11/3/2025 10:14:28 PM	THAR 25 Course Outline as of Spring 2019	Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION
Discipline and Nbr:  THAR 25	Title:  PRODUCTION LAB GENERAL
Full Title:  Production Lab: General
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	1.00	Lab Scheduled	0		8 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:

Practical experience in multiple theatrical production positions for public performances. Students in this course will work in two or more areas as a member of the construction crew, technical crews and/or house staff for one or more 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:

Practical experience in multiple theatrical production positions for public performances. Students in this course will work in two or more areas as a member of the construction crew, technical crews and/or house staff for one or more 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 1981	Inactive:
UC Transfer:	Transferable	Effective:	Fall 1981	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 backstage production practices throughout the preparation

    and process of public performance.

2.  Implement safe technical theatre practices while correctly following protocol within the

    theatre hierarchy.

3.  Support the work of the rest of a production ensemble, collaborating and working

    cooperatively within a team structure.

4.  Differentiate among two or more theatrical production positions, and fulfill their specific

    requirements.

Objectives:

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

1. Demonstrate the professional responsibilities of a technician and/or house staff member

    associated with the preparation and performance of a theatrical production 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 correctly utilize basic theatre

    terminology within the process.

4. Exhibit the discipline of 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 production and performance

    environments.

 

Students repeating the course will be preparing and performing technical

and/or house staff 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

      each area of focus.

   - Gain greater proficiency in their chosen areas, improving

      technical or house staff skills while contributing to productions

      for diverse audiences.

Topics and Scope

Students in this course will be assigned to two or more technical/front of

house areas.  Topics of instruction fall into three categories - Course Topics,

Orientation Topics, Position-Specific Topics (may also include Specialized Skills).

Potential production position assignments include:

    Stage crew (scenery, fly system, special effects, etc.)

    Properties crew

    Lighting crew - board operator

    Lighting crew - deck electrician

    Lighting crew - spot light operator

    Lighting crew - hang and focus

    Sound crew - board operator

    Sound crew - microphone technician

    Construction crew - sets

    Construction crew - properties

    Construction crew - costumes

    Construction crew - makeup (wigs, prosthetics, etc.)

    Construction crew - special (masks, puppets, etc.)

    Makeup crew

    Costume crew

    House staff - usher

    House staff - concessions

    House staff - box office

    House staff - publicity

    House staff - special events

 

COURSE TOPICS

I.  Introduction to the production(s)

II. Differentiating responsibilities when working in two or more production positions

 

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

IV.  Working During a Performance Situation

    A. Production attire

    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.    Learning the Position Responsibilities

II.  Position-Specific Terminology and Interpreting Instructions

III. Position-Specific Safety and Emergency Procedures

IV. Position-Specific Tools and Resources

V.  Specialized Skills:

    Depending on the nature and production demands of the particular play(s)

    to which the student is assigned, one or more of the following additional

    topics may be studied:

    A. Handling Specialty Items Such as Masks or Puppets

    B. Flying Actors

    C. Computer Graphics, Projections, Video

    D. Pyrotechnics and Special Effects

    E. Handling Weaponry and Stage Gun Safety

    F. Moving in Character/Working in a Costume

 

Repeating students will:

1.  Develop higher proficiency in each of the position-specific techniques listed above,

     either in the same position and/or other related positions.

2.  Apply techniques to different plays each semester.

Assignments:

1. Complete all responsibilities for two or more technical/front of house

    positions for one to three productions during the semester

2. Attend all scheduled shop hours, load-ins, rehearsals, strikes, and/or

    performances 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 a final

         run-through, prior to the formal start of position

         responsibilities

    d. 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)

    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/House Staff's Contract and

         course syllabus

    e. Maintain good health and safety practices throughout the

         construction, rehearsal and performance process

4. Provide and wear required attire for construction, rehearsals and

    performances. House staff wear black dress slacks or skirts, and white

    shirts.  Construction members wear appropriate safety attire. 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

6. Complete time cards 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 - 0%
None
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.		Skill Demonstrations 60 - 80%
Production position 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 - 40%
Attendance and professionalism

Representative Textbooks and Materials:

Script(s) for selected productions.

 

Instructor prepared materials

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