HomeMy WebLinkAboutTHR-134Bergen Community College
Division of Business, Arts & Social Sciences
Department of Visual and Performing Arts
Course Syllabus
Set Design I THR 134
Date of Most Recent Syllabus Revision: __October 5, 2020________
Course Typically Offered: Fall _X_ Spring ___ Every Semester ____Other ____
Syllabus last reviewed by: BCC General Education Committee _____________
Curriculum Committee _______________________
Basic Information About Course and Instructor
Semester and Year: ________________________________________
Course and Sections Number: ________________________________
Meeting Times and Location(s): ______________________________
Instructor
Office Location: ___________________________________________
Phone: ___________________________________________________
Departmental Secretary: _____________________________________
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Email Address: _____________________________________________
Course Description:
This course covers basic techniques of the principles and practices of set design for the
stage. Emphasis is on interpretation of the literature, research, development of the ground
plan, and the presentation of ideas. Included are design functions, construction, painting,
modeling, history, and theories of design.
3 Credit Hours: (2 lect. 2 lab)
No Prerequisite
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of meeting the requirements of this course:
1. The student will be able to identify and discuss the principles inherent to set design for the
theatre, including collaboration, accommodation of creative expression, and literary values.
2. The student will demonstrate an ability to identify and integrate form and function, and the
elicitation of emotional, intellectual and aesthetic response to a design.
3. The student will be able to apply the fundamental technical skills required to the design
processes inherent to set design for the theater.
4. The student will be able to apply script analysis, planning, period and style research, graphic
communication and expression ideas or concepts into a design for the theatre.
5. The student will demonstrate an understanding of how to use dramatic literature, drawn from
a variety of periods and styles, as a vehicle for developing stage design.
Means of Assessment: In support of the above-mentioned goals, each student will be assessed
as follows:
1. Written assignments, in-class projects and exams on the elements of design.
2. Homework assignments, in class projects and in-class discussions demonstrating the
principles of composition to create practicable set designs.
3. Practical application to their own design work, in-class projects, and peer evaluations to
discuss, analyze and address the needs of successful set design from reading assignments.
4. Exams, homework assignments, in-class presentations, and discussions to create technical
documents, sketches, perspective drawings, renderings and models and an ability to
communicate and discuss their ideas about the design.
5. Homework, in-class assignments and presentations demonstrating rudimentary skills in
sketching, drafting and use of multiple mediums.
Course Content:
Set Design I: The class structure will consist of lectures, demonstrations, in-class design work,
presentations, and critiques of student work. Part of the lectures will be delivered by student
groups which will contribute to their grades.
Technological & Information Literacy:
Technological literacy is a key component to this course. Students will be required to research
plays, historical references, as well as elements of art and design through video and reference
material on-line and thru the BCC library theatre, art and design databases.
Course Texts and/or Other Study Materials:
• Wolf, R. Craig, and Dick Block. Scene Design and Stage Lighting. 10th ed. Wadsworth
Publishing; (2014)
• Other supplemental reading material will also be distributed in class, which you will be
expected to read, and discuss.
Recommended References and Reading:
Burris-Meyer, & Cole, Scenery for the Theater
Crabtree and Beudert. Set Art for the Theatre, History, Tools and Techniques.
Pecktal, Lyn, Designing & Drawing for the Theater
Payne, Darwin, Theory and Craft of the Set Model
Reid, Francis, Designing for the Theatre
Thorne, Gary, Stage design: A practical Guide
Arnold Aronson, American Set Design.
Assignments:
• All materials should be bought by the end of the first week of the course in order to have
everything on time for the projects.
• Assignments will consist of projects on the two plays chosen as required reading
• The nature and the deadline for the assignments will be determined in class. Attendance is
therefore very important for the comprehension of the requirements of the projects and the
deadlines.
• Assignments will be reviewed on the day they are due and the grade will be given by the
following class session.
• The assignments are designed to address specific aspects and skills of the scene designer’s
work.
• The assignments are arranged in a sequence to aid to the logical development of the
project. It is, therefore, essential that the student keep up with the work.
• Every student works at their own pace. Hours spent completing assignments will therefore
vary from student to student. Some of you may choose to take your work home, while
others may choose to remain late in the design studio.
In addition to these assignments, readings will be assigned from the text. Additional articles
and study materials may be handed out in class.
Part of the student work will be the theatre history lectures. They will be given by student
groups on the specified dates given on the course schedule. They will be assigned to student
groups the first week of classes. Students will have to provide notes with the most important
points of the lecture and be prepared to answer questions from the instructor and other
students.
Very Important: Make sure you acquire the required supplies on time as they are essential to
the course. You are required to have all of your supplies in class at all times. Find appropriate
storage containers and carry case. Not being able to work in class because you don’t have
your supplies is equivalent to being absent.
