New York City
U.S.A.
JAN 401
Broadway: Behind the Scenes
Broadway: Behind the Scenes
Travel dates: Friday, Jan. 10 - Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025
Contact:
Beckett Finn, bmf4@stmarys-ca.edu
3-CU
Upper Division Course
Prerequisites
Upper Division Course
Prerequisites
Attend at least 1 information session
Permission of the instructor
General Travel Requirements
Attend at least 1 Health & Safety Orientation (October)
Submit a valid passport (November)
Apply or renew no later than September for on-time delivery
Submit completed & signed health forms + proof of vaccination(s) (November)
Note: Failure to complete one or more of the above requirements will result in an immediate drop from the course. Once registered, all course fees are non-refundable.
Course Description
This course will explore what happens backstage of a Broadway show. We will travel to New York City, the capital of live theatre to attend multiple Broadway shows, get backstage tours of major theatres while learning from Broadway professionals and visit the shops where some of the biggest Broadway shows are built. We will explore every aspect of the technical designs of these shows but our emphasis will be on the moving scenery, automation, and special effects used in these shows. While on campus, we will have readings and lectures discussing the basics of moving scenery and special effects and, after our trip, students will have the opportunity to create their own scale version of a show complete with motorized pieces. This course will be a good fit for students who enjoy live entertainment and also those who enjoy tinkering/crafting/creating things with their hands.
Curriculum
Reading Materials
Scenic Automation Handbook
NYC Itinerary Highlights
8 Broadway shows
2-3 backstage tours of Broadway Theatres
Backstage Tour of Radio City Music Hall
Excursion to the shop where Broadway sets and automation packages are built (including a Q&A)
Museum of Broadway
Grading Breakdown
Quizzes/Homework 25%
Participation in group discussions/attendance 15%
Reflective Writings 30%
Final Automated Design Project 30%
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, the students will be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of various types of motion in theatrical productions through written assignments, quizzes, and practical demonstrations, and hands-on experimentation.
Analyze the use of stage mechanics in Broadway productions by writing a comparative analysis of at least two shows, focusing on the integration of automation and motion techniques, resulting in a written report.
Apply their knowledge of stage automation by designing and constructing a motorized set piece or prop, demonstrating proper use of relevant tools and techniques.
Evaluate the impact of stage automation on live performances through participation in group discussions and a reflective essay, demonstrating critical thinking and an ability to articulate insights gained from the travel component of the course.
Dates & Fees
Travel dates
January 10-19. This is only a travel period of nine days due to the high cost of housing and the high cost of seeing Broadway shows. In the days leading up to the trip, we will cover many of the basics of automated scenery with extensive reading and preparation. When we return form the trip, we will be able to put combine the theoretical lessons from the start of the term with the lived lessons in NYC resulting in an elaborate execution of automated scenery in real life
Tentative Class Meeting Schedule
January 3 – 9:15-11:55 – Begin discussions of backstage roles and design elements for the stage
January 6 – 9:15-11:55 – Discuss homework assignment and begin discussion of different types of motion and motion control
January 7 – 9:15-11:55 – Hands on construction of turntables, lifts, and actuators
January 8 – 9:15-11:55 – Continue hands-on models. Assign groups for final project.
January 9 – 9:15-11:55 – Work in light lab and on stage as group
January 10 – Flight to NYC
January 11 – 2 Broadway performances
January 12 – 1 Broadway performance
January 13 – 9:15-11:55 – Discuss previous performances. Radio City Music Hall backstage tour
January 14 –Museum of Broadway – Class discussion to follow. 1 Broadway performance
January 15 – Backstage Tour. Class discussion. 1 Broadway performance.
January 16 – Excursion to Hudson Scenic shop with lecture & Q&A. + 1 Broadway performance.
January 17 – 1 Broadway performance.
January 18 – 1 Broadway performance.
January 19 – Flight back to CA
January 21-24 – 9:15-11:55 – Group work on final projects. Final presentation on January 24.
Course Fee:
$3,000-$3,999
Specific course fee to be announced...
Learn about the Jan Term Travel Scholarship for additional funding!
The price includes hotel, airfare, all meals, metro cards for the subway, 8 Broadway shows, several backstage tours, museum admission, 3 group dinners, classroom rental, and automation trainee kits to be used for final project.
