OVERVIEW OF COURSE WORK

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1 Westmont High School Performing Arts Department Technical Theatre I, II, III, IV Honors Course Syllabus 2016 / 2017 INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Jeff Bengford ROOM: Room 6 bengford@sbcglobal.net PHONE: (408) WEBSITE: COURSE DESCRIPTION This hands-on course introduces students to the action that goes on "behind the scenes" in a theatrical production. In lieu of traditional homework, TECH students need to work an average minimum of thirty minutes per class session. EXAMPLE: If there are 12 classes during a grading period, the student would have 6 hours of work outside of class. TECH students are strongly encouraged to continue to work past the bell to accumulate their hours. Many students also work TECH during Saturday rehearsals usually held from 9:00AM-4:00PM. COURSE OBJECTIVES 1) To directly involve students in the technical aspects of the Westmont Theatre Department's productions. 2) To teach students the specialized vocabulary of technical theatre. 3) To help students analyze and critique the design elements found in school and outside productions. 4) To gain a practical approach to problem solving, leadership and working well under pressure. 5) To expose students to the history of theatrical design and current trends in technical theater. CONTENT STANDARDS Technical Theatre fulfills the California State Standards for the Visual & Performing Arts as well as an elective requirement for graduation from Westmont High School and entrance to the UC/CSU system. OVERVIEW OF COURSE WORK Fall Semester 1st Six Weeks Course Work: Technical Theatre Training TOPIC: Set Construction 2nd Six Weeks Course Work: Technical Theatre Training TOPIC: Lights & Scene Painting 3rd Six Weeks Course Work: Technical Theatre Training TOPIC: Costumes & Make-Up Spring Semester 1st Six Weeks Course Work: Theatre Design Research Project 2nd Six Weeks Course Work: One Act Play Festival / Advanced Theatre Show 3rd Six Weeks Course Work: Advanced Theatre Show / Pitch Project Check WestmontDrama.com for the most current dates Page 1

2 GRADING POLICY The grade a student receives in this course is determined by the following weighted percentages: Class Work 50% Attitudes are Contagious A positive attitude and strong work ethic are essential for success in this class. All students must participate in what ever work needs to be done. Students receive points for positive participation. Students lose points for disruptive or disrespectful behavior, being unprepared, and making negative contributions. GRADING RUBRIC A = Takes initiative and contributes beyond what is required. B = Participates often in class. C = Shows interest in class. D = Seldom participates. F = Unacceptable. 0 = Invisible Hours 30% Students clock in to every class or work session Students earn hours for every class session and credit for any hours they work beyond class. In lieu of traditional homework, TECH students need to work an average minimum of thirty minutes per class session. Students are encouraged to work during rehearsals on production Saturdays. Students can also earn hours for crewing non-theatre Department events in the theater. 100 hours are required by the end of each semester. (64 one hour class meetings in the fall + 36 required additional hours) Those who only work during class hours will NOT earn the grade they want. To earn an A for this portion of their grade, students must work: 25 hours during the 1 st grading period 35 hours during the 2 nd grading period and 40 hours during the 3 rd grading period. Hours worked beyond 100 at the end of the semester will count as extra credit IF the student has turned in at least one critique. Assignments 10% Assignments, tests and quizzes are occasionally given to assess whether or not students understand information and are learning their Theatre Vocabulary. Written work is graded on the clarity of the work; format, grammar, spelling, and mechanics count. Upper Division Techs will also create and present a Tech Portfolio (see attached) PROJECT RUBRIC A = Exceedingly high quality and original work. D = Minimum effort and work. B = Consistently good and interesting work. F = Unacceptable work. C = Satisfactory and complete work. 0 = No work ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL TECH students read one act plays, interview directors then choose plays to design. Designers are responsible for regularly meeting with their director. TECH students must attend after-school rehearsals: 2:30-5:30 May 22, 23, 24 and work performances: May 25 & 26. Any rehearsal or performance missed will reduce the student s semester grade by one-third. Critiques 10% Students must write two Critiques per semester on a show produced by a professional company, community theatre, high school or college. Shows produced by a children s theatre or a church are not acceptable. Students are given an outline which describes what to look for while they watch and how to turn their notes into a critique. NOTE: The instructor is available to help students find cost effective ways to see plays and musicals. If a student does not write at least one of the required critiques, they can not receive an A. Extra credit and hours work toward filling in every other part of the student's grades except critiques. Students have to show that they can master the Critique of theatrical performances. Writing just two performance critiques over the course of an entire semester is a bare bones minimum requirement. REQUIRED MATERIALS 1) Theatrical Design and Production 2) The Stage and the School Replacement cost: $85 3) handouts, and videos Page 2

