PROGRAM
OBJECTIVES AND PHILOSOPHY
Students
in the design technology program are provided with well-rounded knowledge
in all aspects of theatre and obtain a specialized emphasis in a marketable
skill area. The design/technology
program is broken down into two core components and an emphasis area. The first component is the theatre core
consisting of the fundamental acting/directing, stagecraft, history and practicum
skills. The second is the design
core which includes discovery curriculum in all the areas of design, a performance
element, and an in depth literature/history element. In the emphasis area students choose additional
study in one of the following areas of expertise: theatre technology, stage management,
lighting design, costume design, and scenic design. This is all capstoned with a senior project that is realized
in the theatre.
COMPETENCIES
The
mission and philosophy behind the Design Technology option are realized in
terms of the specific skills the students are expected to achieve. Competencies specific to each emphasis area are outlined as
follows:
Students
will gain proficient knowledge in the following areas: drafting, rendering, model making, technical skills, basic
scenery construction and scenic painting techniques. They will learn to research a set design, complete mechanical
drafting assignments, demonstrate knowledge of design elements and create
a portfolio of their work. Each
student will have a fully realized senior project where they will execute
a set design from concept to completion. Upon completion of this program, students will be prepared
for a career in scene design or continuation in graduate school.
Specific
competencies require the student to:
Explain
the basic design elements including: composition, line, shape, form, weight,
measure, color
Analyze
scripts to determine theme, concept, mood, location, style, period, special
needs
Convey
with fluency the major periods of architecture, furniture, and interior design
Collaborate
with directors to develop a unified design concept through rendering and model
making
Effectively
communicate design specifications through ground plans, elevations, section
and detail drawings
Demonstrate
computer competency in computer aided drafting (CAD) and design
Students
will gain an understanding of techniques used in creating and executing a
lighting design. Lighting is
one of the fastest growing areas of theatre design.
Computers and high technology are pushing this art form at a very rapid
pace. One should expect to leave
this program with a basic understanding of light, energy, color, and skills
needed to use the technology available to design in this media.
Specific
competencies require the student to:
Explain
the basic physical and technical aspects of light, color electricity, projections
and photometrics
Analyze
a variety of dramatic texts from cultural and historical perspectives relating
to the medium of light
Develop
lighting designs that use visual elements to clearly support the text
Collaborate
with directors to develop a unified design concept that conveys the metaphoric
nature of the text
Gain
experience with the effect of light on scenery, costumes, and makeup in creating
an appropriate, supportive "environment" for the performer
Safely
and efficiently operate the technical aspects of the lighting design within
the theatre, drafting, accompanying paper work, load in, focus, cue setting
and execution
The
technology emphasis will introduce students to different physical theatre
forms in practical settings (proscenium, thrust, arena, and flexible extended
stages), standard stage equipment, and methods of staging plays. Students will become proficient in shop
safety procedures, how power and hand tools are used, and scenic
construction. Basic practices in set construction, stage
lighting and sound for the theatre will be explored. There will be hands on experience in scenery
and prop construction. The student
should expect to leave this program with production skills that provide the
base for a technical theatre career.
Specific
competencies require the student to:
Gain
skills in basic physical and chemical properties of the technical aspects
of theatre (carpentry, welding, painting, electricity, lighting)
Apply
technical knowledge and skills to collaboratively and safely create functional
scenery, properties, lighting and sound.
Analyze
a variety of dramatic texts from cultural and historical perspectives to determine
prodution requirements
Explain
how scientific and technological advances have impacted set, light, and sound
design and its implementation for theatre
Safely
and efficiently operate the technical aspects of the scenic studio hand tools,
power tools, metal tools, material management, budgets, inventories and stock
scenery
In
most levels of theatre there are few opportunities to learn the all important
skills of the Stage Manager. This
program will provide a sheltered environment for students to acquire the knowledge
and skills necessary to become a competent stage manager and avoid the customary
trial-and-error, improvisational manner by which many new SM's learn the position.
Organization, delegation, scheduling, and personnel management are
a few of the skills learned. After
completing this course of study, the student should be able to successfully
begin a career in the demanding professional field of stage management.
Specific
competencies require the student to:
Collaborate
with directors to develop a unified design concept that conveys the metaphorical
nature of the drama for informal and formal theatre
Design
coherent stage management, promotional and business plans
Create
and reliably implement production schedules, stage management plans, promotional
ideas and front of house procedures for informal and formal theatre.
Gain
skills in basic physical and chemical properties of the technical aspects
of theatre (carpentry, painting, electricity, lighting)
Safely
and efficiently maintain the integrity of the production, execution of cues,
blocking rehearsals, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals and performances.