THEA 643: Collaborative Studies in Design (3)
Mon & Wed: 1pm – 2:50pm
Room: COM107
Spring Semester 2016
Professors:
Denitsa Bliznakova, Office: DA214
Office Hours: Mon through Wed by appointment only
Email: dbliznak@mail.SDSU.edu
Office: 619-594- 5898; Cell 213 359-4337
(no late hours or weekends, please)
Anne E. McMills, Office: DA210
Office Hours: 11:00-1:00pm Mondays (or by appointment)
Ralph Funicello
Office Hours: 11am-Noon Mondays (or by arrangement)
Email: amcmills@mail.SDSU.edu
Email: rfunicello@mac.com
Studio: #760-632-5540; Cell #760-613-5541
Please turn off all cell phones upon entering class. No text messages will be tolerated.
Course Catalog Description:
Prerequisite: Admission to M.F.A. design and technical theatre program.
Design of theatrical productions with emphasis on artistic collaboration and integration of scenery, costumes and lights. Attention
to graphic presentation techniques as well as designs produced.
Course Objectives:
This is a project-driven class intended to 1) explore and develop exciting approaches to the design of plays, operas, and other
projects in the entertainment field and 2) enhance your skills at collaboration with other theatre artists. It is also intended to
provide you with the opportunity to develop portfolio quality presentations of those design projects executed in this class. Be
aware that collaborative studies project work constitutes a major design commitment in and outside the classroom.
Student Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. design a production self-sufficiently.
2. develop a professional timeline for productions.
3. collaborate effectively with other design peers.
4. effectively communicate a design approach using clear presentation methods to collaborators of all types.
Required Texts & Projects:

The Weir by Conor McPherson

The Seagull by Anton Chekhov

Stupid Fucking Bird by Aaron Posner

TBA musical

The Dramatic Imagination: Reflections and Speculations on the Art of the Theatre by Robert Edmond Jones
Journal/Morgue Assignment:
Each student must keep a sketchbook/idea journal or image morgue for the current semester – due for inspection and evaluation
as indicated in the syllabus. Project requirements vary by discipline and will be assigned by each area’s professor.
Evaluation:
Project Grades will be based solely on our evaluation of your work, employing the highest professional standards. This includes
text analysis, creativity, boldness and appropriateness of the approach, presentation skills (model making, sketching, drafting,
etc.), and collaborative/communication skills (attitude, research, clarity of ideas, verbal skills, being on time, and respect for your
fellow artists). The grade of “A” will only be given to work that is comparable to the best in the field, nationally. No
concessions will be made for personal progress in the assignment of specific project grades – progress is evaluated separately.
The faculty is always available to discuss personal goals and progress.
Missed Assignments:
Late projects are not accepted.
Final Grades will be determined as follows:

and Journal Grades –50%

Progress during the semester – 25%
Project
Individual
THEA 643: Collaborative Studies in Design

Active
Participation in class discussions and critiques including reading – 25%
Participation Policy:
Active participation and discussion are considered a substantial component of the class. Students are expected to be present, on
time, and participate actively in class discussions and projects.
Academic Dishonesty:
The SDSU community regards cheating as an extremely serious matter, and deals severely with those who violate the standards
of academic integrity. Plagiarized work submitted for credit may constitute failing the course.
Students with Disabilities:
If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need accommodations for this class, it is your responsibility to contact
Student Disability Services at #(619) 594-6473. To avoid any delay in the receipt of your accommodations, you should contact
Student Disability Services as soon as possible. Please note that accommodations are not retroactive, and that accommodations
based upon disability cannot be provided until you have presented your instructor with an accommodation letter from Student
Disability Services. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Recommended Viewings:

The Seagull
o UC San Diego @ Mandell Weiss FORUM Theatre
o February 18 - February 27

Stupid Fucking Bird
o Cygnet Theatre
o May 19 - Jun 19, 2016
o Low-priced Previews May 19 - 27, 2016
o Invited Dress: May 18th at 8pm
THEA 643: Collaborative Studies in Design
TENTATIVE Course Content Outline and Schedule:
Mon & Wed: 1pm – 2:50pm
Schedule is subject to change with or without notice by the discretion of the instructors.
Date:
Week 1
1-20
Week 2
1-25
1-27
Week 3
2-1
2-3
Week 4
2-8
2-10
Week 5
2-15
2-17
Week 6
2-22
2-24
Week 7
2-29
3-2
Week 8
3-7
3-9
Week 9
3-14
3-16
Week 10
3-21
3-23
Week 11
3-28
3-30
Week 12
4-4
4-6
Week 13
4-11
4-13
Week 14
4-18
4-20
Week 15
4-25
4-27
Week 16
5-2
5-4
FINALS
FINALS
Topic:
Due:
Out:
Introduction to class & The Weir / Assign Groups
Discuss The Weir / Meet in Groups
Present Research
Reading Due: The Weir
Research Due: The Weir
Meet in Groups
Present Prelim Designs & Initial Lighting Ideas
Prelims Due: The Weir
Present Light Lab Looks
Meet in Groups / Discuss The Seagull
Reading Due: The Seagull
Present Final Designs & Lighting Renderings
LIGHTBOX Presentation / Guest: Craig Wolf
Finals Due: The Weir
See The Seagull; Reading: Stupid Fucking Bird
Discuss Stupid Fucking Bird
Present Research
Research Due: Stupid Fucking Bird
Discuss The Dramatic Imagination
Meet in Groups
Friday, Mar. 4: Open The Drowsy Chaperone
Reading Due: The Dramatic Imagination
Present Prelim Designs & Initial Lighting Ideas
Present Light Lab Looks
Prelims Due: Stupid Fucking Bird
(Tech 2-27 through 3-3)
Meet in Groups
NO CLASS – USITT
Present Final Designs & Lighting Renderings
LIGHTBOX Presentation / Meet in Areas
A
A
Finals Due: Stupid Fucking Bird
NO CLASS – Spring Break
NO CLASS – Spring Break
Discuss Musical / Guest: Rob Lutfy
Discuss Musical
Reading Due: Musical
Present Research
Meet in Groups
Research Due: Musical
Meet in Groups
Meet in Groups
Friday, Apr. 22: Open BFG
Journals/Morgue Due
Present Prelim Designs & Initial Lighting Ideas
Present Light Lab Looks
Prelims Due: Musical
Meet in Groups
Present Final Designs & Lighting Renderings
D
(Tech 4-16 through 4-21)
Finals Due: Musical
LIGHTBOX Presentation / Meet in Areas
THEA 643: Collaborative Studies in Design
Table 1: Class Schedule including dates, assignments, and readings.
THEA 643: Collaborative Studies in Design