Stagecraft

Course Details

Course Number: THEA 1513  Section Number: 01

Spring 2011

Location: Fain Fine Arts Center

Classroom Number: Scenic Studio

Days & Times:     9:00   M - W - F

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Don Henschel Jr.   
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Course Objectives

The purpose of the course is to have you develop the basic skills of stage carpentry, welding, and painting that will enable you to become a useful beginning member of a scenic studio.  You will also learn the basics of scenery movement, storage, flying, and transport, enabling you to be a useful beginning stagehand or grip.  A third possible outcome of the class is that you may discover a particular joy, skill, or propensity at one or a number of these crafts upon which you might consider building a lifetime avocation or even a career.  Who knows? Stranger things have happened!  .

 

          Folks who did well in this class are now professionals, painting scenery every day in Boston, Philadelphia and New York City, and running shows of various kinds all across the country.  Two ran into each other working on a show on 42nd street last year. . .one a stage carpenter and the other a scenic artist.  One is rigging for Cirque du Soeil on an “around the world” tour, while two are running lights for them on shows in Las Vegas.  Skills learned in this class are more likely to land you a job in the world of theatre than any others you may master while pursuing your degree here.

 

Specific objectives include but are not limited to:

 

1.     To be able to identify and use a selection of hand and power wood-working tools.

2.     To be able to identify and use several metal-working tools including oxy-acetylene, arc, and TIG welding.

3.     To acquire a working knowledge of, and ability to interpret, blueprints, construction drawings, and sketches.

4.     To learn how scenery is stored, transported, and can be changed and moved both on the deck and in the flyhouse.

5.     To acquire a working knowledge of color, paint, and application procedures.

6.     To understand and put into practice all safety guidelines for each of the above-listed areas.

 


Course Expectations

Most class meetings will consist of lecture-demonstration.  Your hands-on work will occur, for the most part, in afternoon labs available from 1:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday.  The normal lab requirement is 5 hours each week.  You will need to demonstrate proficiency in the use of a number of hand and power tools.  Tests will cover reading assignments.  There are usually graded carpentry, welding, and scene painting projects and a comprehensive final examination.  Since most classes involve demonstrations of potentially hazardous equipment, and your safety is of prime importance, your attendance is crucial to everyone.    If you have special needs, please come talk to me.   If you must miss, call me first; other than that, two unexcused absences, and you’d better bring me a drop slip.


Grading StandardsYou will need to demonstrate proficiency in the use of a number of hand and power tools.  Tests will cover reading assignments.  There are usually graded carpentry, welding, and scene painting projects and a comprehensive final examination. 

Submission Format PolicyNote: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance RequirementsSince most classes involve demonstrations of potentially hazardous equipment, and your safety is of prime importance, your attendance is crucial to everyone.   If you have special needs, please come talk to me.   If you must miss, call me first; other than that, two unexcused absences, and you’d better bring me a drop slip.

 


Other Policies

Safety is a major concern!  While dress is of little consequence during most class meetings, be sure to wear closed toed shoes, long pants, and grubbies during labs.  No fip-flops, loose or dangling clothing or jewelry!  If you like, you may keep shop clothing in one of the lockers.  If I think your attire is out of compliance, I will ask you to leave.   You will tear, burn, and paint your clothing in this room!

 

The instructor reserves the right to reschedule and rearrange assignments as necessitated by production needs and schedules.


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.