Attending Live Performances:
Students are required to attend both of the Bergenstages’ productions during the semester in
order to discuss the elements and execution of the designs of each production.
Materials and Supplies:
• Drafting materials and art supplies are essential to this class. If you cannot acquire them by
the end of the first week of class, please DROP THE COURSE. No excuse will be accepted
for not having materials available by this time. A student will be marked absent from class
for not having their materials available.
Quant. Item
1 Triangular architect’s scale rule
1 Architectural scale rule
3
1
1
1
Mech. pencils (5mm, 7mm, 9mm)
6” compass
10” 30/60/90 triangle
6” plastic protractor
1 Furniture template ¼” scale
1 Drawing board 18” x 24” w
1 pad 18 x 24 Clearprint drafting vellum
1 roll Drafting tape or dots
Model Building and Rendering Materials and Supplies:
Supplies (as needed): For model building you should be prepared to buy some quantities of
the following types of materials. Don’t buy them until you know what you are going to use!
Many of the items such as glue, sketch pad, pins, gesso etc., you might be able to share with
each other.
Apparel: Wear shoes and clothing appropriate for long hours of design work. Be
comfortable. You will, at times, also be working with materials that can potentially ruin
clothing- watercolor, adhesives etc.
Clean-up: This class has the potential of becoming messy. Everyone is required to clean up
after themselves prior to leaving class. This space is used by other classes, so be respectful
of that. You will be deducted attendance points if you leave a mess behind.
Late Work:
• Late assignments will be reduced by one letter grade of the grade earned and will not be
reviewed.
• Assignments will not be accepted more than one class session late.
• Only in the case of an excused absence will a late assignment be accepted without penalty.
• Extra credit will only be accepted if all assignments have been submitted, not to make up
for classes or work missed.
Attendance:
• Attendance is mandatory: You cannot learn if you are not here and your fellow students are
deprived of your insights and contributions.
• The Performing Arts Department policy regarding attendance will be followed.
• The first two (2) unexcused absences will be accepted, after that you will lower your final
grade by one letter grade for each additional absence.
• Three tardies of more than 10 minutes each will equal one absence.
• Attendance at main stage productions is also required, so that we may discuss the set
elements of the productions.
Evaluation and Grading:
Grading Policy:
The final grade in this course will be determined by a student’s overall mastery of the subject
matter as evidenced on exams, projects, presentations, homework assignments, consistent
attendance and quality of class participation. There will be one mid-term exam, oral presentation,
mid-term project, final project, weekly assignments, and one final exam.
Attendance: 20%
Topic Assignments (2): 20%
Mid-term exam 10%
Mid-term Project/Presentation: 20%
Final Project/Presentation: 20%
Final Exam 10%
Criteria for Evaluation:
This is a skill building course where the grades will be based on the following criteria:
a. Promptness – Late assignments will be reduced by one letter grade. Assignments will not be
accepted mode than one class session late.
b. Degree of Completion – A project that is either incomplete in execution or does not address all
the necessary design criteria will be reduced in grade.
c. Craftsmanship – The degree of care and precision used in presenting and executing the
assignment
d. Support of dramatic action –The degree to which the design supports and enhances the dramatic
action of the play as indicated in the script.
e. Composition of visual elements – The degree to which the elements of design are arranged and
employed to draw the audience's attention on the central action.
f. Originality of design -- How imaginatively the design idea is developed and supported by
research.
g. Clarity of design -- How clearly the design idea is graphically communicated.
h. Collaboration -- How well you work together to present the lectures.
i. Participation --How well you offer and receive criticism during the student lecture presentation,
the design development and critique process.
90-100 = A 86-89 = B+ 80-85 = B 76-79 = C+ 70-75 = C 65-69 = D 0- 64 = F
E = Unofficial Withdrawal W = Official Withdrawal INC = Incomplete
• Disruptive behavior: Students will be warned to cease any disruptive behavior, failure to do so
will result in a request to leave the classroom.
• Use of electronic devices in the classroom: Please turn off your cell phones. This is a courtesy
to your fellow students and to the faculty. This includes TEXTING!
Bergen Community College Academic Policies:
Bergen Community College is committed to academic integrity – the honest, fair
and continuing pursuit of knowledge, free from fraud or deception. Please review
the college catalogue or student handbook for further information on this topic.
Bergen Community College has adopted an internal grievance procedure to
provide for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action
prohibited by federal regulation implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. (ADA).
Please review the college catalogue for further information on this topic.
Bergen Community College is committed to providing its students and employees
with an academic and work environment free from sexual harassment or
discrimination. Please review the policy prohibiting sexual harassment in the
college catalog.
