Catalog Description

Hours: 80 activity
Description: Participation in a college production as a technical assistant or crew member. Focus on one or more of the following areas during the development of the play: run crew, properties crew, lightboard operator, spot light operator, sound technician, make-up, wardrobe, stage management, publicity, and/or house management. (C-ID THTR 192) (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Successfully complete a beginner technical position for a production.
  • CSLO #2: Engage in the collaborative process following safety measures and theater etiquette.
  • CSLO #3: Demonstrate professionalism as a member of an ensemble.

Effective Term

Fall 2026

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

80

Outside of Class Hours

40

Total Student Learning Hours

120

Course Objectives

Activity Objectives 

1. Demonstrate a theoretical and practical understanding of production performance by successfully completing assigned projects.
2. Demonstrate collaboration in technical aspects of theatrical production.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of backstage theatre operations.
4. Demonstrate understanding of theatre production practices.
5. Work with professionalism as a member of an ensemble.
6. Complete assigned duties in specific production areas (i.e., lighting operation, sound operation, run crew, house management, wardrobe crew, stage make-up, stage management).

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

          • Projects
            • Example: Instructor will assess level of learning of a new skill such as property organization.
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: Instructor will evaluate student performance of basic technical duties for a play performance according to level and completion of task as dictated by the needs of the play.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Activity
          • Distance Learning

          Activity:

          1. The instructor will lecture on the vocabulary and techniques used in a performance and will lead a discussion that uses terms from play production to help students identify the responsibilities as appropriate to their area of focus.
          2. The instructor will lead the students in the implementation and routine problem solving for the run of the play. Students will then site the routine problems on their own.

          Distance Learning

          1. The instructor will post recorded lectures and supplemental videos to prepare students for their technical roles in the upcoming Theatre Department stage production. An area interest (props, wardrobe, lighting, sound, deck crew, etc.) questionnaire will be posted in the LMS in the first week to help analyze where best to place students in production positions based on experience and interests.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Read CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF and be prepared to discuss the plot. 2. Complete a second reading of CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF and identify the technical requirements.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Identify and find solutions for the technical challenges for the shifting pattern for scenery. 2. Actively participate in a critical evaluation of the process following termination of the play

          Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

          1. Attend and observe rehearsals.

          Required Materials

          • Red
            • Author: John Logan
            • Publisher: Oberon Books Ltd
            • Publication Date: 2009
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Time Stands Still
            • Author: Donald Margulies
            • Publisher: Theater Communications Group, Inc.
            • Publication Date: 2010
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Illustrated Theatre Production Guide
            • Author: John Ramsey Holloway
            • Publisher: Focal Press
            • Publication Date: 2014
            • Text Edition: 3rd
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Between the Lines: Concepts in Sound System Design and Alignment
            • Author: Michael Lawrence
            • Publisher: Precision Audio Services
            • Publication Date: 2022
            • Text Edition:
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

          Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.