ENT 1110 Scenic Construction,
Section
Year, Semester
Professor:
Email:
Office Hrs:
Office: Room 121, Voorhees Hall
Class Meeting Time:
Place:
Course Description:
This course is designed as an introduction to scenery for live entertainment, with a special emphasis
on the practice of scenic construction and installation. This course consists of lectures on a variety of
topics and a laboratory environment to put the information into practice. Throughout this course we
will be building and preparing scenic elements that will combine to create a completed set for the
stage.
Required Texts: Illustrated Theater Production Guide, 2nd Edition
John Holloway, 978-0-240-81204-5
Backstage Handbook, Paul Carter, 13:978-0191747-37-3
Required Equipment: 25 ft. Tape Measure, Safety Glasses
Week 1
August 30th
Intro to the course - class policies and procedure, required equipment
Lab -Safety equipment, safe shop practice
Week 2
September 6th
Read Chapter 16 / Chapter 1 BH
Lecture - Measurement and layout using tape measure and squares
Lab - practice measurement, degree of precision, checking for square
Week 3
Read p. 258-267, 273-276
September 13th
Lecture - Cutting tools-Radial Arm saw, Band saw, Table saw, portable
power saws.
Lab – Continue cutting tool training
Week 4
Read Chapter 15 / Pgs. 121-123 BH
September 20th
Lecture - Fastening Tools/ Metal Working Tools
Lab - Standard wood sizes, Fastening Tool Training-joining wood with nails, screws,
staples, corner blocks, nailing blocks – Cutting, Drilling, and Deburring Steel.
Week 5
September 27th
Read p. 280 -292
Lecture -Working drawings, cut lists, material estimates
Lab - Make cut list and materials list from sample set.
Week 6
October 4th
Read p. 292 – 309 / Pgs. 276-279 BH
Lecture - Flats, framed vertical scenery, soft and hard cover walls, working with stock
elements
Lab- Build sample flats
Week 7
October 11th
Read Chapter 20
Lecture-Platforms framed horizontal scenery, supporting weight
Lab- Build Stock Platforms/Triscuits
Week 8
October 18th
Read pg. 220 - 224
Read Handout – Chartoff
Lecture – Scenic Painting Techniques
Lab - Gridding and Painting a Scenic Drop / Review for Midterm
Week 9
October 25th - Midterm
Week 10
November 1st
Read Chapter 19 / pgs. 235-238BH
Lecture-Ramps and Stairs, laying out slopes
Lab-Build sample steps
Week 11
November 8th
Lecture-Surface prep-filling, sanding, working with Bondo, Muslin covering, etc.
Lab - fill, sand and cover
Week 12
November 15th
Lecture - Basic texture for surface decoration
Lab - Brick texture
pgs. 246 BH
Thanksgiving break
Week 13
November 29th
Week 14
December 6th
Lecture-Rigging and Knots
Review of Homework Projects
Lab - Knot practice / Final Review
Read pgs 195-213
pgs. 58-60 BH
Lecture-Assembly-bolting and securing, quick connects, special hardware, etc.
Lab-Set up and take down our completed set.
No Classes December 13th
Week 15
December 20th
- FINAL EXAM
Read pgs 42 – 48 / pgs. 84-104BH
Objectives for this course: Students will be able to function as members of a carpentry and load-in crew.
They should understand and practice standard safety procedures in the shop and backstage. They will
demonstrate their proficiency by being able to:
-Accurately measure and mark out lumber
-Read and understand design and working drawings
-Generate cut lists and material lists from working drawings
-Show familiarity with different types of lumber and plywood
-Construct standard scenic elements such as flats, platforms and steps
-Prepare scenic elements for further finishing by filling seams, sanding surfaces and covering
-Show familiarity with various types of soft goods used as scenic elements
-Show working knowledge of safe rigging practices and basic knots
-Demonstrate a professional attitude toward their work by being on time, performing work
diligently and accurately, and showing respect for their instructors, supervisors and fellow
students
Class Trip: We will be Surveying a Professional Scene Shop this semester. This trip will be mandatory
for all students.
Homework Projects: Students will be responsible for working on an individual project that will require
the use of the shop during non-class times. Students should be familiar with shop policies and open lab
times. Please schedule your shop time early and leave plenty of time to do your work accurately. Many
students who wait until the end of the semester find the lab crowded with other students and a long wait
time for tools.
Grading and attendance policies: Students should attend all classes and arrive on time. Since this class
depends heavily on lab work, lateness will not be tolerated. Students will be expected to bring the required
equipment to every lab. Students who are unprepared for class or lab will be counted as late.
Grades will be determined as follows:
Attendance
Homework Projects
Lab project work
Mid-term test
Final exam
10%
10%
40%
20%
20%
Three times late or unprepared will count as an absence.
More than two unexcused absences will result in a reduction of final grade.
Absences are excusable either by contacting the instructor in advance of the class
meeting time or by a documented medical problem.
Grades will be assigned according to CUNY standard range
Grade
Numerical Range
A
AB+
B
B-
93-100
90-92.9
87-89.9
83-86.9
80-82.9
C+
C
D
F
77-79.9
70-76.9
60-69.9
59.9 and below