3/31/2025 7:11:09 AM	THAR 25.3 Course Outline as of Fall 2025	Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION
Discipline and Nbr:  THAR 25.3	Title:  PRODUCTION HOUSE STAFF
Full Title:  Production Lab: House Staff
Last Reviewed:2/10/2025

Units		Course Hours per Week			Nbr of Weeks	Course Hours Total
Maximum	3.00	Lecture Scheduled	0		17.5 max.	Lecture Scheduled	0
Minimum	.50	Lab Scheduled	0		6 min.	Lab Scheduled	0
		Contact DHR	9.00			Contact DHR	157.50
		Contact Total	9.00			Contact Total	157.50
		Non-contact DHR	0			Non-contact DHR Total	0

Total Out of Class Hours:  0.00

Total Student Learning Hours: 157.50

Title 5 Category:  AA Degree Applicable
Grading:  Grade Only
Repeatability:  34 - 4 Enrollments Total
Also Listed As: 
Formerly: 

Catalog Description:

Students will gain practical experience as members of the house staff for SRJC public theatre performances. Completion of crewing responsibilities will occur during final rehearsals and performances for one to two Theatre Arts productions during the semester.

Prerequisites/Corequisites:

Recommended Preparation:
Course Completion or Concurrent Enrollment in THAR 2

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description:

Students will gain practical experience as members of the house staff for SRJC public theatre performances. Completion of crewing responsibilities will occur during final rehearsals and performances for one to two Theatre Arts productions during the semester.

(Grade Only)
Prerequisites:
Recommended:Course Completion or Concurrent Enrollment in THAR 2
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:CSU;UC.
Repeatability:34 - 4 Enrollments Total

ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

Associate Degree:		Effective:		Inactive:
Area:
CSU GE:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
IGETC:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
CSU Transfer:	Transferable	Effective:	Fall 2005	Inactive:
UC Transfer:	Transferable	Effective:	Fall 2005	Inactive:
C-ID:
CID Descriptor: THTR 192	Technical Theatre in Production	SRJC Equivalent Course(s): THAR25 OR THAR25.1 OR THAR25.2 OR THAR25.3 OR THAR25.4 OR THAR25.5

Certificate/Major Applicable: Both Certificate and Major Applicable

COURSE CONTENT

Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Apply discipline-specific skills to front of house production practices throughout the final preparation and process of public performance.

2. Implement basic public relations techniques and theatre safety procedures, while correctly following protocol within the theatre hierarchy.

3. Support the production ensemble, collaborating and working cooperatively within a team structure.

 

Objectives:

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate the professional responsibilities of a house staff member associated with the preparation and performance of a theatrical production before a paying public audience.

2. Participate in the presentation of different theatrical works, supporting different artistic visions by maintaining the desired front-of-house environment as a member of the house staff.

3. Prioritize tasks in an environment with multiple and competing demands.

4. Utilize basic theatre terminology and demonstrate familiarity with the current script or libretto.

5. Exhibit the discipline of front of house protocol.

6. Adhere to the communication hierarchy of the theatre structure.

7. Interpret and fulfill instructions accurately, working calmly under pressure.

8. Quickly assess situations and adapt accordingly within production and performance environments.

9. Practice good public relations, interacting positively and diplomatically with theatre patrons and members of the community.

10. Demonstrate knowledge of public safety and emergency procedures in a theatre environment.

 

Students repeating the course will be preparing and performing house staff responsibilities in conjunction with entirely different theatrical productions:

