Introduction to Technical Theater Design
Course Overview

Taught by: David Neale

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GOALS

 In Theater Design, students participate in the creative process of bringing live theater to the stage.  From the abstract conception to the concrete results, class members play an integral role in every step of the process, developing many skills along the way:  research, artistic expression, problem solving, teamwork, carpentry, electronics, organization and planning. 

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

 -Design: It all begins in someone's imagination.  However the road to developing an idea into an interesting and functional set is a long one.  In this class, students will work closely with the teacher as he designs set for the Fall play, middle school play, and musical.  They will assist in the creative process, research, and technical planning of these productions.

-Set Construction:  Students are introduced to the scenery shop where they learn to use wood, cloth, plastics, Styrofoam, paint and a variety of other materials to construct the myriad of settings that might appear on stage.  They work directly with the teacher as he designs and builds the sets for all ASIJ productions.  Emphasis is placed on safety, as students learn the proper way to use hand tools and power tools such as circular saws, jigsaws, power drills and sanders.

-Lighting:   A stage in darkness is like... well, a stage in darkness.  It's not much use to anyone.   The function of a lighting designer is two-fold: to make the set visible and to add to the mood established by the director.  Students will learn that lighting involves both the artistic- coloring and shadowing, and the technical- circuits and dimmers.  They will gain practical experience as they hang, focus, gel, and program the lights.

-Props:  Props, by definition, are any objects that appear on stage and are small enough to be held or picked up by an actor.  During the class students will be responsible for organizing a props room as well as finding and making props.

-Sound:  Sound is an integral part of any production.  Skills acquired in this class include setting up and operation of sound systems with speakers, amplifiers, microphones, and mixers, as well as searching for and making sound effects.

• Links to numerous theater productions over the past 5-7 years.