Request for New Course
EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
DIVISION OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
REQUEST FOR NEW COURSE
DEPARTMENT: ___COMMUNICATION, MEDIA, & THEATRE ARTS_________________________
COLLEGE: ARTS AND SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT CONTACT: ____MELANIE SCHUESSLER
CONTACT PHONE:
7-0032
CONTACT EMAIL:
MSCHUESS@EMICH.EDU
____
A. Rationale/Justification for the Course
The Arts, Entertainment and Recreation industry is predicted to grow 15% by 2018 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (second
only to the field of Healthcare and Social Assistance). The impetus for creating this class in the Department of Communication, Media and
Theatre Arts is, quite simply, to capitalize on the growth of this field and create a multidisciplinary program of study that will give
students a solid foundation to work in today’s entertainment industry.
The Stage Manager plays a pivotal role in theatrical and event production. Stage management requires a high level of organization, extreme
attention to detail, a collaborative attitude, and an ability to multi-task. To learn the job, it is best for students to have in-class training as well
as production experience. For many years we have trained good stage managers through our production program and occasional special topics
classes. It is important that we structure and formalize the training of stage managers to strengthen the Theatre program at EMU, and allow our
students to take advantage of the many career opportunities for well-trained stage managers in the Entertainment Industry.
B. Course Information
1. Subject Code and Course Number:
CTAR 255
2. Course Title:
Stage Management
3. Credit Hours:
3
4. Catalog Description (Limit to approximately 50 words.):
Principles and practices of stage management, including rehearsal coordination, prompt book preparation and
director/designer/cast/crew relationships during the production process for theatre, musical theatre, and events.
Classroom instruction will be reinforced with practical experience. Students assistant-stage-manage for actual
productions and events during the semester and participate in rehearsals and performances.
5. Prerequisites: (List by Subject Code, Number and Title.) Students MUST complete prerequisites before they can take this course.
CTAR155 - Producing Theatre
6. Corequisites: (List by Subject Code, Number and Title.) Students MUST take corequisites at the same time as they are taking this course.
7. Concurrent Prerequisites: (List by Subject Code, Number and Title.) Students MUST take concurrent prerequisites EITHER before or at
the same time as they are taking this course.
Miller, New Course
Sept. 05
New Course Form
8. Equivalent Courses: (List by Subject Code, Number and Title) Students may not earn credit for both a course and its equivalent.
9. Course Restrictions:
a. Academic/Class Level (Check all those who will be allowed to take the course for credit within their academic program.):
Undergraduate
Graduate
Freshperson
X
Certificate
Sophomore
X
Masters
Junior
X
Specialist
Senior
X
Doctoral
Note: Only 400-level undergraduate courses can be taken by graduate students for credit within their graduate program. Only
Certificate and Masters students may take these courses. If this is a 400-level course to be offered for graduate credit, attach Approval
Form for 400-level Course for Graduate Credit.
Note: Only 500-level graduate courses can be taken by undergraduate students.
b. Will only students in certain majors/programs be allowed to take this course?
Yes
No
X
If yes, list the majors/programs
c. Will Departmental Permission be Required?
Yes
No
X
(Note: Department permission requires the department to enter authorization for every student registering.)
d. Is admission to a specific College Required?
College of Business
Yes
No
X
College of Education
Yes
No
X
10. Will the course be offered as part of the General Education Program?
Yes
No
X
If yes, attach Request for Inclusion of a Course in the General Education Program: Education for Participation in the Global Community form.
Note: All new courses proposed for inclusion in this program will be reviewed by the General Education Advisory Committee. If this course
is NOT approved for inclusion in the General Education program, will it still be offered? Yes
X
No
C. Relationship to Existing Courses
Within the Department:
11. Will this course will be a requirement or restricted elective in any existing program(s)? Yes
*It will be a restricted elective in the proposed Entertainment Design and Technology major and minor.
No
X*
If yes, list the programs and attach a copy of the programs that clearly shows the place the new course will have in the curriculum.
Program
Required
Restricted Elective
Program
Required
Restricted Elective
12. Will this course replace an existing course? Yes
No
X
NOTE: Complete #13 only if the answer to #12 is “Yes.” Complete #14 only if the answers to #12 and #13b are both “Yes.”
Page 2 of 7
New Course Form
13. (Complete only if the answer to #12 is “Yes.”)
a. Subject Code, Number and Title of course to be replaced:
b. Will the course to be replaced be deleted?
Yes
No
14. (Complete only if the answers to #12 and #13b are both “Yes.”) If the replaced course is to be deleted, it is not necessary to submit
a Request for Graduate and Undergraduate Course Deletion.
a. When is the last time it will be offered?
Term
Year
b. Is the course to be deleted required by programs in other departments?
Contact the Course and Program Development Office if necessary.
Yes
No
c. If yes, do the affected departments support this change?
Yes
No
If yes, attach letters of support. If no, attach letters from the affected department explaining the lack of support, if available.
Outside the Department: The following information must be provided. Contact the Course and Program Development office for
assistance if necessary.
