HomeMy WebLinkAboutTHR-131
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Bergen Community College
Division of Humanities
Department of Visual and Performing Arts
Course Syllabus
Introduction to Stagecraft & Lighting
THR 131
Basic Information About Course and Instructor:
Semester and year:
Section Number:
Meeting Times:
Locations:
Instructor:
Office Location:
Phone:
Departmental Secretary: [optional]
Office Hours:
Email Address:
Course Description:
This course introduces the student to the theory and practice of stagecraft. It includes
study in scene construction, safety, scenic artistry, rigging, audio, and the setting and
control of lighting. [Lecture [2.00] Laboratory [2.00].] 3 credits
No Pre-requisites:
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of meeting the requirements in this course, students
will be able to:
List Student Learning Outcomes and an appropriate assessment for each:
Student Learning Outcome: Means of Assessment:
1. Explain and demonstrate the range of
tools used in the construction of scenery and
stage lighting as well as painting and
general theatre practices
Quiz, in-class discussion, demonstrations
2. Identify the materials used in theatrical
set construction
examination
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3.Apply the construction and finishing of
scenery from the set design to finished set
In-class group demonstration, presentation
4. Analyze and apply all operations needed
to realize a theatrical lighting design
In-class demonstration, presentation,
5. Define the general terms used in technical
theatre a explain their use.
Oral presentation, examination
6.Understand and apply the standards and
practices required in the operations of a
theatre including accepted industry safety
standards.
In-class discussions, written assignments,
presentations
7. Demonstrate practical experience in
running operations of a live theatre
production.
Written assignment, examinations, in-class
presentation
Course Content:
Introduction to Stagecraft and Lighting will familiarize students with all of the working
technical components used in live theatre productions. The student will learn all the tools in the
shop, how to construct flats for construction of a box set, read a ground plan, learn painting
techniques; texturing, colors, scenic art, hang and focus lighting equipment, read a light plot,
etc. In addition to classwork, the students will be required to work 60 hours outside of class on
construction, light, painting and sound crews. Vocabulary, safety requirements and stage
techniques will be reviewed and examined throughout the semester.
Course Texts and/or Other Study Materials:
Required: Carter, Rita Kolger, Stagecraft Fundamentals: A Guide and Reference for
Theatrical Productions. , Taylor & Frances. Abingdon, UK. 4th edition. Aug. 4, 2023.
ISBN-13: 9781032124506
Research, Writing, and/or Examination Requirement(s):
Critical Thinking:
Students will, through classroom discussion and actual shop or production situations, be
encouraged to think about and apply the concepts involved in the design, construction of
scenery, and realization of stage lighting.
Writing Activity:
Through in class examinations students will be required to communicate the information and
processes discussed in class in written form.
Grading Policy:
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Exams ¹ 30%
Successful Crew Work on BCC Productions ² 25%
Two Reaction Papers 3 10%
Projects4 10%
Quizzes ⁵ 10%
Class Participation/Attendance ⁶ 15%
Total: 100%
1) Midterm (15%) + Final Exam (15%)
2) Students are expected to work on BCC productions. Work schedules will be
posted for you to sign up.
Due to the hands-on nature of this class it is required that all students work
hours in addition to scheduled class hours.
Note: Workshop and production work is not only evaluated on time, but on the
efficient use of that time and the quality of the work completed.
Note:
● You are required to do 50 crew hours for the semester.
● If you are working on a technical aspect of a show then that will count as 25
hours per mainstage production you work on.
● If you are acting in a mainstage show that will count towards 12.5 hours of
your crew hours needed per production you are in. This is a technical course
not an acting course. While I appreciate the time taken acting in a production
it does not equate to the knowledge of technical work, nor the experience
gained from working backstage on productions or working pre-production.
3) Reaction Papers will be assigned for each of the two BCC theatre productions.
All written assignments must be typed and completed on time.
4) Projects are assigned and done mostly in class.
5) Homework includes textbook readings; take home quizzes, and other assignments.
6) Participation(5%): You are expected to participate in this class. You should come to
class with any homework assignments completed and be prepared to ask questions
and share your ideas. Students who do not participate or come to class unprepared
will lose credit towards their final grade.
7) Attendance(10%) is an extremely important part of this course. You are required
to be here on time and prepared for every class meeting.
a) If you are more than 15 mins late you get 30% attendance credit for the
day.
b) A late up to 15 mins in is worth 50% for the day.
c) Using your phone during class negatively impacts your grade for the day.
