Search Results

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 Fall 2026 Course Type Credit - Degree-applicable Contact Hours 90 Outside of Class Hours 72 Total Student Learning Hours 162 Course Objectives Lecture Objectives: 1. Discuss the relationship between the stage manager and the production team members and determine appropriate communication within given circumstances. 2. Identify and discuss how to coordinate, maintain, and manage all aspects of the rehearsal process. Activity Objectives: 3. Create appropriate paper work to practice supporting pre-production needs. 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: 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: 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 Instructor will provide a script for the students to read and analyze. The students will take the script and create an audition form and French scene chart for a hypothetical production. Instructor will then lead a group discussion using the French scene chart on how to create a potential rehearsal schedule based on the needs of the play. 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: Stage Management Author: Lawrence Stern and Jill Gold Publisher: Routledge Publication Date: 2021 Text Edition: 12th Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

The Theatre Arts Department offers training, both theoretical and practical, in theatrical production, including performance, technical and business management aspects, as well as the serious study of the development of those aspects from the early Greeks up to the bright lights of Broadway. We believe that the creativity, the personal interaction and the excitement of participating in a performance are highly valuable experiences for any individual. The heightened awareness of beauty and truth are carried on into the later life of the student to perhaps enable him or her to appreciate more fully what is available.