Dominion High School – Technical Theatre I and II
Teacher Contact Information: Mrs. Amy Young, amy.young@lcps.org
(571)434-4400
21326 Augusta Drive, Sterling, VA 20164
Website information on dominionhigh.com, link to Faculty – Mrs. Young
Course Description: Technical Theatre I and II are an exploration of the duties of stage technicians and
their contribution to the total aesthetic effect of a dramatic production, with Technical Theatre II on a
more advanced level. Topics covered will include design research and principles; scene shop organization;
painting and construction techniques; equipment use and maintenance; principles and application of
sound, lighting, and computer technology; the use of special effects; costume and make up considerations
and selection; publicity and business management; theatre safety; and the function of technical stage
personnel in production work. Technical Theatre will incorporate academic study and hand-on application
of knowledge and skills acquired.
Course Objectives: Students will be able to  Explain basic physical properties of technical theatre (light, color, sound…)
 Analyze a variety of texts to determine production requirements
 Develop designs using visual and sound elements to convey choices which support the text
 Demonstrate an understanding of safety requirements and efficient use of tools and material used
in the scene shop
 Apply technical knowledge and skills to help create scenery, props, lighting, sound, etc.
 Create production schedules, stage management plans, a cue sheet, set design plans, promotional
materials, sound and lighting plots for a play
 Identify the primary duties of a stage technician
 Develop a resume for work experience in professional venues
 Demonstrate the ability to strike a set after production
 Participate in creating a design for sound/lights/sets/makeup, and support DHS productions in all
aspects of technical elements including construction and stage management
Classroom Expectations:
All students are to be in the classroom before the final bell rings ready to participate in class activities and
instruction. It looks like this:
As you walk in, dispose of any gum, food, or drinks, take your folder and notebook out of the filing cabinet,
and begin in your seat quietly working on the bell ringer. The first five minutes of each class period is
devoted to the warm-up exercise listed on the board. Students will be asked to lead physical and vocal
warm-ups from time to time and should consider both a vocal and a physical warm-up. Students will abide
by the Dominion High School code of rules and responsibilities and dress code. You should dress
appropriately to be able to move comfortably in class (no short skirts, thin strapped tops, or revealing
clothing, avoid flip flops). Work on outside homework is not permitted while our class is in progress.
Supplies: dark ink pen, loose-leaf paper and a good attitude!
Bathroom Breaks:
Students must be in class for the first and last 10 minutes of class – no exceptions. Please bring any
materials needed to the class preceding this one so as not to have to stop at your locker and avoid
tardiness. Bathroom passes will only be granted 6 per quarter, so use them wisely. If this privilege is
abused, it will be limited. Nurse’s passes must be approved by Mrs. Young in writing, with the time signed
by the nurse upon arriving and leaving her office.
If you come to school ill or unable to participate in the class activities, please notify me BEFORE class
begins. You are still responsible for the material covered that day and expected to participate to the best
of your ability by following along with the group. Please be courteous of your classmates. Do not talk or
cause disruptions during presentations or performances, as it will detract from the learning process.
Constructive criticism is learning tool for all parties involved. Look for opportunities to share constructively
and assist your peers. This is a safe environment where you should never feel scared of sharing. At the end
of class the room and materials need to be returned to their proper location. All students are to remain in
the classroom until the bell rings and I dismiss you from class.
Classroom Rules: arrive to class on time by the bell, bring any necessary materials (script, sneakers, pencil),
practice safety skills, wear comfortable clothes respect one another and one another’s creativity, process,
and property, listen to and respond appropriately to me and each other, follow directions and accept
responsibility for actions, use class and rehearsal time wisely – points are deducted daily for misuse of time
(remain on task and encourage others to remain on task), demonstrate positive character traits: honesty,
kindness, patience, hard-working, thorough, trustworthy, caring for others, clean up around the classroom
before the end of class whether the mess is yours or not (pick up trash, return seats and supplies to their
locations). Mrs. Young is a neat freak, you must live within the neat freak guidelines! 
No gum, no abusive or inappropriate language or conduct, no disrespectful behavior.
Supplies – bring loose-leaf paper, a pen and wear comfortable clothes, no open-toed shoes permitted
Work: participation 40%, projects 40%, tests & quizzes 20%
All students will be required to log in at least 10 hours per quarter of time outside class in technical
support of DHS productions.
Curriculum
1st quarter: extensive tour of technical parts of the theatre, properties inventory, identifying sound and
lighting equipment, hands on experience with instruments, boards, and design, cue sheets, tools, safety,
learn how to read plays to prepare for period design projects, build props for shows
2nd quarter: stage, age, and character make up, costume design, inventory and storage, set design and
construction, design publicity poster, program, press release, and radio spot, exposure to house and stage
management
Mid Term Exam: sound & lighting, technical elements, publicity & PR, front of house
3rd quarter: play analysis,, floor plans (1D), scale drawings (2D), model construction (3D), support and
assist set construction for productions, stage management closet organization
4th quarter: design and set construction for DHS production
Final Exam: complete a design project in a chosen technical arena