Advanced Technical Theatre

Weekly Objective

·       Understand and use processes and techniques of technical theatrical production

Advanced Technical Theatre                 Amber Harrington

harriam@tulsaschools.org         

Course objective:  Advanced Tech. Theatre (stagecraft) is designed to acquaint you with the basic backstage skills required to plan and produce scenery, lighting, and sound for the theatre. We will concentrate primarily on scenic and costume construction techniques but we will also discuss topics in lighting, sound, and properties. 

Outside Class Requirements:

Stagecraft does require some time and work outside of class.  As a requirement for each semester you must:

·       See ALL Eagle Theatre productions. 

·      You must work crew for a minimum of two events per semester and work the crew for one production.

Shop Safety:

Your personal safety is the highest consideration in Tech. Theatre class. If misused, the tools we operate in class can cause severe injury, even death. To provide the safest working environment in the shop, the following rules will be strictly enforced:

·       Wear closed-toe, low-heel shoes. No open-toed shoes or shoes with high heels. Tennis shoes are OK, boots are preferred.

·       Jewelry must be removed before operating any machinery

·       Long hair must be tied up away from the face

·       Eye protection must be worn when operating any motor-driven tools

·       Medications. You must not use any tools if you are taking medicines that affect your ability to operate the tools safely. (For example, many cold medications cause drowsiness.)

·       Do not work in the shop alone.

·       Wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. – If you wish, you can bring a set of paint/work clothes and leave them at school.

-If you come to class dressed inappropriately, you will not be allowed to participate and you will be given a 0 for that class meeting.

-Any purposefully dangerous behavior that threatens the safety of anyone in the shop will result in your being expelled from the class. DO NOT horse around or use the tools for any purposes for which they are not designed.

Attendance:

The best insurance you can give yourself for earning a good grade in Stagecraft is to attend every class meeting and participate in the projects. 

How to do Well in Stagecraft:

Attend class and be willing to get involved. If you attend class but are habitually ill-prepared to participate in the discussions or are lethargic and lazy towards your shop work, it will adversely affect your grade. 

Turn your projects in on time. The theatre is a discipline that holds promptness as a virtue. Don't be late with anything.

Show off. It's not enough that the light goes on in your brain, you have to demonstrate your knowledge and skills. Demand perfection from yourself as you complete your projects. Don’t settle for less.

My Responsibilities:

    It is my responsibility as your teacher to give you good, accurate information and plenty of opportunities to expand your understanding of stagecraft. 

Classroom Decorum:

    It's also my responsibility to treat you with the respect to which you are entitled as a young adult. In return, I expect you to afford me and your classmates the same respect. In order to facilitate a positive learning environment for all students, a minimum level of mutual respect and decorum is necessary: 

    - Do not bring your cellular phones, iPods, and similar machines.

    - Do not bring food or drinks into the shop/theatre. 

-        If you must leave during class, notify me prior to the beginning of class.

Classroom Rules and Expectations

1. Tardies – you are tardy if you enter the auditorium or blackbox after the bell rings.

2. Have your supplies ready at the beginning of class

3. Check work assignments

4. Be Seen, Not Heard in the hallway.

5. Horseplay that results in unsafe practices can result in immediate referrals.

6. You may bring water to class

7. Be sure your paint clothes are always available for class- if they are not this will affect your grade

8. During construction and production of shows ALL SAFETY procedures MUST BE STRICTLY FOLLOWED!

9. If you leave the work area to which you are assigned for ANY REASON other than a pass from the office, you will receive an immediate referral to the office.

10. You will write a Weekly Work Report to document all the work you have done in class.  These will be due at the end of the period on Fridays. 

11. NO EAR BUDS

“Respect for Diversity: It is my intent that students from all diverse backgrounds and perspectives be well served by this course, that students’ learning needs be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity that students bring to this class be viewed as a resource, strength and benefit. It is my intent to present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity: gender, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, and culture. Your suggestions are encouraged and appreciated. Please let me know ways to improve the effectiveness of the course for you personally or for other students or student groups. In addition, if any of our class meetings conflict with your religious events, please let me know so that we can make arrangements for you.” 

By remaining enrolled in this course you agree to the expectations and guidelines set forth above.