3 ATTENDANCE POLICY The student s overall class grade is lowered one third for every truant and one third for every three tardies. When a child is absent the parent, guardian or student should contact the instructor as soon as possible. Work is due in tutorial the day the student returns to school. Students absent for school activities are expected to submit their work on time or before the work is due. Make-up work will not be accepted for "unexcused" or "truant" absences Work loses a potential grade every day the work is late. (A work submitted 1 day late = B work) CLASSROOM RULES 1) Respect and be sensitive to the ideas, opinions and property of others. 2) Do not use profanity, name calling, or physical abuse. 3) Report to class with all required materials before the tardy bell rings, and wait to be dismissed by the teacher before leaving. Never leave class without a pass. 4) Follow all Westmont school rules and expectations including dress code. 5) Do not write on desks or deface school property. 6) Do not consume food or drink during class. Water is acceptable. 7) Do not use distractions during class: ipods, cell-phones, makeup, game-boys, or unapproved devices. 8) Accept assignments without complaints. 9) Clean your workspace before leaving. 10) Meet all deadlines. SAFETY REMEMBER: Quick and convenient solutions are usually NOT the safest solutions. Possession of a knife or cutting device on campus is grounds for immediate expulsion. All box cutter utility knives and other dangerous hand tools must be signed in and out. No student can use any power tool until they have passed their general safety test, a specific safety test on the tool to be used, and have been trained how to use that tool by Mr. Bengford. If you are not sure how to use a tool, ask Mr. Bengford. CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS Provide the technical support for the productions and theatrical events at Westmont. Be dressed to do TECH work & "get messy" everyday. NO FLIP FLOPS! Learn the basic safety rules and operating procedures for all technical equipment and tools. Write two TECH critiques of live theatre per semester. Attend strikes 2:30-5:30 for all shows (see rehearsal schedules) The theater building and all the spaces in which we share our love of theatre are extensions of the classroom and thus, all school rules are applicable. ACADEMIC CODE OF CONDUCT All students are expected to adhere to the guidelines of the Westmont High School Academic Code of Conduct. Do your own work. Any text from another source must have quotation marks placed around it and be followed by a parenthetical source citation. Any form of plagiarism or cheating will result in an immediate "F" and referral to the dean. Page 3

4 Theatre Critiques FOR TECHS Your Critique of a play or musical should contain four paragraphs. Use MLA Format for your heading and margins. Two critiques are required per semester Short Paragraph 1 - The Basics (3-5 sentences) Introduce the name of the play, author, place of performance, date of performance, and director. In a few sentences talk about the basic theme of the play and discuss the general plot. Paragraphs 2 & 3 The Design (4-8 sentences each) In each of these paragraphs, react to a separate element of the play s design. Be sure to include the names of the designers. Choose one topic from the following list for one paragraph and another for the next paragraph. SET: Did the set establish the correct mood and background for the play? How? LIGHTS: Did the lighting convey the proper mood, emphasis, and illumination? How? COSTUMES & MAKE UP: Were the costumes and makeup true to the period and characters? How? SOUND: Did the sound effects and music contribute to the show's mood? How? Short Paragraph 4 - The Reaction (3-5 sentences) What was your opinion of the play as a whole? Don't be generic. Avoid phrases like: two thumbs up or three out of five stars DO: 1. Back up all your opinions with valid reasons. 2. Be objective, fair and constructive. 3. Be sincere. Believe what you say. 4. Use MLA Format for your heading and margins. 5. Attach a program for the performance you saw (unless you saw the show with me as a field trip) DON'T: 1. Don't be overly critical. Go to the show ready to enjoy it. 2. Don't be arrogant. Be humble, kind, and try to remember the challenges live theatre presents. Page 4

