Scene Design and Lighting - Theatre 218 Carson Newman College Instructor: Kyle Biery Office: HH 108 Office Hours: MWF 9-10, 11-12 & 1-2 TR 9-9:30 (or by appointment MWF 2-4 and TR 3-4) Phone: 471.3293 Email: [email protected]
Required Text: Scene Design and Stage Lighting. Parker and Wolf (9th edition) Recommended Text: The Backstage Handbook. Paul Carter (3rd Edition)
Course Description: This course is designed to provide an introduction to, and overview of, modern technical theatre practices. Textual materials and lectures will be supported by hands-on, in-class projects as well as an outside class production experience.
Goals: Upon successful completion of this course students should be able to demonstrate a basic level of competency in carpentry and lighting.
Objectives: 1. Recognize the primary types of performance spaces, their characteristics, parts and machinery 2. Understand the members of the production team and the timeline and development of a production-the realm in which technical theatre exists 3. Develop a working knowledge of the tools, hardware and materials involved in scenic construction 4. Explain basic principles of electrical theory and lighting control 5. Working knowledge of the instruments and accessories involved in modern stage lighting
Assessment: 5% - Quizzes 15% - Exam #1 15% - Exam #2 15% - Participation 20% - Production Experience 10% - Production Analysis 20% - Final
Grading: Final assessments will be assigned according to the following percentages of total points possible: A 90-100 B 80-89.9 C 70-79.9 D 60-69.9 Below 60% is FAILING
Exams: There will be three exams during the semester. Make-ups will only be given in the most extreme of circumstances.
Quizzes: There will be several quizzes during the semester. They will be approximately 10-20 questions and will cover material from the previous classes and reading assignments. There are NO make-ups for quizzes.
Production Experience: Students will be expected to spend at least 20 hours outside of class involved on a crew for a Carson-Newman College theatre production. Mandatory attendance for one (1) set strike will not count towards the total hours. Production assignments will be received at the beginning of the semester. It is the student’s responsibility to be present at ALL required dates for a given production.
Production Analysis: Students will be expected to attend two (2) approved productions throughout the term and write a 1-2 page response discussing and evaluating technical elements of the productions as they relate to this course. Class Participation: Students will be expected to participate in class discussions and ask informed questions based on reading or lecture material. Students will be expected to actively participate in class projects and follow the direction of the instructor.
Attendance/Classroom Policy: Students are expected to be on time for all class periods and stay for the duration of the period unless excused by the instructor. Arriving late or leaving early disrupts classroom proceedings. Your second tardy will be recorded as an absence. After two absences your attendance grade will be lowered 5 points, 10 points on your third absence and 15 for each additional absence thereafter. If you are absent for another school function, it is necessary for you to contact me requesting permission prior to the event. If you are ill you must have your illness documented by the school nurse or a personal physician.
Honor Policy: Students are expected to follow the honors/conduct policy as outlined in the student handbook. Failure to adhere to the guidelines will result in penalties in accordance with the handbook.
Electronic Devices: All electronic devices, either for communication or for other entertainment will be turned off for the duration of the class period.
Controversial Topics: Theatre is about opinions and self-expression. Theatre only survives in a supportive and open environment. There are many times when we may touch on a controversial and perhaps explosive topic and it is important that respect be given to all opinions whether shared or not.
Syllabus/Calendar: Based on the needs of class projects, student development, and/or unforeseeable circumstances, changes may be made to the schedule or nature of the class. Students will be given written notification of any changes.
Aug 26 Syllabus 28 Chapter 1-2: Introduction and Scene Design and the Theatre Space 31 Technical Production Organization and Management Sept 2 Chapter 3-4: Scene Design as a Visual Art and the Design Process 7 Theatre Tours 9 Chapter 7: The Scene Shop, Tools and Equipment 14 Knots 16 Exam #1 21 Chapter 8: Building Scenery 23 Work Day 28 Flats Demonstration 30 Hollywood Flats Lab October 5 Work Day 7 Work Day 12 Step Unit Demonstration 14 Step Unit Lab 19 NO CLASS: Fall Break 21 Platforms Demonstration/Lab 26 Exam #2 28 Chapter 9: Painting Scenery Nov 2 Chapter 14-15: Introduction to Stage Lighting Design and Distribution 4 Chapter 19-20: Design: Choices, Process, Light Plot, Paperwork and Production 9 Work Day 11 Chapter 21: Stage Lighting and Electricity 16 Wiring 18 Chapter 17: Lighting Instruments 23 Chapter 21: Lighting Control 25 NO CLASS: Thanksgiving Break 30 Hang/Focus Dec 2 Chapter 16: Color and Light 7 Chapters 12-13: Sound for the Theatre 14 Final Exam @ 10:30