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TECHNICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION WORKSHOP

DESCRIPTION
     Th Arts 18 takes as its premise that there is no better teacher than experience. Or to put it another way, you learn the most by doing. The course offers you a chance for training and experience in the various areas of technical theater, scenery, costumes, lighting, properties, sound, and production management.

COURSE CONTENT
     Since the course work for TA 18 is derived from the requirements of department productions, you will be faced with different projects in the class, just as you would be in a professional scene shop.

    At the first general meeting of the course, you can request a specific area of specialization that you would like to pursue; advanced or experienced students may be given leadership positions on the crew, special projects, or area head responsibilities.

    This does not mean, however, that you will be able to specialize for the entire course. The workload for a particular area of specialization may be less than needed to finish your commitment of hours for the class; this would require you to work in other areas as well.

YOUR COMMITMENT - Arranged Hours
     When you sign up for TA 18, you are making a commitment of hours, depending on the number of units you take. However final determination of scheduled hours is up to the instructor.

    The next step is deciding how to meet your commitment. You have three choices:
        1)    Complete all assigned lab hours in the shop during the day;
        2)    Complete some lab hours in the shop and some lab hours on running crew;
        3)    Complete all assigned lab hours on running crew (TA 18 A or B only).

    You should make your choice based on your interest and scheduling needs.

NOTE: Shop crew are REQUIRED to work on Strike of each show. Non-participation will result in your grade being lowered one grade.

    Complete the Student Information Sheet indicating your choices.

                        If needed, download the Acrobat Reader.

GRADING - Shop Hours Breakdown

SHOP CREW

         Shop crew students are involved in the construction, painting and rigging of the set for the upcoming show. They are also involved with the set up of the other technical aspects of the productions. Their work includes, but is not limited to: Scenic, Lighting, Sounds, Special Effects, and Properties jobs. Shop crew students work a set schedule of hours each week.
        Students on shop crews are expected to work 50 hours per unit over the semester to meet the minimum (meaning a "C") requirements for passing the course. The hours can be concentrated during certain periods of the semester, but must be completed by the end of finals week. 

        Special dates to remember for shop crew.

SHOW CREW

         A running crew member supports the running of a department production by being backstage during the show. The positions available for this choice include: Stage Hands, Lighting and Sound Operators, Costume Assistants, Properties Crew, and House Staff.
        The crew hours include the technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals and performance dates, averaging around 3 weeks, for that production. Unlike a shop crew member, running crew members are not required to keep track of their hours. It has been calculated that being on the running crew for one show is equal to the hours required for one unit of credit.
        Running crew hours, however, are not flexible. Show crew members are required to attend all scheduled dates and times without exception. Failure to meet all assigned scheduled dates and times will mean failure for the course.

          Special dates to remember for running crew.

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