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At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate the professional responsibilities of a construction technician associated with the
preparation of a theatrical production which will perform before a paying public audience.
2. Prioritize tasks in an environment with multiple and competing demands.
3. Explain the production process, from script to performance, and utilize basic theatre
terminology within the process.
4. Exhibit the discipline of shop and backstage protocol.
5. Adhere to the communication hierarchy of the theatre structure.
6. Interpret and fulfill instructions accurately, working calmly under pressure.
7. Quickly assess situations and adapt accordingly within a production construction
environment.
Students repeating the course will be preparing and performing construction
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 in
the area of construction.
- Gain greater proficiency as a construction crew member, improving
technical and organizational skills while contributing to
productions for diverse audiences.
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Students in this course will be assigned to one or more construction areas.
Topics of instruction fall into two categories - Orientation Topics and
Position-Specific Topics (may also include Specialized Skills).
Potential production position assignments include:
Lighting Crew - Hang and Focus
Construction Crew - Sets
Construction Crew - Properties
Construction Crew - Costumes
Construction Crew - Makeup (wigs, prosthetics, etc.)
Construction Crew - Special (masks, puppets, projections, etc.)
ORIENTATION TOPICS - The following topics will be covered for all positions:
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. General safety and emergency procedures
III. About the Productions(s)
A. The script's historical context and style
B. Director's concept
C. Design interpretations
D. Technical responsibilities
POSITION-SPECIFIC TOPICS: The student will receive instruction on the following,
specific to the production construction position assignments to which they have been
assigned.
I. Production Construction Responsibilities (Area-specific)
A. Set construction
1. Interpreting instructions
2. Division of responsibilities
3. Working with the Technical Director and shop assistants
4. Working with the Set Designer
5. Construction safety and emergency procedures
6. Identification and handling of basic tools and equipment
7. Maintenance and cleaning of work area
B. Properties construction
1. Interpreting instructions
2. Division of responsibilities
3. Working with the Technical Director and shop assistants
4. Working with the Properties Designer and/or coordinator
5. Properties construction safety and emergency procedures
6. Identification and handling of basic tools and equipment
7. Maintenance and cleaning of work area
C. Lighting hang and focus
1. Interpreting instructions
2. Division of responsibilities
3. Working with the Lighting Designer and/or Master Electrician
4. Hang and focus safety and emergency procedures
5. Identification and handling of basic tools and equipment
6. Maintenance and cleaning of work area
D. ostume construction
1. Interpreting instructions
2. Division of responsibilities
3. Working with the Costume Studio supervisor and shop assistants
4. Working with the Costume Designer
5. Costume construction safety and emergency procedures
6. Identification and handling of basic tools and equipment
7. Maintenance and cleaning of work area
E. Makeup/wig construction
1. Interpreting instructions
2. Division of responsibilities
3. Working with the Makeup Designer
4. Makeup/wig construction safety and emergency procedures
5. Identification and handling of basic tools and equipment
6. Maintenance and cleaning of work area
F. Special craft/effects construction (masks, puppets, projections, etc.)
1. Interpreting instructions
2. Dividing responsibilities
3. Working with area designer/supervisor
4. Safety and emergency procedures specific to construction assignment
5. Identification and handling of basic tools and equipment
6. Maintenance and cleaning of work area
II. Working During Production Construction
A. Position-specific attire
B. Working calmly under stress
C. Handling others' nerves
D. Prioritizing and adapting
E. Using position-specific terminology
Repeating students will:
1. Develop higher proficiency in each of the position-specific techniques listed above,
either in the same position and/or related construction positions.
2. Apply techniques to different plays each semester.
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1. Complete all construction responsibilities for one or more technical areas, working on projects
for one to three productions during the semester.
2. Attend all scheduled shop hours, load-ins, and/or hang and focus sessions 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. Work within the scheduled hours, arriving promptly and dependably.
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 and accurately follow instructions for each construction assignment.
c. Perform assigned tasks in a conscientious and dedicated manner.
d. Follow the terms of the course syllabus.
e. Maintain good health and safety practices throughout the construction process.
4. Provide and wear required safety attire for construction.
5. Read the script for each assigned production.
6. Complete time cards accurately and submit them in a timely manner.
Repeating students will demonstrate increased depth and breadth in completion of assignments.