Chabot College
Fall 2010
Course Outline for Theater Arts 20
INTRODUCTION TO DESIGN FOR THE THEATER
Catalog Description:
20 – Introduction to Design for the Theater
3 units
(May be repeated 2 times)
Introduction to the techniques and theories of designing for theatrical productions. Each semester
course will focus on some of the major areas of design in theater, i.e., lighting, sets, costumes,
sound, make-up. Recommended for non-drama as well as drama majors. 3 hours lecture, 1 hour
laboratory.
[Typical contact hours: lecture 52.5, laboratory, 17.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course students should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Demonstrate some ability to use some of the tools appropriate to area of design studied.
Demonstrate some ability in creating drawings to represent design ideas.
Discuss in front of a group their own ideas as pertains to a design they have created.
Work collaboratively and individually on creating designs appropriate for theatrical production.
Conceptualize and articulate design ideas based on the reading of a theatrical text.
Critically evaluate the design work of other students as well as professionals.
Course Content (Lecture):
1. Presentation of design tools.
2. Drawing
a. Perspective
b. Color
c. Scale
d. Abstract Expression
e. Emotional connection
3. Multiple presentations of ideas and completed projects.
4. Group discussion and work on design ideas leading to presentations.
5. Reading of plays with the intention of designing for them.
6. Discussion with class and instructor about presentations given by other students as well as
the critical evaluation of presentations of professional work and the viewing of outside
productions.
Course Content (Laboratory):
1.
2.
3.
4.
Work with design tools.
Practice drawing
Build scale models.
View live performances.
Chabot College
Course Outline for Theater Arts 20, Page 2
Fall 2010
Methods of Presentation:
1. Hands-on use of various design and building tools such as pencil and paper, scale ruler,
model building materials.
2. Lectures, demonstrations and discussions on design theories and techniques
3. Viewing of slides and images of various designs.
4. Presentation of projects followed by critiques from instructor and other students.
5. Viewing and analyzing work of professional designs on video and live.
6. Reading and analysis of plays and essays on design.
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Go to a public place and observe structural, clothing and lighting; write observations
b. Read a play and create a concept for design in a particular area of design for that play.
c. Write a review of a live theatrical performance, with particular attention given specific
design elements.
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Grading of presentations of design concepts.
b. Grading of verbal, written and material presentations of fully developed designs involving
drawings, models, recordings, light plots, etc.
c. Judgment of participation in class projects.
d. Grades should be assigned and communicated as soon as possible after prepared work
is done. Participation grade should be made known to student at least once in the middle
of the semester.
e. Final examination or project
Textbook(s) Typical:
Proof by David Auburn, Faber and Faber 2001
A View From the Bridge by Arthur Miller, Penguin Plays 1988
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, the Pelican Shakespeare 2001
Fences by August Wilson, Samuel French, Inc. 1986
These are plays in which the writing does not alter over time. There is no significant reason for
having the most current publication of these plays, and in some cases, one more current than five
years does not exist.
Special Student Materials:
Drawing pad, graph paper, scale ruler, pencils, tape measure, model building materials.
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