15. Are there similar courses offered in other University Departments?
If yes, list courses by Subject Code, Number and Title
Yes
No
X
16. If similar courses exist, do the departments in which they are offered support the proposed course?
Yes
No
If yes, attach letters of support from the affected departments. If no, attach letters from the affected department explaining the lack of support,
if available.
D. Course Requirements
17. Attach a detailed Sample Course Syllabus including:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
Course goals, objectives and/or expected student outcomes
Outline of the content to be covered
Student assignments including presentations, research papers, exams, etc.
Method of evaluation
Grading scale (if a graduate course, include graduate grading scale)
Special requirements
Bibliography, supplemental reading list
Other pertinent information.
NOTE: COURSES BEING PROPOSED FOR INCLUSION IN THE EDUCATION FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE GLOBAL
COMMUNITY PROGRAM MUST USE THE SYLLABUS TEMPLATE PROVIDED BY THE GENERAL EDUCATION
ADVISORY COMMITTEE. THE TEMPLATE IS ATTACHED TO THE REQUEST FOR INCLUSION OF A COURSE IN THE
GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAM: EDUCATION FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY FORM.
Page 3 of 7
New Course Form
E. Cost Analysis (Complete only if the course cannot be implemented without additional University resources.
Fill in Estimated
Resources for the sponsoring department(s). Attach separate estimates for other affected departments.)
Based upon current enrollment trends, our instructional resources (faculty, staff, full/part-time lecturers), equipment, and
established course offering patterns are sufficient to add this course to the theatre curriculum.
Estimated Resources:
Year One
Year Two
Year Three
Faculty / Staff
$_________
$_________
$_________
SS&M
$_________
$_________
$_________
Equipment
$_________
$_________
$_________
Total
$_________
$_________
$_________
F. Action of the Department/College
1. Department
Vote of department faculty:
For ____29______
Against _____0_____
(Enter the number of votes cast in each category.)
Department Head Signature
Abstentions ____0______
8/21/12
Date
2. College/Graduate School
A. College
College Dean Signature
Date
B. Graduate School (if Graduate Course)
Graduate Dean Signature
Date
G. Approval
Associate Vice-President for Academic Programming Signature
Date
Page 4 of 7
New Course Form
Introduction to Stage Management
CTAR 255
Professor
Jeromy Hopgood
Quirk 100
jhopgood@emich.edu
487-0030
Office Hours
Monday-Thursday 11:00-1:00
or by appointment
Text
The Backstage Guide to Stage Management, 2nd ed. by Thomas Kelly
Recommended supplemental text: Stage Management Forms and Formats by Barbara Dilker
coursepack
Bring text and coursepack with you to each class.
Supplies
Your script or score (you incur copying costs)
2 1/2 or 3-inch-wide 3-Ring binder (I recommend D-Ring type)
15 index pages
Small flashlight (must hang from neck or belt, or fit in back pocket), small mag light recommended
You must have flashlight with you at first technical rehearsal!!!
Course Description
Principles and practices of stage management, including rehearsal coordination, prompt book preparation and director/designer/cast/crew
relationships during the production process for theatre, musical theatre, and events. Classroom instruction will be reinforced with practical
experience. Students assistant-stage-manage for actual productions and events during the semester; participate in rehearsals and performances.
Course Outcomes
Students will understand the process of theatrical and event production from preproduction through closing including: preproduction meetings,
preparing for first rehearsal, staging rehearsals, preparing for technical rehearsals, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, previews,
performances and closing. Students will apply the organizational and procedural methods presented to facilitate and enhance the collaborative
process of production.
Assignments and Grading
Readings / Assignments are due Monday of the week unless otherwise noted. 50% of your grade consists of class participation and the
execution of assignments for class, including the reading. (Please note: if I think you are not reading the book, I will quiz you!) The journal is
almost 1/2 of this 50%. The other 50% consists of your execution of your assistant stage management assignment. (Of course there is overlap
of these two experiences)
Points
50
150
200
50
50
500
1000
Assignment
Organized Production Book
Production Analysis
Journal
Blocking Notes
Floor Taping
Assistant Stage Management Assignment
Total divided by 10 will be your final grade
ALSO:
If ASMing, print and KEEP a hard copy of all rehearsal notes sent through email by your stage manager.
If ASMing, make sure you have all tech paperwork generated by your SM team including but not limited to Prop Preset Plot and Diagrams,
Cast Running Sheet, Master Cue Sheet, other cue sheets. If you create tech paperwork, turn it in to me for extra credit.
You must keep a journal (20%) with entries for each time you are in or observe rehearsal or performance. Log the happenings of that
particular rehearsal or performance. If participating, write about what you did in rehearsal or performance and CRITIQUE YOURSELF.
Write about what your stage manager did and analyze what you observe. If observing, see additional information on Observation
Requirements page. The journal must be typed and proofread.
You must assist in the floor taping (5%) of the ground plan of a show this semester.
