Theatre 241: StageCraft

Course objectives:
To provide the student with a basic understanding of the technical aspects of theatre production: scenery, lights, sound and props.

Text:
Lecture Notes for Theatre 241: StageCraft by Larry Wild. (Aberdeen, SD: NSU Bookstore. 2007)

Supplemental online material:

1. Selected Bibliography of StageCraft Literature
2. Jean Rosenthal's "A Photo Essay on Light"
3. The Light Lab

1. Production Organization
2. The Stage and Its Equipment
3. Scene Design
        Scene Design: Plaza Suite
        Scene Design: Ghosts
   
4. Designing the Multi-Set Show
5. Tools and Materials
   
6. Shop Safety Rules
   First Little Quiz
7. Scenery: Drops
8. Scenery: Flats
9. Scenery: Door and Window Units
10. Scenery: Platforms and Steps
11. Joining Flats
12. Scene Painting
    
13. Assembling and Bracing the Set
14. Props
    Second Little Quiz
15. A Short History of Stage Lighting, Brief Edition
16. Functions and Qualities of Light
17. Plot, Lists and Schedules
18. A Short Guide to VectorWorks
19. Some Instruction on Using VectorWorks to Develop a Light Plot
20. An Approach to Lighting Design
21. Lighting Instruments
22. Lighting Control System
23. Fundmentals of Electricity
24. Hanging a Show
25. Focusing and Qing a Show
26. Sound
    

1. Gel Worksheet
2. Instrument Selection Problem

1. Project 1: Design a set for Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap (50 points) Due: October 10
2. Project 2: Build, cover and paint a 2' square flat (Cancelled)
3. Project 3: Create Five Lighting Compositions with Virtual Light Lab (25 points) Due: December 14
4. Project 4: Draft a Light Plot in VectorWorks (50 points) Due: December 21

Expectations:
In addition to attending class and completing the four projects, each student is expected to...

1. Work two (2) hours a week in the Scene Shop OR on a running crew (sets, props, lights, or costumes) for Miss Saigon. Stage Management will satisfy the lab requirement of the course.
2. Work one of the Tech Days for Miss Saigon: Saturday, October 6 or 13.
3. Attend a performance of Miss Saigon, October 18 through 20.

Attendance Policy:
Attendance will be taken during class lectures. A student will earn one (1) point for each class meeting they attend, and one half (1/2) point for each excused absence. It is the student's responsibility to notify me of all excused absences. Students will be held responsible for all materials covered during any missed lectures.

Grading:
Grades will be determined through a point system. Points are earned on the three exams (300 points), the four projects (150 points), attendance (40 points) and shop hours (100 points). Grading scale: 90% of the highest score is an A; 80% is a B; 70% is a C; 60% is a D, and below 60% is failing.

Shop Work:
The Northern Scene Shop (JFAC 124) is normally open Monday through Friday from 3 to 5pm. Each student is expected to work a minimum of 24 hours. Regular attendance will be a factor in determining course grades. Hours worked during Tech Days are counted as Shop Hours. . Students working on a running crew are expected to be at all technical and dress rehearsals (October 14 - 17), performances (October 18 - 20), and strike (after the final performance, October 20). The running crew will normally work between 21 and 28 hours over 7 days. Any shop hours over 24 will be extra credit.

Shop Safety Rule #1:
Some of the work done on stage and in the shop is dangerous. It is of importance that you are comfortable with the tasks you are asked to perform. If you do not have confidence in your own skills or in the equipment you are using, just say No. You will not be penalized for fear of heights, power tools, electricity, etc.

Dress Code:
You are advised to provide suitable clothing for shop and stage work. This includes:

1. Clothes that are "paintable" and reasonably close fitting (loose clothing can become caught on equipment or scenery). Long pants are preferable to skirts or shorts. Operators of power tools are to wear short sleeves or roll sleeves up.
2. Do not wear loose fitting (ie: long necklace) or expensive jewelry, remove jewelry when operating power tools.
3. Shoes should have good traction- work or athletic shoes, and protect the feet (do not wear sandals, high heels, etc.).
4. Long hair should be worn up, tied back or netted to avoid being caught in moving parts or machines.

Disability Policy:
Northern State University recognizes its responsibility for creating an institutional climate in which students with disabilities can thrive. If you have any type of disability for which you require special accommodations, please contact Karen Gerety at the NSU Office of Disability Services (626-2371, Student Center 217) as soon as possible to discuss your particular needs.

Academic Freedom Statement:
Under Board of Regents and University policy student academic performance may be evaluated solely on an academic basis, not on opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards. Students should be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled. Students who believe that an academic evaluation reflects prejudiced or capricious consideration of student opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards should contact the academic dean administratively in charge of the class to initiate a review of the evaluation

Theatrical Supply Houses
Norcostco and Stage Technology are our two local theatrical supply houses. From them we purchase scenic muslin, scene paint, gel, and theatrical lighting equipment -- instruments, lamps, dimmers, and control consoles.

Norcostco (Northwestern Costume)
3204 N. Highway 100
Minneapolis, MN 55422-2789
Phone: 612-533-2791
Toll Free: 800-220-6920
Fax: 612-533-3718
eMail: NorcostcMN@aol.com

Stage Technology
3110 Washington Avenue North, Suite 100
Minneapolis, MN 55411
Phone: 612-455-0210
Fax: 612-455-0224
Toll Free: 800-889-4081
Toll Free Fax: 800-898-4756
eMail: info@stagetechnology.com

1. Scene Shop Safety Manual
   The University of Michigan's Shop Manual for students and employees.

Organizations

1. ESTA
   Entertainment Services and Technology Association: a non-profit trade association.
2. IATSE
   The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees: the "stagehands" union.
3. USAA
   United Scenic Artists of America: Designers and Artists for the Entertainment Industry
4. USITT
   The United States Institute of Theatre Technology.

Lighting Equipment Manufacturers

1. Altman Stage Lighting Company
   Lighting Instruments
2. Leviton (Colortran), a division of NSICorp
   Lighting Instruments, Control Consoles, Dimmers
3. Dove Systems
   Control Consoles (Scenemaster, Controlmaster), Dimmers (Dimmermaster)
4. ETC -- Electronic Theatre Controls
   Control Consoles (Obsession, Expression, Impression, Idea, Acclaim) Dimmers (Sensor), Lighting Instruments (Source4)
5. GAMProducts
   Color Media (GAM Color), GAM Patterns, the GAM Scene Machine (a scenic projector)
6. McKernon Software
   The home of Lightwright™, and John's Pearls of Wisdom.
7. Rosco Laboratories
   Color Media (Roscolux), Paint (Supersaturated & off-broadway Roscopaint), Fog Machines
8. Strand Lighting
   Control Consoles (Lightpalette, Lightboard, GSX), Dimmers (CD80), Lighting Instruments (Lekolite)
9. Strand Archive
   An unofficial journey through the history of Strand Stage Lighting.

Theatrical Hardware and Rigging

1. J. R. Clancy
   Stage Rigging Systems for Theater, Arena, School and Concert Hall
2. Fehr Stage Rigging Hardware
   Stage Rigging Supplies, Theatrical Hardware, Chain, Cable, Wire Rope
3. Sapsis Rigging
   A full-service company for the arts and entertainment industry.
4. SECOA
   Stage Rigging for the entertainment industry.

Search Engines

1. Google
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2. Google Groups
   A Discussion Group search engine. Browse or search the two "stage craft" groups...
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