Catalog Description

Formerly known as DRMA 14
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

Spring 2021

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

90

Outside of Class Hours

72

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

Students will learn via lecture and participation to:
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;
Students will learn via Activity/Laboratory method to:
1. Practice construction skills such as cutting, joining, covering, setting and striking (taking down the entire set and safely putting away materials);
2. Practice various methods for basic scenic painting;
3. Demonstrate use of power hand tools and large stationary power tools;
4. Assess and select appropriate methods, materials and techniques for the scenery that supports the style of the play;
5. 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 identify and discuss scenic elements in a play that they have seen, 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 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:

          1. Students will build the set for the main stage production and determine requisite construction techniques.
          2. 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:

          1. The instructor will lead students in a discussion examining the needs of a set, its drawings and how to implement them. Students will suggest alternate solutions of construction.

          Distance Learning

          1. The Instructor will set-up all assignments and discussions in the LMS to provide a means for an interactive, engaging and organized learning environment. Tools and apps such as video conferencing, videos, and textbooks will be used as training, discussion platforms, analysis and models for students. For hybrid portion, on ground lectures and activities will demonstrate safe and practical use of tools and equipment in a an interactive environment.

          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
            • Publisher: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages
            • Publication Date: 2012
            • Text Edition: 7th
            • 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.