Stage Management

Course Details

Course Number: THEA 3143  Section Number: 201

Spring 2013

Location: Fain Fine Arts Center

Classroom Number: B106

Days & Times:

MWF 10-11

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Laura Jefferson   
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Course Objectives

Organize a working promptbook that could be used by a substitute stage manager to run that particular production.

Have a basic knowledge of a more universal blocking notation.

Develop a successful technique for “calling” a production.

Have a deeper and better understanding of a Stage Manager’s duties and responsibilities

Have a basic knowledge of AEA stage managing duties and protocol

Have a better understanding of communication skills and conflict resolution skills


Course Expectations

TEXT:             Stage Management by Lawrence Stern & Alice R. O’Grady, 10th ed.

 

ASSIGNMENTS

  1. In-class blocking assignment.
  2. Set-up or “taping the rehearsal space” class exercise.
  3. Each student will complete a promptbook.
  4. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions and activities, and the participation component of your final grade will be adversely affected by absences or late arrivals.  Your cooperative interaction with your colleagues in discussions or in-class activities will also help your participation grade.  Efficient verbal expression will also impact positively on the participation component of your grade; for example, students avoiding the unnecessary use of the word “like” will be rewarded for their self-discipline.
  5. Reading for each week should be done in advance so class discussions may be informed by the textbooks (and supplemental material as it arises).  Students are expected to bring questions, insights and disagreements about the assigned reading to class for group exploration.
  6. There may be pop quizzes on the reading assignments.
  7. There will be tests and a comprehensive final.
  8.  There will be guest speakers in this class and appropriate questions, discussions and responses to the speaker will need to be recorded and turned in as a graded assignment.
  9. I reserve the right to make changes, revisions or deletions to any and all assignments.  For example, see next requirement.
  10. Everyone in the class must stage manage a one-act or serve as an ASM for Sweeney.

 


Grading Standards

1.Homework, Assignments and group exercises: 10%

2.Tests, quizzes & final exam:40%

3.Promptbook and stage managing: 40%

4.Class Participation: 10%


Final Exam5/8/2013  10:30 a.m.

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 Requirements
  1.  Upon entering the classroom, please turn off all cell phones and put them away.
  2. No foul, abusive or any language that denigrates a person or group of people will be tolerated.  I will drop you from the course.
  3. Upon your fifth absence, excused or unexcused, you will be dropped from the course.  No exceptions.
  4. No late assignments accepted.  No exceptions.
  5. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will be counted absent for that day.
  6. The last day to drop the course is March 18, 2013 before 4:00 p.m.
  7. If you are absent the day of a test or quiz, you must call BEFORE class and re-schedule when you may take the test or quiz. This is YOUR responsibility.  Failure to do so will earn you a grade of ZERO on the test or quiz.
  8. The final is set for Wed. May 8 at 10:30 a.m.  You must attend final day.  Work is not a viable excuse.

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.