Theatre 553
Topics in Technical Direction
STAR Lab Special Projects
Class meets Monday 1400 to 1515 and Wednesday 1400 to 1620
Instructor: Loren Schreiber
Office: DA 203
Phone: 619-370-4858
E-Mail: lschreib@mail.sdsu.edu
Office Hours: 1300 to 1400 MW; other times by appointment
What is a special project?
Well, it can be anything having to do with theatre technology:
~ It may be something you have wanted to work on for some time, but never had the
chance.
~It could be something that sounds like a good idea, but you won’t know until you try it.
~It could be any of a number of projects that have languished in STAR Lab for lack of a
student take it on—and there are at least a dozen of these.
~It could be an entry in an exhibition like the USITT Tech Expo or, perhaps, World Stage
Design 2013.
Here are some possible projects:
~A motorized, computer-controlled turntable and donut ring.
~A zip-line for Peter Pan and Wendy.
~A Steam Punk moving light (for WSD exhibition).
~A simple, rack-mount switch box for general purpose switching electrical SFX on and
off.
~It could be modifying a golf cart for use as a prime mover for the stage.
The possibilities are endless—how do we choose?
~Is the project worthy of the effort?
~Is the project suitably challenging?
~Can it be done in a semester—or at least a significant portion?
~Is the budget for the project reasonable and achievable?
~Will you learn something valuable from the experience?
If the project meets the criteria above, it’s your choice.
What is the goal of the class?
To unleash your creativity and improve your problem-solving skills, while honing your practical
skills in design, woodworking, metalworking, welding, soldering, wiring, etc.
What are the objectives and outcomes of this class?
For the student to produce a tangible and proven device that is suitable for exhibition, or solves a
problem in theatre technology. For the student to acquire new skills and improve existing skills.
How will you be evaluated?
The project itself is the primary means of evaluating student performance in the class.
~Is the project sufficiently challenging?
~Is the fit and finish up to exhibition quality?
~Was the project (or significant portion) completed in a timely manner?
~Did the project meet budget expectations?
~Did the student participate fully and enthusiastically in a team-based project?
To Pass This Class . . .
With an A: join in class projects with enthusiasm; demonstrate that you know the material and
actually thought about it. Show superior understanding of the production process, turn in wellthought-out and well-crafted projects on time.
With a B: join in class projects; demonstrate that you know the material and actually thought
about it. Show good understanding of the production process and turn in either well-crafted
projects of average quality or superior projects of average execution on time
With a C: join in class projects occasionally; demonstrate that you heard the material and
remembered it. Show average understanding of the production process and turn in average
projects of average execution on time.
With a D: sit there and do nothing. Fail to grasp the production process and turn in poorly
thought-out projects of poor execution.
With an F: well, you can’t pass the course with an F!
92--100 = A
89--91 = A86--88 = B+
83--85 = B
80--82 = B78--79 = C+
74--77 = C
70--73 = C67--69 = D+
63--66 = D
60--62 = D59-- and below = F
Loren Schreiber’s Philosophy of Grades
By definition, most of us are average. Average performance in this class—that is, the level of performance
that most of you will achieve—will be rewarded with a grade of C. This is a good grade!. Simply showing
up for class every day and turning in all assignments on time is expected. Merely meeting expectations in
this class will earn a grade of C. To earn greater than a C your work will have to be exceptional in quality,
quantity and enthusiasm for the subject. This is rare. Please do not expect better than a C unless you are
really prepared to do exceptional work. Furthermore, grades are for you to measure your own level of
achievement against that of your peers; they have no meaning outside of the academic environment. If you
are planning on going to graduate school, then your grade in this class will have some intrinsic value.
Otherwise they are meaningless—so please do not quibble about them. If you have any questions about the
level of your performance, please arrange to talk to me outside of class. I can help if you are serious about
earning a B or an A.
“It is impossible for the average student to get an A in this class!”
~ Disgruntled Student ~
"Tenacious attempts at greatness are more important than
the actual achievement thereof"
~ Loren Schreiber ~
"A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a
craftsman; but a man who works with his hands, his brain and his heart is an artist."
~Louis Nizer~