Catalog Description

Prerequisite: Completion of THEA 22B with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 80 activity
Description: Provides an opportunity for students to participate in a college production in an intermediate leadership level as a member of the production crew. Focus on one or more of the following areas during the development of the play: backstage crew, lightboard operator, sound technician, spotlight operator, make-up, wardrobe, stage management, publicity, and/or house management. (C-ID THTR 192) (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Demonstrate ability to lead a crew.
  • CSLO #2: Use complex stage technology.
  • CSLO #3: Complete an advanced level crew assignment.

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 an increasingly sophisticated conceptual and theoretical understanding of production performance by successfully completing assigned projects.
2. Demonstrate increasingly sophisticated scenic lighting techniques.

3. Demonstrate increasingly sophisticated sound mixing techniques.
4. Demonstrate increasingly complex understanding of technical aspects of theatrical production, including crew leadership areas (e.g., assistant stage management, prop master).
5. Independently manage an assigned backstage theatre operation, such as choreographing a complex scene change, programming the lighting console or coordinating a "quick change."
6. Work creatively as a member of an ensemble in a leadership position. Specifically, direct others in backstage operations (such applying specialty makeup or blood effects or arranging a prop table).
7. Complete assigned leadership duties in specific production areas (e.g., stage management, lighting, sound, production running, house management, wardrobe, stage make-up, special effects).

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 evaluate students' ability to organize, create and problem-solve by leading actors and backstage crew. Students are assessed on levels of creativity, good judgement, communication and leadership abilities.
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: Instructor will assess student on the quality of the performance of their technical duties for a production according to the professional standards rubric.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Activity
          • Distance Learning

          Activity:

          1. The instructor will lecture on the vocabulary and approach to analyzing a script from the perspective of technical performance and will lead a discussion that uses terms from play production to help students identify the strategies and potential challenges in their technical performance.
          2. The instructor will lead the students in the implementation and routine problem solving for the run of the play.

          Distance Learning

          1. The instructor will post that semester's play script and recorded lectures on requirements for stage managers and assistant stage managers. Instructor will then lead students in an online discussion on potential problem solving techniques for theoretical concerns that come up with that semester's production.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Read and study the script for the play being produced, and analyze the script from the perspective of a stage manager or other crew leader. 2. Complete a second reading of AT ON A HOT TIN ROOF and analyze the technical requirements and identify the appropriate technical solutions.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Complete increasingly complex production paperwork as appropriate for area of focus. Examples of production paperwork at this level include: cue sheets, floor plans, costume plots, and production meeting minutes. 2. Identify and find solutions for expected, and possible unexpected, technical challenges for the performance of the play.

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

          1. Create blood packets or other consumable special effects which are needed for every performance. 2. Complete intermediate and advanced level production paperwork. 3. Attend and assist with rehearsals.

          Required Materials

          • Red
            • Author: John Logan
            • Publisher: Oberon Books Ltd
            • Publication Date: 2009
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Time Stands Still
            • Author: Donald Margulies
            • Publisher: Theater Communications Group, Inc.
            • Publication Date: 2010
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Stage Management
            • Author: Lawrence Stern and Jill Gold
            • Publisher: Routledge
            • Publication Date: 2021
            • Text Edition: 12th
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Stage Management Basics: A Primer for Performing Arts Stage Managers
            • Author: Emily Roth and Jonathan Allender-Zivic
            • Publisher: Focal Press
            • Publication Date: 2016
            • Text Edition:
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

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