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In order to achieve these outcomes, during the course the student will:
1. Demonstrate the professional responsibilities of a running crew member
associated with the preparation and performance of a theatrical
production before a paying public audience.
2. Inventory and maintain instruments, properties and/or set pieces
efficiently, safely utilizing basic tools and equipment.
3. Support the artistic intentions of the designers and director through
well-paced cue responses and well-organized pre-sets.
4. Prioritize tasks in an environment with multiple and competing
demands.
5. Explain the production process, from script to performance,
and utilize basic theatre terminology within the process.
6. Exhibit the discipline of backstage protocol.
7. Adhere to the communication hierarchy of the theatre structure.
8. Interpret and fulfill instructions accurately, working calmly under
pressure.
9. Quickly assess situations and adapt accordingly within production and
performance environment.
Students repeating the course will be preparing and performing running
crew responsibilities in conjunction with entirely different theatrical
productions. Repeating students will:
- Work with different directorial and managerial styles, as well as
production processes.
- Participate in the interpretation of different theatrical works,
supporting different artistic visions and developing versatility as
a running crew member.
- Gain greater proficiency in technical theatre, improving
technical skills while contributing to productions for diverse
audiences.
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Students in this course will be assigned to the running crew of one to two
productions. Topics of instruction fall into two categories - Orientation Topics and Position-Specific Topices. Positions include:
Stage Crew (scenery, fly system, and special effects)
Properties Crew
Lighting Crew - Board Operator
Lighting Crew - Deck Electrician
Lighting Crew - Spot Light Operator
Sound Crew - Board Operator
Sound Crew - Microphone Technician
ORIENTATION TOPICS - The following topics will be covered for all productions:
I. Working With the Production Ensemble
A. Director
B. Technical director
C. Stage management
D. Designers
E. Technicians
F. Actors
G. Front of house
H. Business and administration
II. Theatre Professionalism, Communication, and Procedures
A. Theatre etiquette and protocol
B. Basic theatre terminology
C. Locations of facilities and resources
D. Theatrical hierarchy
E. Production framework
1. Schedule
2. Types of rehearsals
F. Managing time, health, and personal responsibilities
G. Handling the unexpected
III. About the Production(s)
A. The script's historical context and style
B. Director's concept
C. Scenery and properties design
D. Other design interpretations
E. Technical responsibilities
F. Special technical responsibilities
IV. Working During a Performance Situation
A. Production attire-wearing blacks
B. Production safety
C. Working calmly under stress
D. Handling others' nerves
E. Prioritizing and adapting
F. Staying focused and alert
G. Handling the unexpected
POSITION-SPECIFIC TOPICS: The student will receive instruction on the following, specific to the production position assignments to which they have been assigned.
I. Running Crew Responsibilities
A. Stage crew - learning the job
1. Interpreting instructions
2. Dividing responsibilities
3. Deck supervisor
4. Safety and emergency procedures
5. Basic tools and equipment
B. Properties crew - learning the job
1. Interpreting instructions
2. Dividing responsibilities
3. Properties coordinator
4. Safety and emergency procedures
5. Basic tools and equipment
6. Properties inventory
C. Lighting crew-learning the job
1. Interpreting instructions
2. Dividing responsibilities
3. Lighting designer and master electrician
4. Safety and emergency procedures
5. Basic tools and equipment
6. Position responsibilities
a. Board operator
b. Spot light operator
7. Light check and changing lamps
D. Sound crew-learning the job
1. Interpreting instructions
2. Dividing responsibilities
3. Sound designer
4. Safety and emergency procedures
5. Basic tools and equipment
6. Position responsibilities
a. Board operator
b. Microphones
7. Sound check and problem-solving
II. Running Crew in performance
1. Safety lights and glow tape
2. Pre-setting and deck schedule
3. Working in the dark
4. Following the show
5. Working with spike marks
6. Strike procedures
Depending on the nature and production demands of the particular play(s)
to which the student is assigned, the following additional specialized topics may also
be studied:
- Handling specialty items such as masks or puppets
- Flying actors
- Computer graphics, projections, video
- Pyrotechnics and special effects
- Handling weaponry and stage gun safety
- Moving in character/working in a costume
Repeating students will:
1. Develop higher proficiency in each of the techniques listed above, either in the
same position and/or other running crew positions.
2. Apply techniques to different plays each semester.
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1. Complete all running crew responsibilities for each Tech/Dress
rehearsal and performance of one to two productions during the
semester.
a. Participate in pre-show preparation process.
b. Perform assigned responsibilities during each rehearsal and
performance.
c. Participate in post-show preparation process.
2. Attend all scheduled rehearsals, performances, and/or strikes to which
the student is called:
a. Attend the introductory THAR 25 Series meeting (held the second
Tuesday of each semester.)
b. Attend full company presentations prior to each production's Tech
Week (for all students in THAR 25/THAR 11 Series assigned to show).
c. Become familiar with each production by watching an on-stage run-
through, prior to the formal start of position responsibilities.
d. Communicate all potential schedule conflicts prior to finalizing
position assignments with instructor. Conflicts submitted late may
be turned down by the instructor or may result in removal from the
production/class.
e. Respond promptly and dependably to all calls.
3. 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 in performance.
c. Perform assigned position in a conscientious and dedicated manner.
d. Follow the terms of the Technician Contract and course syllabus.
e. Maintain good health and safety practices throughout the rehearsal
and performance process.
4. Provide and wear required attire for construction, rehearsals and
performances. All production crews normally wear all-black clothing.
When stage crew are costumed, costumes are supplied and fitting
appointments will be scheduled.
5. Read the script for each assigned production.