Southern State Community College
Curriculum Committee – October 2013
THEA 1140 : Stagecraft
Page 1 of 4
I. COURSE TITLE: Stagecraft
COURSE NUMBER: 1140
CATALOG PREFIX: THEA
II. PREREQUISTE(S): None
III. CREDIT HOURS: 3
LABORATORY HOURS: 0
LECTURE HOURS: 3
OBSERVATION HOURS: 0
IV. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is an introduction to scenic design and construction. Emphasis will be
placed on practical application of knowledge and skills in the following areas: safety,
tools, materials, construction, painting, and stagehand duties. Costumes, lighting, and
sound will also be explored to some degree.
V. ADOPTED TEXT(S):
Theatrical Design and Production
6th Edition.
Michael J. Gillette.
McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
ISBN: 978-0-07-351419-2.
Backstage Handbook
by Paul Carter.
Script of Current SSCC Theatre Production
VI. COURSE/LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Analyze a script for scenic, costume, property, lighting, and sound requirements.
2. Design a set for a particular production.
3. Demonstrate knowledge and use of standard safety practices.
4. Identify and explain the tools, material, and hardware for construction.
5. Identify and explain different types of scenery.
6. Identify and utilize different construction techniques.
7. Demonstrate proficiency with different shop tools.
8. Construct scenery for a theatrical production.
9. Practice basic scene painting techniques.
10. Practice stagehand and/or running crew responsibility and duties.
SPTH 1140: Stagecraft
Page 2 of 4
VII.
GRADING:
Grading will follow policy in the SSCC Catalog:
A = 90-100
Excellent
B = 80-89
Good
C = 70-79
Average
D = 60-69
Poor
F = 0-59
Failing
VIII. COURSE METHODOLOGY:
This course is a hands-on, practical application of scenic knowledge and construction
skills for an SSCC theatre production. A combination of lecture, demonstration,
quizzes/tests, and written assignments will be utilized as well.
IX. COURSE CONTENT/OUTLINE:
Production Organization and Management
The Design Process
Brief History of Scenic Design and Elements
The Stage and Its Equipment
Style, Composition, Color and Design
Drawing, Drafting, and Rendering
Safety in the Theatre
Tools, Material, and Hardware
Scenic Construction and Production Work
Painting Techniques
Stage Properties
Stagehand Responsibilities, Running Crews
FINAL PRODUCTION/STRIKE
Lighting Design
Costume and Makeup Design
Sound Design
SAMPLE COURSE SCHEDULE:
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
WEEK 4
Course Introduction, Chapter One: Production Organization and
Management, Read Script of Current SSCC Theatre Production
Chapter Two: The Design Process, Chapter Three: Brief History of
Theatre Architecture and Stage Technology, Homework: Assignment #1
– 10 points
Chapter Four: The Stage and Its Equipment, Chapter Five: Style,
Composition, and Design; Introduce Master Carpenter and Other Crew
Members, Spiking the Set, Homework: Assignment #2 – 10 points
Chapter Six: Color, Chapter Seven: Mechanical Drafting, SAFETY
FIRST! Video, Homework: Assignment #3 – 10 points
SPTH 1140: Stagecraft
Page 3 of 4
WEEK 5
Chapter Eight: Perspective Drawing, Chapter Nine: Scenic Design
Construction Work, Homework: Assignment #4 – 10 points
WEEK 6
Chapter Ten: Tools and Materials, Chapter Eleven: Scenic Production
Techniques, Construction Work, Homework: Assignment #5 – 10
points
WEEK 7
Chapter Twelve: Scenic Painting, Chapter 13: Stage Properties,
Construction/Painting/Properties Work
WEEK 8
Construction/ Painting/Properties Work,
MIDTEREM EXAM (100 points)
WEEK 9
Construction/Painting/Properties Work
Chapter 14: Lighting Design, Chapter 15: Electrical Theory and Practice
Homework: Assignment #6 – 10 points
WEEK 10
Construction/Painting/Properties Work
WEEK 11
Finishing Touches on Construction, Chapter 16: Lighting Production,
Chapter 17: Projections, Homework: Assignment #7 – 10 points
WEEK 12
PRODUCTION, Homework Assignment #8 – 10 points
WEEK 13
Chapter 18: Costume Design, Chapter 19: Costume Construction,
Chapter 20: Makeup, Homework: Assignment #9 – 10 points
WEEK 14
Chapter 21: Sound Design and Technology, Homework: Assignment #10
– 10 points
WEEK 15
Review
FINAL
FINAL TEST (100 POINTS)
X. OTHER REQUIRED BOOKS, SOFTWARE AND MATERIALS:
Students are required to attend the current SSCC Theatre production. Students are
also required to STRIKE the set.
XI. EVALUATION:
Attendance: 50 points (-10 absence, -2 tardy or leave early)
Attendance is required for this class. It is also important that you are on time. If
you are absent, you must have written documentation in order to make up any
work. Make-up work is due the day you return to class. Late work will not be
accepted. If you anticipate an absence, it is your responsibility to turn in the
assignment on time or before it is due (email, faculty mailbox, etc.) Faculty may
SPTH 1140: Stagecraft
Page 4 of 4
recommend that the College withdraw students who have missed more than
20% of the total scheduled classes of a course (WI).
Participation: 50 points
This grade encompasses your conduct, attitude, teamwork, self-discipline, ability
to follow directions, contribution to class, etc. Always be on task and in the
moment. NO CELL PHONES. NO LAPTOPS.
Assignments: 100 Points
Midterm: 100 Points
Final: 100 points
Set Construction: 100 points
TOTAL: 500 POINTS
XII.
SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Time management, team player, self-discipline
XIII. OTHER INFORMATION:
FERPA: Work submitted in this class may be seen by others. Others may see your
work when being distributed, during group project work, or if it is chosen for
demonstration purposes.
Students also need to know that there is a strong possibility that your work may be
submitted to other entities for the purpose of plagiarism checks.
DISABILITIES: Students with disabilities may contact the Disabilities Service
Office, Central Campus, at 800-628-7722 or 937-393-3431.