ARTS 120 - Technical Theater Production

3 Credits: (3 lecture)

Course Description
This course will introduce the fundamentals of theatrical lighting, sound, and staging elements. Students will have an opportunity for hands-on backstage experience with the production of performing arts events at the Succop Theater.

Text
Carver, Rita Kogler. Stagecraft Fundamentals. 3rd ed. New York: Taylor, 2019. Print.

Objectives
The student will be able to:

A. Identify basic stage elements.

B. Read a professional lighting plot.

C. Hang, circuit and focus theatrical lighting instruments.

D. Read and implement an audio input list and stage plot. 

E. Operate the counter-weighted fly rail system.

F. Patch and operate the lighting and sound consoles.

G. Operate the follow spot.

H. Learn and practice stage etiquette and safety procedures.

I. Assist visiting artists and performers with load-in, load-out and production elements.

Content
A. Stage elements: stage directions and terminology, stage etiquette, safety

B. Stage lighting: instruments, lighting plots, console operation

C. Sound reinforcement: microphones, placement, cabling, connections and console operation

D. Fly rail operation

E. Load-in/load-out procedures

Student Evaluation
Evaluation is based on quizzes, group projects, 24 hours of working backstage in addition to regular class hours and a final exam.

Bibliography
American Theatre. EBSCOhost Academic Search Premier. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.

Brewster, Karen, and Melissa Shafer. Fundamentals of Theatrical Design: A Guide to the Basics of Scenic, Costume, and Lighting Design. New York: Skyhorse, 2011. ProQuest ebrary. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.

Carter, Paul. The Backstage Handbook: An Illustrated Almanac of Technical Information. 3rd ed. Louisville: Broadway, 1994. Print.

Front of House: FOH. Timeless Communications. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.

Ingham, Rosemary. From Page to Stage: How Theatre Designers Make Connections between Scripts and Images. Portsmouth: Heinemann, 1998. Print.

Lighting and Sound America. PLASA Media, Inc. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.

Pinnell, William H. Theatrical Scene Painting: A Lesson Guide. Carbondale: Southern Illinois UP, 2008. EBSCOhost eBook Collection. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.

United States Institute of Theatre Technology. USITT. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.

Webb, Duncan M. Running Theaters: Best Practices for Leaders and Managers. New York: Skyhorse, 2005. ProQuest ebrary. Web. 23 February 2016.