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Catalog Description Hours: 90 (18 lecture, 72 activity) Description: Covers set construction for main stage productions. Students study tools, hardware, painting, and learn proper construction techniques. Fundamentals of rigging and machinery and how to mount and shift stage scenery are also included. (C-ID THTR 171) (CSU, UC) Course Student Learning Outcomes CSLO #1: Describe the set construction and set painting processes. CSLO #2: Identify and describe design elements and evaluate them. CSLO #3: Identify and recall practices and terminology. CSLO #4: Participate in the preparations for a production. Effective Term Fall 2026 Course Type Credit - Degree-applicable Contact Hours 90 Outside of Class Hours 72 Total Student Learning Hours 162 Course Objectives Lecture Objectives 1. Identify, describe and evaluate design elements including platforms, hard and soft wall flats, wagons and draperies; 2. Describe the set construction process from working drawings to painting, rigging, shifting scenery, and set dressing; 3. Assess the physical limitations of the set construction process; 4. Discuss and evaluate various methods for basic scenic painting; 5. Describe and interpret fundamental drafting techniques; 6. Describe and discuss stage machinery; Activity Objectives 7. Practice construction skills such as cutting, joining, covering, setting and striking (taking down the entire set and safely putting away materials); 8. Practice various methods for basic scenic painting; 9. Demonstrate use of power hand tools and large stationary power tools; 10. Assess and select appropriate methods, materials and techniques for the scenery that supports the style of the play; 11. Practice and demonstrate understanding of basic drafting techniques. General Education Information Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval) Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval) IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval) Articulation Information CSU Transferable UC Transferable Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Example: Students will attend a play and identify and discuss scenic elements in that play and analyze those elements as to their effectiveness and contribution to the overall design of the play. Students will be evaluated based on participation and their ability to effectively identify and analyze key elements. Objective Examinations Example: Students will take an exam asking questions covering the process of building a flat, the materials needed, the tools required, and the proper building techniques Skill Demonstrations Example: Students will construct a flat. Grading based on industry standards. Repeatable No Methods of Instruction Activity Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Activity: Instructor will lead the students in building the set for the main stage production and determining requisite construction techniques. Students will practice using the required tools for the construction process. The instructor will introduce families of hardware and identify where and how they are used. Students will touch and examine each piece of hardware and takes notes. Lecture: The instructor will lead students in a discussion examining the needs of a set, its drawings and how to implement them. Students will participate in a group discussion, suggesting alternate solutions of construction. Distance Learning The Instructor will provide a play script for the students to read and guide them through an analysis of scenery needs. The students will participate in a group discussion to assess the best construction methods for the scenery pieces, required set dressing, and rigging needs. Typical Out of Class Assignments Reading Assignments 1. Read the play, "Riders to the Sea." Discuss and evaluate ways to achieve the necessary technical support for a performance. 2. Read and discuss professional play reviews provided by the instructor with specific attention to new scenic elements. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Attend two plays and write a formal critique for each with special attention to scenery. 2. Write a short essay describing the needs of a set and plan how to implement appropriate construction and moving techniques. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Assemble a softwall flat and be able to identify its parts. Required Materials Theatrical Design and Production: An Introduction to Scene Design and Construction, Lighting, Sound, Costume, and Makeup Author: J. Michael Gillette and Rich Dionne Publisher: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages Publication Date: 2024 Text Edition: 9th Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Scene Design and Stage Lighting Author: R Craig Wolf, Dick Block Publisher: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning Publication Date: 2013 Text Edition: 10th Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Stagecraft Fundamentals Author: Carver, Rita Kogler Publisher: Focal Press Publication Date: 2012 Text Edition: 2nd Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

The Theatre Arts Department offers training, both theoretical and practical, in theatrical production, including performance, technical and business management aspects, as well as the serious study of the development of those aspects from the early Greeks up to the bright lights of Broadway. We believe that the creativity, the personal interaction and the excitement of participating in a performance are highly valuable experiences for any individual. The heightened awareness of beauty and truth are carried on into the later life of the student to perhaps enable him or her to appreciate more fully what is available.