Criteria for Evaluation:
✔ on time and consistent attendance in class and assigned crew calls ✔
production work will be evaluated by the time worked and the quality of the
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work completed; a log of all production/crew hours is required
✔ evidence of studying text through class participation, homework
assignments, and hands-on demonstration in class
✔ on time completion of all assigned work (both written and
hands-on) ✔ passing grades on quizzes and exams
90-100 = A
86-89 = B+
80-85 = B
76-79 = C+
70 - 75 = C
65-69 = D
0–64 = F
Official Withdrawal = W
Incomplete = INC
Attendance Policy:
The BCC Attendance Policy states that all students are expected to punctually attend every
scheduled meeting of each course in which they are registered. You are allowed two (2)
unexcused absences. More than two unexcused absences will result in a grade reduction. 6 or
more unexcused absences will result in a failing grade.
You are required to sign an attendance sheet at the beginning of each class
session.
Lateness:
It is understood that there are times that unforeseen circumstances result in being late for
class. On the other hand, students who are chronically late disrupt and negatively affect
participation by other class members.
Chronic lateness will negatively affect your class participation and homework grade. This
will result in a reduction of your Final Grade!
● If you are more than 15 mins late you get 30% attendance credit for the
day.
● A late up to 15 mins into class is worth 50% for the day.
Other College, Divisional, and/or Departmental Policy Statements:
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
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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.
Faculty hold 3 office hours per week, and as requested by students, by appointment. Students
are encouraged to seek out their faculty member for academic needs.
All students are encouraged to visit and use the BCC Library. There are particularly excellent
electronic references in the area of music available to our students.
Students are encouraged to use the student support services of the college. These services
include: the Writing Center, the music-computer Lab, the Tutorial Center, and the Office of
Specialized Services.
The Distance
Learning Office
– for any
problems you
may have
accessing your
online courses
Room
C-334
201-612-5581
psimms@bergen.edu
The Tutoring
Center
Room
L-125
201-447-7908
The Writing
Center
Room
L-125
201-447-7908
The Online
Writing Lab
(OWL)
On
Line
at:
www.bergen.edu/owl
The Office of
Specialized
Services (for
Students with
Disabilities)
Room
S-131
201-612-5270
The Sidney
Silverman
Library –
Reference Desk
Room
L-226
201-447-7436
Student and Faculty Support Services: [optional but recommended]
Accessibility Statement
Bergen Community College is committed to ensuring the full participation of all students in its
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programs. If you have a documented disability (or think you may have a disability) and, as a
result, need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this class, complete course
requirements, or benefit from the College’s programs or services, contact the Office of Special
Services (OSS) as soon as possible at 201-612-5270 or www.bergen.edu/oss. To receive any
academic accommodation, you must be appropriately registered with OSS. The OSS works with
students confidentially and does not disclose any disability-related information without their
permission. The OSS serves as a clearinghouse on disability issues and works in partnership with
faculty and all other student service offices.
Student Support Services
Bergen Community College provides exemplary support to its students and offers a broad
variety of opportunities and services. A comprehensive array of student support services
including advising, tutoring, academic coaching, and more are available online at
https://bergen.edu/currentstudents/.
Sidney Silverman Library Online Resources:
Guides B Subject - https://bergen.libguides.com/index.php
General Search and Databases: https://bergen.edu/library/
Course Outline and Calendar:
Date: Topic/Activity: Learning
Outcomes: Assignments/Events:
1 Introduction to the course and
review of syllabus. Tour of
Ciccone Theatre
5, 6, 7 In-class discussion, tour,
vocabulary list.
2 Tour Lab Theatre, 5,6,7 In-class discussion, tour,
vocabulary list.
Read handouts.
3 Presentation and Review of
handtools
1,5,6,7 In-class presentation,
demonstrations and practical
use, written assignments.
4 Lecture on lumber and
construction for the theatre
2,5,6,7 Lecture, in-class presentation
Read handouts
5 Building Scenery, Hand-tool
practical
1,2,5,6,7 Practical demonstration,
group project, building
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6 Building Scenery, Hand-tool
practical
1,2,5,6,7 Practical demonstration,
group project, building
7 Building platform, stairs,
presentation of table saws,
band saws, etc
1,2,5,6,7 Lecture, demonstration,
group project, building
8 Mid-term review and exam 1,2 In-class discussions and
examination, written
assignement
9 Theatrical Rigging, practical
lighting
1,4,5,6,7 Lighting board
demonstration, individual
presentation
Read handouts
10 Theatrical Rigging, practical
lighting
1,4,5,6,7 Moving lights demonstration,
followspots, Practical
rigging, climbing hanging
and focusing.
Read handouts
11 Projectors, projections and
screens
1,4,5,6,7 In-class lecture and
demonstration.
Read handouts
12 Audio for the theatre, mixing
sound
1,5,6,7 In-class lecture and
demonstation
13 Audio for the theatre, mixing
sound
1,5,6,7 Hand-on sound mixing,
sound board demonstration.
14 Final Examination – practical
and written
1,2,3,4,5,6,7 In class discussions,
examination
15 Final Review 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 In-class oral
presentations/demonstrations,
written assignment
Possible Note to Students: This Course Outline and Calendar is tentative and subject to
change, depending upon the progress of the class.