Technical Theatre
Technical Theatre is one of the most important parts of theatre production. Without the lights, sound, costuming, makeup, advertising, set design, backstage run crews and directing teams there would be no show for actors to be in. Throughout my Technical Theatre course, I involve students into the backstage world of theatre, away from the spotlight and dive deeper into the work needed to create a show before the actors step foot on a stage.
Technical Theatre
Projects/Assesments:
Week 2: Student must present self-made flat for grading.
Week 3: Students turn in concept for review and grading.
Week 8: Students present and turn in concept portfolios to the class, all to be graded following rubric guidelines.
Week 9-14: Students are graded on participation and on self-management of time and effort.
Week 15: For extra credit students are able to turn in a brief essay about the set and how it was used in the show and their reactions.
Week 17: Extra credit is given for any additional alterations made to their design models and portfolios.
Week 1: Students are welcomed into the classroom, and we speak on the overview of technical theatre jobs and positions available in the production industry.
Week 2: Students are shown how to use allowed power tools, and basic theatre building processes like flats and scrims. Together the class will make flats for the concurrent production.
Week 3: Students are given a list of shows from an approved list to choose from and begin concept work on. Students should be focusing on the general concept of their show and prepare an overview presentation that they will turn in for review and approval.
Week 4-5: Students create vision boards and set plots to be placed in their portfolio, and create a set model, with functioning pieces.
Week 6-7: Students will make costuming designs for each character and costume change that fits with their theme. Students will then begin making soundscapes for their show, including background music and cue sounds in QLabs. Students will design a projection image to be used on their backdrop, either by computerized editing or by traditional drawing. All work will be added into their portfolios.
Week 8: Students present their projects to the class and present their set changes and any other added effects that were created for their design. Students will turn in their models and portfolios for grading.
Week 9-11: Students will work on building set pieces, stage enhancements and anything else required for current production and prep for painting.
Week 12: Students will paint sets, and position lighting fixtures if needed.
Week 13-14: Students will finish any costuming alterations, set changes or prop alterations needed for the show.
Week 15: Production week, upkeep if necessary, and re-visit models made to consider logistics of set building, and concept creation.
Week 16-17: Strike the set of the production and reset for the next semester. Students will turn in any changes made to their design models for extra credit.