Grade/Year One: 

Required: Explorations in Tech Theatre 1,2 (Semester), Explorations in Tech Theatre 1,2 (Yearlong)

7th Grade/Year Two: 

Required: Explorations in Tech Theatre 1,2 (Yearlong)

8th Grade/Year Three: 

Required: Explorations in Tech Theatre 1,2 (Yearlong)

High School

9th Grade:  

Technical Theatre 1,2 (CCAP Course - College Credit); Production & Performance

10th Grade: 

Technical Theatre 3,4; Production & Performance

11th Grade: 

Honors Technical Theatre 5,6; Artist in Residence (AIR) 1,2

12th Grade: 

Theatrical Management & Design 1,2; AIR 1,2

Design and Production CCAP offerings (CCAP may change year to year based on interest): 

Theater History 136; Beg Scene Painting 129A

Design and Production Elective offerings (Electives may change year to year based on interest): 

Arts Management 1,2; Theatrical Design 1,2

Course Descriptions

Middle School

Explorations in Tech Theatre 1,2 Semester

This introductory course covers the basic use and design of sets, costumes, lighting, make-up, props, sound, and special effects in theatre. Students learn shop safety and the principles of design.   They also are required to compare and connect theatre to other art forms and disciplines and to career exploration. 

Explorations in Tech Theatre 1,2 Yearlong

Expands on the use and design of sets, costumes, lighting, make-up, props, sound, and special effects in theatre. As the school year progresses, students are given opportunities to serve in technical capacities for school and classroom productions. They also are required to compare and connect theatre to other art forms and disciplines and to career exploration. Priority is given to technical theatre students for placement on school stage crews.  

High School

Technical Theatre 1,2

Students will create designs for sets, lights, costumes, and sound for school productions, including sketches, ground plans, renderings, color charts/swatches, and models. Students will investigate the history of theatre architecture and stage design. Problem-solving and working under pressure will be stressed.  

Technical Theatre 3,4

Students will create designs for sets, lights, costumes, and sound for school productions, including sketches, ground plans, renderings, color charts/swatches, and models. The Tech 3,4 students will work as crew chiefs and will supervise the Tech 1,2 students during construction and production. Students will investigate the history of theatre architecture and stage design. Problem-solving and working under pressure will be stressed.  

Technical Theatre 5,6

This course will further develop the concepts, skills, and techniques introduced in Technical Theatre 1, 2 and Technical Theatre 3, 4, emphasizing producing theatre. Throughout the year students will be required to research, analyze, and produce a theatrical performance from start to finish from the perspective of a producer, stage manager, technical director, and/or master carpenter. Students will analyze various texts from diverse historical and cultural perspectives to determine appropriate production requirements. Students will analyze and research previous theatrical productions and articulate through oral presentation and written analyses the impact of production choices on the overall aesthetic experience of the performance. Students will work alongside theatre production professionals to have applied working knowledge of the skills, decisions, and production timelines of professional working technicians. All students will (1) apply knowledge of safe and professional working practices and theatre etiquette to stage production, (2) create, read, and implement technical drawings for scenery, lighting, and rigging, (3) apply critical thinking and effective team relationships to solve complex theatre production challenges. Due to the nature of the production process, and as outlined in the California Department of Education State Standards, this class may require students to participate in extra rehearsals and performances beyond the school day.

Theatrical Management and Design 1,2

Theatrical Management and Design 1,2 is an advanced course in the Production and Managerial Arts pathway. This course offers the technical theatre student advanced studies in management and research and design. Building on the previous three years of training, students will lead theatrical productions from design to execution. Examples include pre-production duties, front-of-house operations, and creating design portfolios. Students will synthesize and evaluate the connection between theatre arts and the core curriculum to successfully pursue college and career paths in the industry.

Theatrical Design 1,2

This foundational course is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the various elements of theatrical design. It covers five major disciplines - Set, Costume, Props, Lights, and Sound Design, providing students with the opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of each area’s artistic and technical aspects. The course culminates in a practical application where students will apply their knowledge and creativity to design two aspects for a selected theatrical performance.

Production and Performance

This two-semester course allows students to take part in all aspects of production, both onstage and off-, as they participate in the tasks involved in bringing a show from concept to completion. Students are expected to work independently and in collaborative teams to carry out specific assignments, including publicity, design, technical theatre, acting, directing, front-of-house, backstage duties, and stage and production management. Special attention is paid to the creative, rehearsal, and performance processes and how to analyze and evaluate artistic work.

Artist in Residence (AIR) 1,2

The Artist in Residence course is designed to provide students with practical experience in the artistic and technical aspects of staging productions. This hands-on course requires active participation in the planning, designing, and execution of various productions, such as plays, musicals, concerts, and exhibitions throughout the school year. Students will learn teamwork, problem-solving, and practical skills related to various art forms.