THD 170 - Theatre Production Crafts

Course Objective:
To explore and apply technical theatre skills; including scenery, lighting, sound, and costumes.

Method of Study:
Lecture Demonstrations and lab experiences

Attendance Policy:
5 excused absences for regular class meetings and ONE for lab meetings are allowed; each absence beyond the 5 will result in a grade reduction of one-half letter.
You must be present for examinations to be allowed to take them. If you know of a conflict, separate testing can be arranged, but the professor will need at least one-week advance notice.

Grading Criteria:
Laboratory 400pts

Weekly Quizzes (11) 20pts each 200pts

Flat Construction Project 75pts
Painting Project 75pts
Sewing Project 75pts
Properties Project 75pts

Performance Response Papers (2) 50pts each 100pts

Midterm Exam 200pts
Comprehensive Final Exam 300pts

The Comprehensive Final Exam will be administered, on Tuesday, April 15th from 9:00-11:00am.

Total points for Course 1500pts

Grading Scale:
1412-1500pts 93-100% A
1365-1411pts 90-92% AB
1259-1364pts 83-89% B
1213-1258pts 80-82% BC
1107-1212pts 73-79% C
1060-1106pts 70-72% CD
954-1059pts 63-69% D
908-953pts 60-62% DE

Laboratory:
Students are required to attend all assigned lab sessions. Only one absence is permitted. If you miss more than one session you must discuss when to make up the time at another lab session or by attending an extra crew call with the professor. Extra crew calls such as lighting hang and focus will be posted on the callboard.
The majority of the lab requirement may be waived through the arrangement of an alternate project – i.e. fill a crew position for a production. However, every student is expected to attend at least 2 lab sessions.
Before logging any lab hours, students must read the Scene Shop Safety Guide and pass the accompanying quiz with a 90% or better. Scores on this will not directly affect final grades, and re-tests are possible.
The grades for this component will be based on attendance, participation, teamwork/leadership skills, and safety.

Weekly Quizzes:
Every Friday a quiz covering the information from the previous class meetings will be issued. There will be a total of 11 quizzes will be given throughout the semester. The lowest score will be discarded and the remaining scores will be worth 20 points each for a total of 200 points.

Flat Construction Project:
Groups of three will be assigned to build a flat. Each member of the group will need to participate in the construction of this flat. Individuals will be graded on participation, peer evaluations, and precision.

Painting Project:
Flats will be divided into 2 sections and each person will be required to use scene painting techniques taught in class individuals will be graded on understanding of techniques not necessarily talent.

Sewing Project:
Students will be asked to build a pillow from scratch using machine and hand stitches learned in class. Grades will be based on precision and an understanding of techniques.

Properties Project:
Each student will be asked to research and create a hand prop of their choosing. The prop must be created not purchased and the professor must approve the prop before work begins. Grades will be based on skill and creativity.

Performance Response Papers:
Students must choose two of the Theatre and Dance Department productions to write a 3-page response to. A response paper should include a critique of the technical elements and how they relate to the production as a whole.

Performance Attendance:
Students are required to attend one performance of all Theatre and Dance Department’s productions. A sign-in sheet will be posted each night after the performance on the scene shop door for attendance purposes.
It is your responsibility to reserve and pick-up your own ticket at the box office. All tickets are free to Alma College students.

Production Dates:
Student Choreographer’s Concert January 18-19
Measure for Measure March 13-16
Winter Dance Concert March 21-23
The Heidi chronicles April 10-13

Exams:
Two exams will be given and will cover any and all information covered in classes up to the time of the exam.

Extra Credit:
Every 2 hours of laboratory time above the required amount will be worth 10 points. The maximum number of extra credit points earned this way is 50 points.
Extra response papers will also count for extra credit. Each paper will count 25 points. A limit of four extra papers may be written. Most events at the Heritage Center may be used for a Response Paper. Check with your professor for approval of events.

Statement of Academic Dishonesty:
Any sort of deception used to obtain an unearned grade is taken very seriously by all faculty and staff of Alma College. Any evidence of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Provost’s Office, and may have consequences from Instructor up to and including failure. More severe penalties may be levied or explored by the Provost.