Stage Design and related topic courses
Course Descriptions
BFA and MFA
16-THPR-160, 780
Survey of Theatrical Design
(3 Credits/Undergraduate and graduate)
Introduction to the principles and goals of set, costume and makeup, lighting, and sound design for the stage. Lecture format with use of slides and other visual aids. Guest lectures from CCM design and directing faculty.
16-THPR-870
Approaches to Production
(3 Credits/graduate)
Graduate only seminar in production styles, practices, and precedence. Guest panels, group discussion, and presentations.
Required of all new graduate students.
16-THPR-214, 215, 216 714, 715, 716
Rendering for Stage Designer:
(3 Credits/Undergraduate and graduate)
Introduction to color, perspective drawing, hand and computer rendering techniques. Assigned projects with demonstrations and critique.
16-THPR-341, 342, 343 841,842,843
Stage Design I
(3 Credits/Undergraduate and graduate)
Three quarters of intensive sequential 3-D and 2-D projects that explore of the nature, potential, and plasticity of dramatic space, form, image and theme in 3-D and 2-D. Play, opera, and film scripts are assigned.
16-THPR-444, 445, 456 844, 845, 846
Stage Design II
(3 Credits/Undergraduate and graduate)
Advanced project and/or assigned realized stage design projects for opera, musicals, drama, dance, and special presentations. Design of multiple sets explored. Group and individual lessons.
16-THPR-870
Stage Design for Directors
(3 Credits/Graduate)
Directors will interact from their perspective with advanced design projects created by design majors — a necessary area of understanding for both.
16-THPR-218, 219 718, 719
Drafting for the Theater I
(2 Credits/Undergraduate and graduate)
Introduction to hand drafting techniques: line conventions, orthographic and isometric projections, sectioning, floorplan, elevations, and details. Class demonstrations followed by hands-on studio drafting. Drafting homework projects executed outside of class. Hand drafting classes precede computer aided drafting classes.
16-THPR-347, 348 847, 848
Drafting for the Theater II
(2 Credits/Undergraduate and graduate)
Advanced board and/or CAD drafting projects assigned in accordance with student’s prior drafting experience and skill level. Group and individual lessons. Actual production drafting projects assigned where feasible.
16-THPR-849, 850
Drafting for the Theatre III
(2 Credits/Graduate)
Advanced board and/or CAD drafting projects assigned in accordance with student’s prior drafting experience and skill level. Group and individual lessons. Actual production drafting projects assigned where feasible.
16-THPR-531
Vector Works for the Theater
(3 Credits/Undergraduate and graduate)
Basic exploration of CAD (Computer-aided drafting) software with emphasis on current use of basic functions, doing weekly projects requiring exploration and usage of all functions of the program. Topics include basic commands and concepts such as drawing and editing commands, geometric construction, and 2-D drawings.
16-THPR-532
Vector Works Advanced
(3 Credits/Undergraduate and graduate)
Advanced exploration of CAD (Computer-aided drafting) with emphasis on traditional theater graphics for lighting and sound. Expanded use of functions; weekly projects requiring exploration and usage of all program functions. Advanced 2D and 3B explorations will be studied, with application for stage light plots. CCM theater facilities will be the basis for projects.
16-THPR-533
Digital Portfolios
(3 Credits/Undergraduate and graduate)
Basic exploration of this course with emphasis on digital theatre portfolios for designers and technicians. Current usage of Photoshop, Power Point, Adobe Suite 2, Dreamweaver, and web presentational techniques and functions. Weekly projects which require exploration and usage of all functions of the programs will be explored.
16-THPR-550
Stage Properties
(3 Credits/Undergraduate and graduate)
Assignment as propmaster on major opera, musical, or dramatic production. Construction and painting/decorating of properties from scaled drawings and/or research.
16-THPR-270 770
Scene Painting I
(2 Credits/Undergraduate and graduate)
A one quarter course in the basic materials, methods, and techniques of the stage artist. Stage layout and the rendering of various textures and surfaces are explored through demonstrations and studio practice.
16-THPR-280 880
Scene Painting II
(2 Credits/Undergraduate and graduate)
A one quarter course with intermediate-to-advanced level projects with scaled elevations, stage drawing and layout, color mixing, lettering, copy work, and foam carving in the stage studio.
16-THPR-881
Design Research Project: Stage Design
(3-6 Credits/Graduate)
The culminating research, design, and execution in project form for actual production assignment of all necessary sketches, renderings, models, working drawings, and paint elevations, plus property sketches or drawings, fabric and upholstery samples, for an opera, musical, or drama of sufficient aesthetic value and weight as determined by instructor. Project shall be accompanied by a written argument of the conceptualization approach, complete graphic and written documentation and committee defense plus full portfolio review.
16-THPR-508, 509, 510 871, 872, 873
Stage Design Lab and Crew
(2 Credits/Undergraduate and graduate)
Practical production crew work in the layout, painting, set decoration, and dressing of major opera, musical, and dramatic productions. May be repeated for credit.
16-THPR-500
Workshop Practicum
(2-4 Credits/Undergraduate and graduate)
Practical application of design for workshop productions. May be repeated for credit.
16-THPR-560
Independent Study
(1-3 Credits/Undergraduate and graduate)
In-depth study of a topic related to one of the areas of theatre production, selected by the student in consultation with a member of the faculty. Permission of instructor and Division.
16-THPR-660
Special Topics
(0-6 Credits/Undergraduate and graduate)
Topics established by the area faculty on an as-needed basis.
16-THPR-580
Introduction to Stage Design
(3 Credits/Undergraduate and graduate)
An introduction to the process of set design. Hands-on, project-oriented class. 1 term concise intro course for non-majors.
16-THPR-210 610
Introduction to Rendering for Stage Designers
(3 Credits/Undergraduate and graduate)
One term concise version for non-majors of 16 THPR 214/610, Rendering for Stage Designers.
16-THPR-211, 212, 213 711, 712, 713
Technical Production 1
(3 Credits/Undergraduate and graduate)
Introduction to technical theater, its tools, construction methods, and rigging techniques. Theoretical class work supplemented by actual construction of scenery and crew work for theater production.
16-THPR 551, 552, 553
Technical production Lab and Crew
(2 Credits/Undergraduate and graduate)
16-THPR-600
Lucca: Workshop Practicum in Theatrical Production
(7 Credits/Undergraduate and graduate)
Technical and artistic creation, preparation, and performance of one opera production from the Italian repertoire. Students will train and execute under an international staff of design, technical, and craft artisans in the areas of stage, costume, wig/makeup, lighting, stage management, and production.