Practical Application Component:
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New Course Form
Options 1 and 2:
You must assistant stage manage a Mainstage or Laboratory Theatre show this semester. Assignments are made by
me in consultation with TED faculty/staff, with consideration given to your schedule and preference. Please note it
may not be possible to assign you to your first choice, but I will try.
Option 3:
You will observe stage managers in rehearsal and performance several times. See Explanation Form for more detail.
Absence Policy
All students are allowed 2 unexcused absences. For each additional absence, grade penalties will be assessed. Each subsequent absence will
earn a 1/3 letter grade reduction. Since attendance counts heavily to your final grade, it is strongly advised not to miss classes.
Disability Policy
If you wish to be accommodated for your disability, EMU Board of Regents Policy 8.3 requires that you first register with the Students with
Disabilities Office (SDO) in 240 EMU Student Center. You may contact SDO by telephone (734.487.2470). Students with disabilities are
encouraged to register with the SDO promptly as you will only be accommodated from the date you register with them forward. No retroactive
accommodations are possible.
Plagiarism/Cheating
Academic dishonesty, including all forms of cheating, falsification, and/or plagiarism, will not be tolerated in this course. Penalties for an act
of academic dishonesty may range from receiving a failing grade for a particular assignment to receiving a failing grade for the entire course.
In addition, you may be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards for discipline that can result in either a suspension
or permanent dismissal. The Student Conduct Code contains detailed definitions of what constitutes academic dishonesty, but if you are not
sure about whether something you are doing would be considered academic dishonesty, consult with the course instructor. You may access the
Code online at: www.emich.edu/student conduct.
Schedule
WEEK 1
W
1/5
Explanation of Course, Getting Started
Read Text Intros, Chapters 1, 2, and 4 - Read Twice
WEEK 2
M
1/10
Preproduction
Read Coursepack through Organizational Structure page
W
1/13
Preproduction
WEEK 3
M
1/17
MLK DAY – NO CLASS
W
1/19
Preproduction
Review Chapters 2 & 4, Read Chapter 5 then 3
Your Organized Production Book Due (5%)
WEEK 4
M
1/24
Preparing for First Rehearsal
Production Analysis Due (15%) Scene Breakdown
W
1/26
Preparing for First Rehearsal
WEEK 5
M
1/31
Preparing for First Rehearsal
Review Chapter 5
W
2/2
Taping the Floor
Contact Sheet w/ casting/position info Due
WEEK 6
M
2/7
First Rehearsal
Review Chapter 5, Read Chapter 7
W
2/9
Rehearsal Responsibilities
WEEK 7
M
2/14
Rehearsal Responsibilities
Review Chapter 7, Read Chapter 6
Blocking that you’ve taken Due (5%)
W
2/16
Rehearsal Responsibilities
Page 6 of 7
New Course Form
WEEK 8
M
2/21
Rehearsal Responsibilities
Review Chapter 7
W
2/23
Preparing for Technical Rehearsals
WEEK 9
M
3/7
W
3/9
Preparing for Technical Rehearsals
Preparing for Technical Rehearsals
WEEK 10
M
3/14
Technical Rehearsals
Review Chapter 7, Read Chapter 8
W
3/16
Technical Rehearsals
WEEK 11
M
3/21
Technical Rehearsals
Review Chapter 8, Read Chapter 9
W
3/23
Technical Rehearsals
WEEK 12
M
3/28
Dress Rehearsal, Previews
Read Chapters 10, 11, and Conclusion
W
3/30
Performances
SM’s Show Opening Cue Sequence Due
WEEK 13
M
4/4
W
4/6
Post Mortem Discussion of ASM Projects
Post Mortem Discussion of ASM Projects
FINAL
W
FINAL EXAM
4/14
Bibliography
Apperson, Linda. Stage Managing and Theatre Etiquette: A Basic Guide. Chicago: Ivan R. Dee, 1998.
Copley, Soozie and Philippa Killner. Stage Management: A Practical Guide. Marlborough, Wiltshire: Crowood Press, 2001.
Fazio, Larry. Stage manager : The Professional Experience. Boston: Focal Press, 2000.
Gruver, Bert. The Stage Manager's Handbook. New York: Drama Book Publishers, 1988.
Holloway, John. Illustrated theatre production guide. New York: Focal Press, 2010.
Ionazzi, Daniel A. The Stage Management Handbook. Cincinnati, OH: Betterway Books, 1992.
Kelly, Thomas. The Back Stage Guide to Stage Management: Traditional and New Methods for Running a Show from First Rehearsal to Last
Performance. New York: Back Stage Books, 2009.
Lawler, Mike. Careers in Technical Theater. New York: Allworth Press, 2007.
Maccoy, Peter. Essentials of Stage Management. New York: Routledge, 2004.
Pallin, Gail. Stage Management: The Essential Handbook. London: Nick Hern Books, 2010.
Stern, Lawrence. Stage Management. Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 2010.
http://www.abacon.com/stern/left.htm Allyn & Bacon Stage Management resources
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