1. Work with different directorial and managerial styles, as well as production processes.

2. Gain greater proficiency in public relations, improving house staff skills while interacting with diverse audiences.

Topics and Scope

I. Course Topics

    A. Introduction to the Production(s)

    B. Differentiating responsibilities of front of house positions

          1. Usher

          2. Concessions assistant

          3. Box office assistant

          4. Publicity assistant

          5. Lobby display assistant

          6. Special events assistant

II. Production Orientation Topics

    A. Working with the production ensemble

          1. Director

          2. Technical director

          3. Stage management

          4. Designers

          5. Technicians

          6. Actors

          7. Front of house

          8. Business and administration

    B. Theatre professionalism, communication, and procedures

         1. Theatre etiquette and protocol

         2. Basic theatre terminology

         3. Locations of facilities and resources

         4. Theatrical hierarchy

         5. Rehearsal types and schedule

         6. Managing time, health, and personal responsibilities

         7. General safety and emergency procedures

    C. About the productions

         1. Comprehending the script's historical context and style

         2. Director's concept

         3. Design interpretations

         4. Technical responsibilities

    D. Working in performance

         1. Production attire

         2. Production safety

         3. Working calmly under stress

         4. Handling other's nerves

         5. Prioritizing and adapting

         6. Staying focused and alert

         7. Handling the unexpected

III. Position Specific Topics

    A. Positions and responsibilities

        1. Front of House supervising staff

              a. House manager

              b. Assistant house manager

              c. Box office manager

              d. Publicity coordinator

         2. Basic tools and equipment

         3. Terminology and interpreting instructions

         4. Resource management

         5. Special production demands

    B. Public Relations

         1. Personal appearance and professional attire

         2. Interacting with the public

         3. Answering questions

         4. Handling complaints

         5. Listening and timing in communication

    C. Production-Specific Issues

         1. Patrons with special needs

              a. Seating and assisting disabled patrons

              b. Production elements and health concerns (strobe lights, particulate matter, etc.)

              c. Hearing assistance

              d. Interpreted performances

         5. Content concerns (strong language, sexual references, etc.)

         2. Handling money (For Box Office and Concessions)

         3. Working in the theatre (For Ushers)

              a. Handling late seating and disruptive patrons

              b. Audience protocol

              c. Programs

              d. Seating configurations

              e. Facilities and maintenance

    D. Emergency Procedures with an Audience

         1. Location of emergency exits

         2. Evacuation procedures

         3. Location of emergency equipment

Assignments:

1.  Complete production assignments for 1-3 productions during the semester

    a. Ushers, Concessions, Box Office Assistants: Complete all house crew responsibilities for the Preview and performances for one to two productions during the semester including pre-show, showtime and post-show duties.

    b. Publicity Assistant; Lobby Display Assistant; Special Events Assistant: Complete all position responsibilities as outlined in the position guidelines for one to two productions during the semester.

2. Promptly attend all scheduled shop hours, load-ins, rehearsals, strikes, and/or performances to which the student is called including the welcome meeting, design presentation, dress rehearsal, and scheduled production dates. Student must communicate all potential schedule conflicts prior to finalizing assignments with instructor. (Conflicts submitted late may be turned down by the instructor or may result in removal from the production/class).

3. Participate actively in all assigned activities and adhere to the standards of professionalism:

    a. Maintain an amiable and supportive attitude when interacting with other members of the production ensemble.

    b. Respectfully follow instructions in the preparation of the position and maintain that direction, performing in a conscientious and dedicated manner.

    c. Follow the terms of the Technician's/Crew Contract and course syllabus.

    d. Maintain good health and safety practices throughout the construction, rehearsal and performance process.

4. Provide and wear required clothing for rehearsals and performances as detailed in the syllabus.

5. Script comprehension assignments (1-3)

6. Complete work hour logs accurately and submit them in a timely manner.

 

Repeating students will demonstrate increased depth and breadth in completion of assignments.

Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.

Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing.		Writing 0 - 0%
None
This is a degree applicable course but assessment tools based on writing are not included because skill demonstrations are more appropriate for this course.
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.		Problem Solving 0 - 10%
Script comprehension assignments
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.		Skill Demonstrations 60 - 80%
Production assignments
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.		Exams 0 - 0%
None
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.		Other Category 20 - 30%
Participation and professionalism, work logs

Representative Textbooks and Materials:

Script(s) for selected productions.

 

Instructor prepared materials

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