12/27/2024 9:47:48 AM	THAR 24 Course Outline as of Fall 2019	Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION
Discipline and Nbr:  THAR 24	Title:  INTRO DESIGN PROCESS
Full Title:  Introduction to the Design Process
Last Reviewed:11/25/2024

Units		Course Hours per Week			Nbr of Weeks	Course Hours Total
Maximum	3.00	Lecture Scheduled	2.00		17.5 max.	Lecture Scheduled	35.00
Minimum	3.00	Lab Scheduled	3.00		8 min.	Lab Scheduled	52.50
		Contact DHR	0			Contact DHR	0
		Contact Total	5.00			Contact Total	87.50
		Non-contact DHR	0			Non-contact DHR Total	0

Total Out of Class Hours:  70.00

Total Student Learning Hours: 157.50

Title 5 Category:  AA Degree Applicable
Grading:  Grade Only
Repeatability:  00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
Also Listed As: 
Formerly: 

Catalog Description:

An introduction to the collaborative process of theatrical design through hypothetical and/or actualized team projects in which students focus on one or more design areas (scenery, costume, lighting, sound, props, makeup and hair).  The course covers all aspects of the design process, including script analysis, research methodology, conceptualization, and communication skills, as well as careers in theatrical design.

Prerequisites/Corequisites:

Recommended Preparation:
Course Completion or Concurrent Enrollment in THAR 1 OR THAR 2

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description:

An introduction to the collaborative process of theatrical design through hypothetical and/or actualized team projects in which students focus on one or more design areas (scenery, costume, lighting, sound, props, makeup and hair).  The course covers all aspects of the design process, including script analysis, research methodology, conceptualization, and communication skills, as well as careers in theatrical design.

(Grade Only)
Prerequisites:
Recommended:Course Completion or Concurrent Enrollment in THAR 1 OR THAR 2
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:CSU;UC.
Repeatability:00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP

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:	Spring 1992	Inactive:
UC Transfer:	Transferable	Effective:	Spring 1992	Inactive:
C-ID:
CID Descriptor: THTR 172	Introduction to Design or Introduction to Theater Design	SRJC Equivalent Course(s): THAR24

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.  Strategize and successfully complete a collaborative design process with other theatre

    artists, applying script analysis, detailed research, synthesis, conceptualization, and the

    rendering of presentation tools in a finalized design at an introductory level.

Objectives:

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

 

1. Apply perceptual acuity through rendering and design skills.

2. Research the social, historical, political, artistic, and theatrical background of a script.

3. Collaborate effectively with others in achieving a common goal, demonstrating

    communication skills, ethical practices, and responsibility to others.

4. Analyze a work of dramatic literature, including the genre, theme, and style, and apply that

    analysis to design elements.

5. Synthesize script analysis, design elements, research results, and collaborative feedback

    into a cohesive design.

Topics and Scope

I. Introduction to Theatre Design and Technology

    A. Principles of design (line, mass, color, texture, etc.)

    B. Design and Technology Areas and Personnel

         1. Scenery

         2. Properties

         3. Costume

         4. Makeup and hair

         5. Lighting/visual effects

         6. Sound/composition

II. Theatre Architecture and Theatrical Spaces

    A. Short history

    B. Audience configurations

    C. Theatre buildings and found spaces

    D. Working spaces within a theatre

III. The Design Process of Designer/Director Collaboration

    A. Interpreting a script

    B. Working from the original concept

    C. Outlining a research path

    D. Communication tools and techniques

    E. Developing a cohesive vision

IV. Script Analysis

    A. Genre

    B. Style

    C. Theme

    D. Plot Structure

    E. Language

    F. Other dramatic elements as appropriate for design emphasis

V. Research Methodology for the Design Process

    A. Research resources

         1. Print sources

         2. Internet and electronic sources

         3. Field research

    B. Types of research

         1. Primary

         2. Secondary

         3. Evocative (or inspirational)

    C. Formulating a research path - identifying the questions to ask

    D. Essential areas of comprehensive research

         1. The playwright

         2. The world of the play (time period, location, social, political, etc.)

         3. Genre, style and mood of the play

VI. Conceptualization and Communicating a Design Vision

    A. Shaping an initial design vision

    B. Visual and/or aural aids used in communicating a design vision

         1. Brainstorm quick sketches in collaborative sessions

         2. Creation of design plans, (floor plans, elevations, models, props,

               costume and makeup renderings, light plots, demo CDs)