Please review the statement on acceptable use of BCC technology in the college
catalog.
Academic Support Services:
Bergen Community College provides many valuable services for students.
The Henry and Edith Cerullo Learning Assistance Center (CLAC)
• Tutoring Center (L-125)
• Writing Center (L-125)
• Math & Science Walk-In Center (L-131)
• English Language Resources Center (C-212)
• Testing & Tutoring at the Meadowlands Campus (LYN-202)
The twice award-winning Cerullo Learning Assistance Center offers the following free tutorial
services to currently enrolled Bergen Community College students.
· One-on-One Appointments
· Drop-in Assistance
· Writing Walk-In
· Reading Comprehension
· Supplemental Instruction (SI)
· In-Class/In-Lab Tutoring
· Study Groups
· Permanent Appointments
· Online Tutoring: Smarthinking
· Workshops
· Intercultural Conversation Partners (ICP)
Along with helping you with specific subjects, the CLAC also can help you improve your
academic self-confidence!
You can visit the CLAC in Room L-125 in the Pitkin Education Center, or call 201-
879-7489.
The BCC Library:
Bergen Community College has an excellent library with outstanding staff. In addition to
the physical materials (books, magazines, videos, etc.) available in the library students
with a current ID number can access a broad range of electronic databases by going to
the library website at:
http://www.bergen.edu/library
Accommodation for Students with Special Needs:
In compliance with the BCC policy and equal access laws, faculty are available to discuss appropriate
academic accommodations that may be required for students with special needs. Requests for academic
accommodations are to be made during the first two weeks of the semester, so arrangements can be
made through the BCC Office of Specialized Services.
Course Outline:
Note to Students: This Course Outline and Calendar are tentative and subject to change, depending
upon the progress of the class.
Set Design I Course Outline:
DAY DATE Topic Assignments Objective(s)
Met
Week 1
INTRODUCTION:
Course overview and purpose
Tools, materials and Supplies
The purpose of scenery
The role of the scene designer
Read:
The Dramatic
Imagination.
buy and read
assigned play
1, 2
Week 2
THE SCRIPT:
How to read a script ARRIVING AT A
DESIGN CONCEPT I
Addressing the script:
Time and Place
Activity (action)
Mood
Atmosphere
Theme (s)
Read:
Outline of script
analysis
Reading the script
1, 2, 3
Week 3
ARRIVING AT A DESIGN
CONCEPT II
Addressing the Staging:
Scheme
Wing and Drop, Projections,
Modular, Unit sets (Simultaneous
sets), etc. Scope
Assignment
(script analysis)
1, 2, 3
Week 4
THE DESIGN PROCESS:
Addressing the set design:
Defining design criteria
Arriving at a design metaphor
Discussion of "What the Butler Saw"
VISUALIZING THE CONCEPT:
Assignment
(Metaphor and
research board)
Read:
Brainstorming
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Arranging stage space for performance:
preliminary drawings
Floor-plan sketching – classroom
exercise.
Design Process
checklist
Week 5
VISUALIZING THE CONCEPT:
Arranging stage space for performance:
preliminary drawings
The thumbnail sketch – classroom
exercise
Assignment
(Thumbnails)
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Week 6
MIDTERM EXAM
DEVELOPING THE DESIGN, I:
Communicating the design
The scale rule and proportions
Drafting conventions
Page format and title block
Lettering and indication
Assignment
(Lettering)
Read graphics
handout
1, 2, 3
Week 7
DEVELOPING THE DESIGN
The box set and the realistic interior
The floor plan: Space planning, drafting
and symbols
– classroom exercise
Classroom work
Assignment
(floor plan)
1, 3, 4
Week 8
DEVELOPING THE DESIGN
The drop elevations - classroom exercise
Classroom work Sections and Details -
classroom exercises
Classroom work
Assignment
(Drop elevations)
1, 3, 4
Week 9
DEVELOPING THE DESIGN II:
Elevations – classroom exercise
Student Lecture #4
Classroom work
Assignment
(Elevation)
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Week 10
DEVELOPING THE DESIGN
The Painters Elevations – classroom
exercise
Student Lecture
Classroom work
Assignment
(Painter's
Elevations)
Assignment
1, 2, 3, 4
Week 11
DEVELOPING THE DESIGN
The white model: materials and
methods– classroom
Exercise
Classroom work
Assignment
(Rendering)
1, 2, 3, 4
Week 12
Perspective Drawing and Rendering
Classroom work
Assignment
(Perspective
drawing)
1 2, 3, 4, 5
Week 13
Perspective Drawing and Rendering &
Model
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Week 14
THE FINAL
PROJECT/PRESENTATIONS
Composition, Making choices
The finished model
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Week 15
FINAL EXAM
1, 4