5 CUHSD THEATER TOUR VOCABULARY as of August 13, 2015 Starting outside Stage Door Call Board Light Switches Loading Dock Door (Roll Door) *Stage Manager s Cabinet First Aid Kit #1 Wings Ghost Light Orchestra Pit Pit Lift *B s Cabinet Tool Room Midway Aisle Mezzanine Mezz Ledge Vestibule HL Lobby Bathrooms Going up Control Booth Door Sound Booth Sound Cabinet(s) Light Booth Followspot Booth Lighting Cabinet(s) *Gel File (Black) *Lighting Shelves *EFX Shelves *Prop Loft Catwalks Back in the lobby Pantry First Aid Kit #2 Ticket Counter *Costume Shop Lobby Doors Display Boards Vestibule HR Back in the theater Side Tabs Musician s Door Pit Steps Proscenium Arch Torms Backstage Light Trees Crestron Headset Systems Main Drape or Act Curtain Legs Borders Mid-stage Black Traveler Black Scrim Upstage Blacks *Ground Row Cyclorama or Cyc * Stupid Doors Backstage Vestibule Green Room Piano Storage *Prop Shelves Backstage Monitor Dressing Areas Bathrooms Back outside The Cage *Chop Saw Paint Bench, Cabinet & Sink *Wood Rack Paint Deck *C-Trains 1, 2, 3, 4, Suzie = Not all CUHSD Theaters have this item Page 5

6 ! C-Trains & Suzie Westmont Performing Arts Department TECH Training Checklist! Scaffolding (how to assemble & where to climb)! Safety Calls: Heads! Eyes Ears! All Hands All Clear Ladders (appropriate ladder for appropriate use) Ground Crew requirement : 6 A-Frame (how to assemble & move)! Power Outlet locations DMX Outlet locations! Tools! How to Leg Platforms (simple, compression, trestle)! Curtain & Drop Operation! Using Paint - Water is your friend Cleaning Up with Paint - Not in sinks or drinking fountains!! Sound Cabinet & Closet, Lighting Cabinet & Drawers, B s Cabinet! Lighting Instrument Types! How to hang & cable a lighting instrument! How to focus & color a lighting instrument! How to coil, tie & store cable! Miter Box & Skill Saw (Mr. B will lead this demo) Page 6