         3. Computer aided rendering modes

    C. Justifying design choices through script analysis and/or research

VII. Collaborating with Others in the Design Process

     A. Time management and working relationships

         1. Organizing the work

          2. Maintaining open communication

         3. Working with the shop and stage managers

         4. Observing rehearsals

         5. Adapting when the plan changes

    B. Preparing for collaborative meetings

         1. What to prepare for production meetings

         2. What to bring to the discussion with the director

    C. Communication skills in the design process

         1. Listening skills, assertiveness, and brainstorming

         2. Group dynamics and negotiating skills

         3. Conflict resolution

    D. Work ethic, professionalism, and responsibilities to others

    E. Synthesizing and "re-visioning"

VIII. Introduction to the Business of Theatre Design

    A. Brief introduction to portfolio development

    B. Pursuing a career in theatre design

 

All topics and scope are included in lecture and lab

Assignments:

As a 2-hour lecture/3-hour laboratory course, students will complete approx. 4 hours of

homework per week relating to the assignments listed below.

 

The following assignments will be performed in conjunction with hypothetical and/or

fully realized design projects*.  Assignments will include:

 

1. As a member of a collaborative team, the student will create two or more design projects.

    Each must be from a different play and one must incorporate non-realistic elements.

    As part of these projects the student will:

    A. Read two plays**

    B. Formulate a research path; conduct comprehensive research relating to the play

         and design vision**

    C. Complete two written script analyses (one per project)**

    D. Complete renderings and/or other communication tools (such as models, CDs,

          floor plans, etc.)

    Project grades will be divided into two categories:

         Problem-Solving - Analysis, research, and conceptualization

         Skill Demonstration - Collaborative process, application of design

                                          communication techniques, and presentation skills

2. One Summary Statement (500-word essay on one of the two design projects)**

3. Maintain standards of professionalism (includes timely attendance at all classes,

    meetings and rehearsals relating to the course/projects, respectful communication,

    adaptability to practical and stylistic limitations, and meeting deadlines)

4. Assemble all course work into a course portfolio

 

This course may also include one or more of the following additional assignments:

1. Attendance at one - three Theatre Arts productions; possible 1-2 pg. written critiques of the

    design elements

2. Observation of a production rehearsal and/or production meeting; possible 1 pg. written report

3. Two - five written quizzes on plays and/or supplemental reading

4. One - three interactive quizzes on computer aided rendering and/or other

    design communication techniques

5. Preparation of a gallery display for design competition (American College Theatre Festival,

    etc.)

 

*  Realized projects for SRJC productions are assigned through successful application to the

   Theatre Arts Department Chair (normally at the end of the previous spring semester).  Other

   off-campus project proposals must have prior approval from the instructor.

**Lecture-Related 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 5 - 20%
Summary Statement; Script analyses; Critiques of plays; observation reports
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.		Problem Solving 25 - 40%
Design projects - analysis, research and conceptualizing
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.		Skill Demonstrations 30 - 40%
Design projects - collaboration, communication techniques, and presentation
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.		Exams 0 - 10%
Quizzes - written and/or interactive
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.		Other Category 10 - 20%
Professionalism; course design portfolio

Representative Textbooks and Materials:

Starting Your Career as a Theatrical Designer. Riha, Michael. Allworth Press. 2013 (classic)

 

Technical Design Solutions for the Theatre, Vol 3. Sammler, Bronislaw and Harvey, Don. Routledge. 2013 (classic)

 

The Business of Theatrical Design. 2nd ed. Moody, James L. Allworth Press. 2013 (classic)

 

Theatrical Design and Production: An Introduction to Scenic Design and Construction,

    Lighting, Sound, Costume, and Makeup. 7th ed. Gillette, J. Michael.  McGraw-Hill. 2012 (classic)

 

Showcase: Developing, Maintaining and Presenting a Design-Tech Portfolio for Theatre and Allied Fields. 2nd ed.

     Jaen, Rafael. Routledge. 2011 (classic)

 

Careers in Technical Theatre. Lawler, Mike. Allworth Press. 2007. (classic)

 

Instructor prepared materials

 

Selected plays

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