Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for TA 111 Winter 2025


Course Number:
TA 111
Course Title:
Fundamentals of Technical Theatre
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
20
Lecture/Lab Hours:
40
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Covers basic principles and techniques of technical theatre such as stage design, lighting, properties and stage management. Explores the role of the technician in the theatre organization. Lecture and lab allows flexible scheduling. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description

Fundamentals of Technical Theatre is designed to introduce elements of technical theater including practical hands-on experience of stage design, set construction, lighting design, sound design, properties management, and stage management. The lecture/lab format provides time for individualized projects.

Intended Outcomes for the course

The student will:

  • Perform script analysis techniques necessary to glean visual information required for a particular technical theatre area of their choice, including:

a. Scenic design
b. Scenic construction 
c. Lighting design  
d. Sound design  
e. Properties design  
f. Stage Management

  • Demonstrate the pros and cons of three traditional stage types: Proscenium, Thrust and Arena.

  • Produce a scaled ground plan drawing.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Assessment shall include:

  • An examination based on the text readings and lecture materials.

  • A scaled ground plan drawing.

  • A cumulative final project. Student will choose from the following areas:

a. Scenic design 
b. Scenic construction
c. Lighting design  
d. Sound design  
e. Properties design
f.  State Management production book

  • At least two of the following additional measures:

a. Graded homework  
b. Group projects  
c. Attendance and participation  
d. Shop projects  
e. Participation in the technical crew for the mainstage production.  

Assessment Basis:

  • Evaluation of the design and building of props, scenery, lighting, and sound for the mainstage show.

  • Successful performance of the selected/assigned tech crew position for the mainstage show.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

  • Understand the theatre facility, its pros & cons:

a. Proscenium stage
b. Arena stage  
c. Thrust stage

  • Understand theatrical equipment:

a. Lighting Instrument types

I. Leko
II. Fresnel  
III. Par

b. Demonstrate safety & proficiency with scene shop tools & equipment:

I. Power Tools  
II. Pneumatic Tools  
III. Hand Tools  
IV. Construction/decor materials

c. Demonstrate safety & proficiency with stage equipment:

I. Rigging  
II. Scenery  
III. Scene Shop & Back stage spaces  

Competencies/Skills:

  • Creating drafting paperwork:

a. Ground plan

  • Successfully working with materials and tools/equipment common to a scenic shop.

  • Successfully working with materials and tools/equipment common to a stage.

  • Installing & decorating scenery for a mainstage show.

Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills:

  • Oral and written command of college level English is suggested.