7 TECHNICAL THEATRE I VOCABULARY as of AUGUST 2015 Production Jobs Producer Playwright Director Dramaturg Production Manager Publicity / Social Media Manager Stage Manager Scenic Designer Property Designer Lighting Designer Special Effects Designer Video Effects (projections) Designer Costume Designer Sound Designer Make Up Designer Running Crew Hair & Wig Manager House Manager Box Office Manager Concessions Manager Production Periods Blue Sky Phase (dreaming) Design Stage Builds Begin (continue through tech. rehearsals) Set Construction Costume Coordination Props Acquisition Sound / Audio Design Light Hang / Focus Auditions Rehearsals Technical Rehearsals Dress Rehearsals Performances Strike Post Production & Assessment Basic Stage Configurations Proscenium Tennis Court Thrust (¾ Arena) Arena (Theatre in the Round) Black Box Experimental: Found Space On Stage (Tour 1) Proscenium Arch Wings: (in 1, in 2, in 3) Stage Directions: Stage Right / Left, Upstage / Downstage / Center Stage Apron Legs & Borders Act / Main Curtain Main Drape/Valance Mid-stage Black Traveler Upstage Blacks Cyclorama (aka: Cyc) Scrim Ground Row Roll Door Loading Dock The Transverse Grid Cat Walks Lobby Equipment Ladders Scaffolding (inside climbs) Hampers Genie Lift / Scissors Lift Ghost Light First Aid Kit Scenic Pieces Flats Platforms Stair Units Door Frames Window Frames Trap Door(s) Drops Roll Drop Trip Drop Dead Hung Drop Lingo Cues Backstage Etiquette Tech Week Heads! (Heads Up!) All Hands! Sound on Stage! (Loud Noise!) Going Dark! (Blackout!) Stage Manager Calls: Minutes! / Thank You,! Strike! Tools & Materials Hand Tools: Hammer, Screw Driver, Level, C-Wrench, Bar Clamp, etc... Power Tools: Jigsaw, Skillsaw, Drill, Sander, Compound Miter Saw, Table Saw Wood: 1X, 2X, 4X, plywood, pressboard, lauan, OSB, MDF Air Compressor & Pneumatic Tools Canvas / Dutchman Fasteners: drywall screws, staple, Simpson strong ties, bolt & nut Glues and Adhesives Stage Hardware Tape: Gaff, Glow, Blue (Painter s), Spike, Board, Masking, Duct Rope & Tie Line Chain Air Craft Cable Clamps (Spring, C, F ) Pig Weight / Sandbag Construction Ground Plan Corner Block & Keystone, Rail, Toggle, Stile, Corner Brace Jack Brace Pilot Holes (pre-drill) Platform Legging Standards Screwing Standards (screw small into large) Proper Storage of Flats (back to back, front to front) Organization of Wood Rack (smaller on top) Scene Painting Paint Rollers Brushes Drop Clothsy Proper Cleaning Spray Paint Texturizers (feathers, wood grainer, sponges, etc) Page 7

8 Props Set Props Hand Props Set Dressing Food Props Lighting Ellipsoidal (ERS, Source 4, Leiko ) Top Hat (snoot) Half Hat Drop in Iris Color Scrollers & M- Faders Gobos o Pattern (gobo) Holder o o Donut Gobo Rotator ( Twin Spin ) Fresnel (focusable and non) Barn Doors Inkies PAR LED PARS ( slimpar ) Mini PAR Scoops Strips Cyc Lights Dimmers Cables & Adapters Stage Pin Edison Twist Lock (L 20) Gels Gel Frame Tie Line Battens / 1 st, 2 nd, etc IPS Dimmers Work lights Running Lights (backstage) Aisle Lights (on mezzanine walls) Tread Lights (in house steps) Control Booth Lighting Control DMX, ION Light Board) ETC Gateways (DMX Universe 2) Audio Crestron control panel Sound Board (LS9) Microphone Types Body Pack o Lavalier o Latex Sheeths Wireless Mic o Shure SLX/ULX Hand Held o SM 57/58 Hanging Microphones Choir Mics Mic Belts Cables and Connectors XLR Cable Speakon NL2 Speakon NL4 TRS (tip, ring, sleve) ¼, ⅛ Audio Patch Cables Video Patch Cables Mic Stand Wind Screen Input Output DI Box Wired and Wireless Clear Comms Assisted Listening Systems Audio Patch Panel Video Patch Panel Costumes / Make Up / Hair Publicity Front of House. Page 8

