THTR 102 | MichaelCJackson

THTR 102 - Introduction to Theater Production

This is the course I have taught more than any other during my tenure at Indiana State University. The experiences explored through the course are essential to preparing students for success in our Entertainment Design & Technology areas. Students have their first backstage experience and learn the methods for ensuring safe and successful theatrical production.

As this course is delivered every semester, it is one that I have spent a great deal of time thinking about how to deliver in the most effective ways. Accordingly, I have continuously re-worked the course content to reach students where they are and to help them to succeed.

In the syllabus below (which I am using for the first time this semester), I have transformed the class into an entirely experienced-based course. All material is presented through both discussions and hands-on workshops, giving students opportunities to explore the material in tangible ways. Further, students have the opportunity to initiate their own theatrical ideas through the development of design concepts and accompanying production elements over the course of the semester.

Below the photo on this page is an example assignment.

102 Syllabus F2024

Course Project Instructions: Intro. to Theatre Production — THTR 102

Objective: Develop and present a complete production design concept for a short play. This project will integrate your creativity and skills from lighting, sound, stage management, video and projection, and technical communication.

Project Overview: In this course project, you will create a design concept for a theatrical production based on the selected play. You will address all aspects of production design, including set, lighting, sound, video/projection and stage management. Your project will culminate in a final presentation during the Final Exam period at the end of the semester.

Project Breakdown and Instructions

Week 1: Project Introduction

8/26: Introduction to the course project. Review the project scope, expectations, and evaluation criteria.

Week 3-4: Concept Development

9/6: Discuss the plays, start brainstorming ideas. Analyze the play's themes, setting, and characters
9/9: Start developing your design concept and mood board.
9/11: Present your initial concept and receive feedback.

Deliverable: Draft Concept statement and Mood Board.

Week 5-6: Set Design

9/16: Hands on workshop — arranging 3D space in the Black Box
9/18: Hands on workshop — Creating a ground plan
9/20: Receive feedback on your design idea and ground plan
9/23: Translate your ground plan into a 3D digital model
9/25: Present final set design to class

Deliverable: Final Concept Statement and Ground Plan — 25 points due 9/20

Set Design 3D Model — 25 points due 9/25

Week 6-7: Lighting Design

9/27: Basics of stage lighting, start developing lighting ideas
9/30: Hands-on workshop — introducing lighting controls
10/2: Integrating lighting and scenery in. Agument3d
10/4: Hands-on workshop to set up lighting and learn safety protocols

Deliverable: Lighting Cue Sheet and Nomad File — 25 points due 10/9

Week 9-10: Sound Design

10/14: Introduction to sound design, start creating a sound design plan
10/16: Hands-on workshop to set up sound and learn safety protocols
10/21: Hands-on workshop to create sound cues
10/23: Hands-on workshop to implement sound cues
10/25: Present Sound & Lighting Design ideas to class

Deliverable: Sound Design Cue Sheet and QLab file — 25 points due 10/25

Week 11-12: Video and Projection

10/28: Introduction to Video & Projection, start developing a projection plan
10/30: Introduction to Video technology
11/1: Hands-on workshop to create and edit video content
11/4: Hands-on workshop to implement projection playback

Deliverable: Projection Cue Sheet and QLab file — 25 points due 11/6

Week 12-13: Stage Management

11/8: Role of the Stage manager, start developing a stage management plan and prompt book
11/11: Guest speaker — a conversation about safety considerations
11/13: Hands on workshop to simulate a rehearsal process & take blocking

Deliverable: Stage Management Prompt Book (file) — 25 points due 11/15

Week 14: Costume Design

11/18: Guest Speaker — An introduction to costume design
11/20: Hands on workshop to create a character’s costume

Deliverable: Costume research collage — due as part of final presentation

Week 16: Prepare Final Presentation and Reflection

11/22: Review Final Presentation requirements
12/2: Instructor consultations and feedback
12/2: Instructor consultations and feedback
12/9: 1pm Final Exam Period — Present Final Projects 100 points

Deliverables:

Final Presentation: Complete package including set, lighting, sound, video and projection design; stage management plan and costume research — 70 points.
Reflection Paper: Discuss your design process, challenges faced, and lessons learned — 30 points

Evaluation Criteria:

Creativity, Innovation and Completeness: Originality and inventiveness in design concepts and degree of completeness of the work
Integration and Cohesion: How well the design elements work together to support the play.
Technical Proficiency: Accuracy and effectiveness of the technical elements of your project
Presentation and Communication: Clarity and professionalism in presenting your design and communicating design ideas and details

This project allows students to demonstrate their comprehensive understanding of theatre production, combining all aspects of design and technical communication into a cohesive final presentation.