THEA 122: Stagecraft

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2022
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 72
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 18
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Prerequisite: THEA 120 or concurrent enrollment.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

Planning and constructing stage and television scenery. Use of tools and stage equipment. Work in the scenic lab for department productions is required. 54 lecture hours, 18 lab hours arranged.

Course Objectives

  • analyze the artistic relationship of all aspects of theatrical production
  • coordinate the use of stage props with stage scenery
  • anticipate safety requirements in the construction and handling of technical theatre
  • understand the relationship of each technical position as it relates to a production
  • have an understanding of the requirements of scenic elements in the technical entertainment field
  • have a basic understanding of the steps needed to bring a show into production
  • have a basic understanding of the use of hand and stationary tools and how they are applied to the construction of scenic elements.
  • have a basic understanding of implementing a scenic design from technical drawing to final stage product.

Major Course Content

  1. Identify and analyze the various uses of stationary tool.
  2. Dissect the physical stage, studio and soundstage.
  3. Dissect and analyze basic working drawings, scenery construction and painting for theatre, film and television.
  4. Identify and analyze the various hand tools and hardware used in the basic construction of scenery.
  5. Examine how basic rigging works and how it is applied in the production.
  6. Examine and dissect a variety of construction techniques used in theatre and film.
  7. Dissect and analyze the basic aspects of lighting design, scenic design, sound design and costune design and how they relate to the construction of scenic elements for live events.
  8. Examine and dissect basic stage furniture repair and construction.
  9. Examine and dissect basic prop design and construction techniques used in theatre and film.

Hours Arranged Content

  1. guided instruction in theatre and television flat construction.
  2. stationary tool operation.
  3. power hand tool instruction.
  4. carpentry crew work.
  5. OSHA and Cal/Osha safety protocol.
  6. guided instruction in platform construction.
  7. basic instruction in steel construction.
  8. backstage responsibilities.
  9. stage crew work.
  10. backstage safety procedures

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

A minimum three page critique on each theatre and music department production for that semester.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Students will be required to complete the following assignments outside of the regular class time: Research on the use of scenic construction techniques currently used in the fine and performing arts live theatre venues. Research to include but not limited to a variety of construction materials and new tool technology.

Instruction Type(s)

Lab, Lecture