9 Upper Division TECH VOCABULARY (in addition to all TECH I Vocabulary) Design Developments Greek Theatre Roman Theatre Medieval Theatre Renaissance Theatre Elizabethan Theatre Restoration Theatre Current Trends Contemporary & Classical Designers Modern Theaters Black Box Theatres Found Spaces The Scenic Designer Play Analysis Mood and Spirit of the Play Historical Period of the Play Locale of the Play Socioeconomic Level and Personality of the Characters Season of the Year Elements of Set Design Composition Practicality of the Setting Graphic Techniques Visual Presentation Sketches Models Computer Presentations Scale Ruler Sightlines Perspective Plaster Line Center Line Box Set / Unit Set Color (the effects of ) Levels (the importance of ) Scenic Techniques Stairs Nature Rocks Trees Scene Painting Techniques Wallpapering Principles of Composition Color Terminology Complementary Contrast / Variation Emphasis / Position Balance / Harmony / Unity Light versus pigment Line Mass Primary / Secondary Proportion Shape Texture Lighting Design Distribution Intensity & Mood Movement Color Visibility Modeling with Key and Fill Psychological EFX of Light The Light Plot and Such Light Plot & Legend Vertical Section Instrument Schedule Lighting Key Magic Sheet Lights for Different Stages Proscenium Thrust Arena Electrical Theory Ohm s Law Power Formula Electrical Circuits Electrical Current Sound Design Functions of Sound in the Theatre Sound Plot Music Effects Reinforcement Basic Acoustics Property Design Upholstery Molds & Foam Wood carving/turning Costume Design Types of Designs Psychology of Clothes Analyzing the Script Practical Considerations Period vs. wearability Will it hold up during run? Organization Calendar Costume Chart Character/Actor Change List Costume Sketches Costume Renderings Costume Swatches Fabric Patterns Historical Research Makeup Types of Makeup Application Techniques Coordinating with Costumes Age Period Makeup Stage Management Pre-Production Planning and Organization Schedules Prompt Book Rehearsal Space Production Meetings Auditions Managing Rehearsals blocking notation prompting timing the show Tech Rehearsals Check lists Dress Rehearsals Performance Calling the Show Backstage Etiquette Page 9

10 Design Portfolio (Tech 1 s are excused from this) Choose four of the following seven design options: turn in one per semester. Due Dates: #1: Wednesday, December 14, 2016 #2: Tuesday, June 6, 2017 Design Light Design Sound Design Set Design Prop Design Publicity/ Graphic Design Makeup Design Costume Design Stage Management Technical Direction Your Own Idea Portfolio Requirements Light Plot; Dimmer Plot; Explanation of color choice; Explanation of choices of Special Effects for key moments of the play (include quotes); sketches or pictures of lighting effects A rough sketch of a set indicating placement of microphones and speakers; A list of characters that need microphones, and the reason they need a mic; Musicals: a list of possible opportunities to share microphones; Plays: a list of music choices for pre-show, post-show, intermission, and underscoring; A list of required equipment with explanation of the requirements. A construction of a three dimensional model or a perspective rendering of an original scene design; A floor plan of the set design; A written explanation of the choices in the design A full list of props for the show including a quote of the stage directions of dialog that indicates the requirement for the prop; A rendering of the design of at least five of the props; a paper explaining the design choices According to the standards of the Thespian festival: Poster Design; Program Design, Press release; A Promotional Project. Additionally, a written explanation of choices. According to the standards of the Thespian festival: A rendering of the makeup of at least five characters. Additionally, a written explanation of choices. According to the standards of the Thespian festival: The rendering of five costume designs. Additionally, a written explanation of choices. According to the standards of the Thespian festival: presentation of the production book showing blocking notation for all actors, stage maps, organizational materials, and copies of all directorial notes Presentation of a production book showing all organizational materials, designs, working drawings for build crews Original ideas for portfolio presentations must be pitched to the instructor and approved by the same instructor at least one week in advance of each due date. Implementation: Designs may be fully implemented in a show or they may be theoretical. In addition to the design, a brief paragraph should accompany each design explaining the work Page 10

11 Westmont TECH Theatre Class NAME: Time Sheet Fall 1 Fall 2 Fall 3 Sp 1 Sp 2 Sp 3 Blue Yellow Green Pink Gold Lavender 25 hrs 35 more hrs 40 additional hrs 25 new hrs 35 more hrs 40 additional hrs 100 hours per semester Date What You Did Hours Running TOTAL Page 11