Course Syllabus
Course: THEA 2210
Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
Department: Theater Arts
Title: Basic Scenic Design
Semester Approved: Spring 2022
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2026
End Semester: Fall 2027
Catalog Description: This course provides theoretical and practical training in scenic design. Students will develop skills and techniques for execution of scenic design for the theatre. Course studies will include drafting techniques and conventions relevant to the theatre and basic methods of scenic design as applied in contemporary practice.
Semesters Offered: Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
Prerequisites: THEA 1513 Stagecraft
Corequisites: THEA 1513 Stagecraft
Justification: This course is offered by most theatre departments throughout the state and transfers as an introduction to design as per USHE articulation. This course fills a lower division core for technical theatre majors wishing to transfer to a four-year institution.
Student Learning Outcomes:
After completing the course, the student will have developed and/or improved skills in design appreciation, aesthetics, and the design process. This course provides students opportunities to develop their abilities in artistic expression. They will demonstrate their skills ability to express design ideas through in-class demonstrations, presentations, and projects. They are tutored in the art and craft of scene design for the theatre and are evaluated on their ability to produce workable designs for their portfolio and work within the collaborative framework of theatrical production. This can be further evaluated through classroom discussion and/or quizzes/exams.
As a result of this course students will be able to apply script analysis and research for the purpose of scenic design. Students demonstrate their ability to use design-focused script analysis and in-depth research into specific time periods to determine appropriate styles and customs for their design projects, especially the research synthesis assignment. They will need to utilize the library holdings, periodicals and electronic media, as well as close reading of a play text to keep culturally and historically attuned during the design process while showing consideration to a production's needs (location, time, style, etc.)
As a result of this course students will attain a basic understanding of design software. Students will demonstrate their understanding of design software through in class participation, demonstrations, and semester projects such as a rendering/elevation project.
As a result of this course students will understand and be able to visualize the design responsibilities of a set designer, including: two-dimensional drawing, basic rendering, and model making skills Students will demonstrate their understanding and skill to communicate their ideas visually by creating design packets (drawing to drafting project, paint elevation project) for technical coordination and visual aids to supplement and support the creative process.
As a result of this course students will understand terminology and dialogue used by set designs and other roles on a production team in a creatively collaborative environment. Students will demonstrate their understanding and skill level by creating design packets for technical coordination and visual aids to supplement and support the creative process, the culmination of which is a scale model fabrication of a theoretical design.
Content:
Units in each of the following areas will be covered during the course:- Design process- Script analysis for scenic design- Research for scenic design- Basic drawing- Perspective drawing- Basic rendering- 3D model making- Computer design software and drafting- Paint elevationsPlay selection for the course, if not student-selected, will endeavor to offer a diverse range of theatrical styles, stories, and perspectives. It is important for a theatrical artist to understand many different facets of the human experience and for set design, realize how environment influences and is influenced by the people who populate spaces.
Key Performance Indicators:
Students will be evaluated on:
Attendance/participation (including in-class demonstrations) 10 to 20%
Quizzes and exams. 0 to 20%
Research synthesis project/presentation. 15 to 25%
Drawing to drafting project. 15 to 25%
Rendering/elevation project 15 to 25%
Model fabrication. 15 to 20%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Theatrical Design and Production, current edition, by J. Michael Gillette, McGraw Hill. (current edition)
Pedagogy Statement:
This course will include, lectures, demonstrations, studio work, research and play reading. Students will gain valuable experience, improve their artistic skills, and build a portfolio of work that will aid them in pursuing continued education or acquiring employment in scene design or similar discipline, theatrical or otherwise. Discussions, active observation, artistic expression, and critical analysis are conduits for growth and learning. Each of these practices are utilized throughout this class and students are encouraged to critically and respectfully critique their own and others work in an environment where all voices and perspectives are welcome. Students will develop increased skills and abilities in working as a collaborative member of a creative team in an open atmosphere. As part of this learning environment the instructor will work with the needs of each individual student regarding circumstances that may prevent the successful completion of this course.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture
Maximum Class Size: 20
Optimum Class Size: 15
