Course Syllabus
Focus Skills: Solving problems creatively; Working collaboratively
What goes into creating an effective backstage support team? In this hands-on workshop, students will learn about the many different behind-the-scene jobs that contribute towards successful theater productions. As needed, these may include budgeting, advertising, set design and construction, costume design, program writing, lighting, prop design and construction, make-up, performance crew direction and crew work. They will also learn how to analyze the given plays and work creatively and responsibly with the director(s) to plan what is needed within the given budget, space, material and personnel limitations. They will then make sketches or models, as needed, and write up the material and cost proposals, which have to be approved by Michael before purchasing. Each student will take responsibility for one or more components of the production process. Each student is expected to produce at least one solid portfolio item by the end of the semester; the type and focus skill, however, will reflect the chosen jobs.
In order to better understand the skills needed for each job, we will research job descriptions and talk with former techies. We will also set up a light and sound training session with our senior lighting techie (not in the class this year).
My role is as coach and team leader, working with you and keeping us on task. As the semester progresses, everyone will learn about the different jobs, but we will divide production jobs according to need, individual talent and skill. Shopping trips to Home Depot and other stores will be taken as needed. When necessary, we may have to put in extra time after school, on Wednesdays or on a Saturday. After-school time for production rehearsals and performances comprises 20% of the grade. The dates need to be blocked out well in advance. Keep track of your hours—you may earn up to 10 community service hours per semester through this class. Once we have cleaned up after a production, we’ll take a few days off to assess our work, go out to eat and catch up with study hall time.
Class Dynamics:
1) RESPECT each other by observing needs for work space, communicating effectively and helping each other, RESPECT me by observing directions and using my time and skills as a coach, RESPECT the classroom by coming on time, not using the vending machine during class, not using school or personal instruments without permission during class time, tidying up before leaving for lunch, and RESPECT yourself and your work by being prepared and doing your best.
2) TEAMWORK and TRUST are really important. Each person is learning their craft and doing their jobs to make the production a success. We may be working in different parts of the building and have to trust that each person will be responsible in doing the given job as well as possible, and without driving each other crazy. Wandering or goofing off during class time will result in detention and/or loss of privileges. The better we work together, the better we can do our jobs! If you get frustrated, please work at calming down, communicating your frustration reasonably and working with another team member or me to solve the problem.
3) Unless sick or otherwise involved in the given production, no one is exempt from TECH DUTIES during the dress rehearsal and performance process. And the show’s not over until strike and clean-up duties are finished. Make sure you put these dates in your calendars as soon as they are given, and make arrangements to be there!
4) SAFETY is vital. You may only use power tools under supervision and while observing applicable safety rules. Any abuse will result in loss of privilege and disciplinary measures, as applicable. Sets need to be built with the safety of the actors and crew in mind. The lighting and sound equipment is very expensive, and we need to learn how to use it responsibly and safely. The sound booth must remain locked when we are not working there and we may not allow unauthorized students in the sound booth. We also need to study and observe applicable Fire Marshall Regulations.
5) No Food or Sodas in the theater, unless we are eating together as a class activity in the foyer.
6) CLEANLINESS. The theater space is small and also serves as a classroom all day long. It is important for us to keep the stage, control booth, backstage area, tools, etc. as clean, organized and neat as possible. I know it’s a pain cleaning up after a show, but it’s a necessary part of the job. John Potter and Michael make random-checks for neatness, so we need to keep the place ship-shape and ready to go.
7) Any problems, concerns or questions? Check my website at www.schoolrack.com/virginiapalmerfuechsel, stop by during lunch or C module, or send an email to virginia@nsnva.pvt.k12.va.us or fuechsel@msn.com. If necessary (especially if you are sick), you can also reach me evenings (before 9 PM, please) at (540) 428-2375.
Assignments:
1) Theater Spaces. We will divide up and measure the theater and adjacent work areas. Then you will create a drawing to scale, 3-D model or computer drawing for the space that you have chosen. Create an inventory list for your space. Make it as neat and accurate as possible, because we will be using these diagrams and models throughout the year. Then assess the space. Is everything in good working order? Do you know how to work with everything? What cheap and easy improvements would you recommend to make your space more efficient?
2) Theater Jobs. After some general discussion and readings, each of you will take two backstage or production management responsibilities, research what goes into it, and then make a detailed job description. Find 3 or more good sources (including manuals and books) that are really helpful for learning more about that job. You can also interview people that do that job. What multiple intelligences types fit this job well? What skill sets are needed? What kind of training is needed for this job? I will talk to the Springfield Community Theater director to try to arrange possibilities for you to come to one of their rehearsals or performances and shadow a techie.
3) Build a Box. We will design, measure, buy materials, cut, build and paint two fairly large boxes/trunks on wheels to be used for drama classes. The boxes must be able to fit under the tables and sturdy enough so someone can sit or stand on them.
Note: The first 3 projects must be finished before the Springfield production moves in.
4) Production Plans for the One-Act Plays and The Bachae. Once we have procured, read and analyzed the scripts, talked to the directors and understand what is needed, we will divide the necessary set production duties among the entire team. The load should be distributed as fairly as possible according to likes, skills and overall needs! You will then be responsible for meeting with the members of Michael’s team to find out what they really need and would like to have, complete sketches and/or models, a materials list, an assessment of what we have on hand or can get with no cost, and a list of materials that need to be purchased, together with an informed price estimate. Make a pre-production schedule, too, because we have to be on time with our side of the production. Remember that we should try to use what we have and spend as little money as possible. Your designs, photographs, color sketches and/or models could become a portfolio item showing the focus skill of working creatively.
5) Theater Tech Duties during dress and tech rehearsals, as well as the performance itself. Documentation of your Theater Tech Duties in the form of positive mentions in a theater review, production sketches and graphs, an article for the school newspaper, mini-video or photo series could become a good “other” portfolio item showing the focus skills of solving problems, working creatively and working collaboratively.
6) Post-Production Job Assessment. As a team, we will assess ourselves and each other, and will also receive outside evaluation from the director and/or Ted. How well did we do what we said we would do to get the production ready? Was the set safe, creative and effective for the production? How well did we work with the director and cast? How well did we tech during the production itself? Did the lighting and sound enhance the production?
Scheduled productions:
Springfield Community Theater: October 11-19 and 24-26, 31 and Nov 1 + 2 (We have to work around them)
One Act Play Festival: Nov 7-8 and 14-15
Elementary Play: Dec 16-18 (minimum tech/set duties)
The Bachae (Performances at beginning of 3rd Quarter):
Set must be finished by January 12!
Grading Criteria:
20% Teamwork (respectfulness, responsibility, preparedness, safety, helpfulness
30% Theater Space Project, Theater Jobs Project and Box Project
10% Documentation
20% Pre-production jobs
20% Rehearsal, performance and post-performance tech duties
