Catalog Description

Advisory: Completion of THEA 22A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (18 lecture, 72 activity)
Description: Introduces students to the step-by-step process of stage managing a full-scale, live theatrical production. Students will learn the requisite pre-production, post-production, and performance day responsibilities in order to effectively manage the production. Skills acquired for this course include methods of communication with director, designers, cast and crew in a leadership position, writing rehearsal reports, monitoring rehearsals, and posting adjustments to the rehearsal schedule, running paper tech, cue-to-cue rehearsals, and calling cues for the performance over headset. (C-ID THTR 192) (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Identify and analyze the dynamic of the relationships between the stage manager and the production team.
  • CSLO #2: Evaluate production requirements and generate appropriate reports, lists, plots, and schedules to meet those requirements.
  • CSLO #3: Demonstrate techniques and skills necessary to perform pre-production tasks, for example leadership, communications best practices, collaboration, organizational methods, and problem-solving.
  • CSLO #4: Demonstrate techniques and skills necessary to perform production tasks, including organizational methods, communication best practices and supervisory abilities.

Effective Term

Spring 2021

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

90

Outside of Class Hours

72

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

1. Compare and contrast the relationship between the stage manager and the production team members and determine appropriate communication within given circumstances.
2. Create appropriate paper work to practice supporting
pre-production needs.
3. Demonstrate how to coordinate, maintain, and manage all aspects of the rehearsal process.
4. Execute the requisite techniques to run pre-production, post-production and performance day tasks.

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: Instructor will create a list of questions (with a point value on thoroughness for each response) for discussion topics. Topics may include blocking notation techniques, ways to provide line notes to actors, and designation of support duties to assistant stage managers. Sample Question: What do you believe is the best way to notate actor’s line notes and why?
          • Essay Examinations
            • Example: After providing examples and discussing in class, students will answer a short answer essay with offering solutions to determine the best practice for common rehearsal and performance problems such as actors arriving late, crew members not completing assigned duties, or set construction. Essay will be graded using a standardized rubric with the following measuring criteria and units: A. Was the problem solved? (1-5) B. Was respect for the actor/crew member maintained? (1-5) C. Was the authority of the stage manager maintained? (1-5) D. Ability to problem solve (1-5)
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: Instructor will evaluate students ability to call cues for a mock performance according to a sample template that reflects industry standards.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Activity
          • Lecture/Discussion
          • Distance Learning

          Activity:

          1. Addressing Objective #3, to maintain and manage all aspects of the rehearsal process. Instructor will provide a sample ground plan for a play in production and assign students to set-up the director's table, tape out the dimensions of the set on stage, pull rehearsal furniture and props, and strike all items at end of the mock rehearsal.

          Lecture:

          1. Addressing Objective #1 (Roles of Production Team), following a lecture, students will analyze the dynamics of a hypothetical problem situation among production team members, and suggest best ways to communicate and solve the problem.

          Distance Learning

          1. The Instructor will set-up all assignments and discussion 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. On ground demonstrations and practical use of equipment will also demonstrate and support written study.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Read The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekov and type up character list and create a synopsis of scene breakdowns. 2. Read Chapter from text book on pre-show preparation and be prepared to discuss approaches to devising a timeline of events.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          Problem Solving: Create and organize a prompt book for an assigned play that may include pre-show call and preparation times (such as house opening, warm-ups, and call for places), noting places in script where stand-bys and cues occur, and highlighting incorrect line readings by actors. Writing: Write a detailed mock rehearsal report including present cast members, actions taken during rehearsal, future call sheets, notes for crew assignments, and plans for upcoming rehearsals.

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

          Required Materials

          • The Stage Manager's Toolkit
            • Author: Laurie Kincman
            • Publisher: Focal Press
            • Publication Date: 2017
            • Text Edition: 2nd
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Stage Management Forms and Formats
            • Author: Barbara Dilker
            • Publisher: Quite Specific Media Group
            • Publication Date: 1992
            • Text Edition:
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Stage Management: The Essential Handbook
            • Author: Gail Pallin
            • Publisher: Nick Hern Books
            • Publication Date: 2011
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

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