Catalog Description

Prerequisite: Completion of THEA 22C with grade of "C or better
Hours: 80 activity
Description: Provides an opportunity to participate at an advanced leadership level as a member of the production crew, technical staff or design team of a college production. Focus on one or more of the following areas during the development of the play: scenery, lighting, 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 assume a technical leadership role for a production.
  • CSLO #2: Participate at a near professional level as a member of the production team.
  • CSLO #3: Complete a position in production management.

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 increasingly complex understanding of technical aspects of theatrical production as a member of the production staff and/or design team (e.g., Production Stage Manager, Stage manager, prop master, master electrician, make-up designer, mask maker).
2. Demonstrate an increasingly sophisticated practical and theoretical understanding of production performance by successfully completing assigned projects.
3. Demonstrate leadership over an assigned production area. For example, design make-up for a production and guide the actors in executing the design at each performance. Or, serve as a Production Stage Manager and successfully call all the light & sound cues at each performance. Leadership tasks for each student will vary depending upon individual crew positions.
4. Successfully direct others in more advanced backstage operations (such as managing the front of house and volunteer ushers or training the run crew in the execution of a scene shift).

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 student on the quality of their problem solving performance during their technical duties for a production according to the professional standards rubric.
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: Instructor will assess student on the quality of their ability to lead a crew of their peers in 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. Instructor 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. Students will participate in a group discussion of potential problems and how they can be solved in a calm, professional manner.

          Distance Learning

          1. The instructor will post a play script. Students will analyze the script and fill out the required paperwork for the lead position of their area of interest. For example, props will create a props list; stage management will create a French scene chart, audition form, and prompt book; wardrobe will create dressing sheets and a quick change list.

          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, crew leader or designer. 2. Complete a second reading of CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF and analyze the technical requirements and identify and implement the appropriate technical solutions for the performance.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Complete final production paperwork as appropriate for area of focus. Examples of production paperwork at this level include: stage management prompt book, detailed costume plot, performance reports, and production meeting minutes. 2. Identify and find solutions for expected, and possible unexpected, technical challenges for the performance of the play. 3. Actively participate in a critical evaluation of the process following termination of the play.

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

          1. Attend and lead 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 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:
          • Stage Management
            • Author: Lawrence Stern and Jill Gold
            • Publisher: Routledge
            • Publication Date: 2021
            • Text Edition: 12th
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

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