BA in Theatre Arts: Technical Theatre - Curriculum Requirements

Technical Competencies - Theatre Arts: Technical Theatre

General Theatre Information:

Explain Theatre Hierarchy

• Describe the duties of a producer
• Explain the purpose and duties of the technical director
• Describe the different technical crews needed for a production
• Describe the role of the creative team in a production
• Explain the function of the director in a production
• Explain the duties of the stage manager in a production
• Explain the duties of the different staff positions related to theatrical business

Describe Types of Stages

• Compare and contrast types of stages that are used in theatrical and performance venues (e.g., proscenium, thrust, arena, nontraditional)
• Examine historical influences on theatre venues

Understand Stage Geography

• Identify the different acting areas and technical areas within the theater
• Interpret plan drawings for the architectural elements in a theater (e.g., proscenium arch, gridiron, vestibules, catwalks and beams, fly system)

Explain General Safety Regulation and Procedures

• Evaluate safety hazards in the theater
• Demonstrate the proper care of the shop and stage areas (e.g., fly system, lighting and sound equipment, electrical distribution and safety, etc.)
• Demonstrate safe and efficient use and care of all personal protection equipment (e.g., safety glasses and shields, ear protection, welding gloves and apron, etc.)
• Identify the locations and proper uses of the rinse sink, eye wash station, and first aid kit

Scenic:

Utilize Tools and Equipment Safely

• Identify the tools and equipment used in the theater
• Demonstrate proper use of all tools and backstage equipment

Practice Paint, Dye and Chemical Safety

• Classify items that are required to be placed in the yellow hazardous chemical’s cabinet
• Identify different hazards of paints, thinners, cleaners, solvents and other basic chemicals and compounds that are used in the theater and shops
• Demonstrate appropriate protective gear and clothing for safe use of paints, dyes and chemicals
• Demonstrate appropriate handling, cleanup and storage of all paints, dye, chemicals and equipment
• Explain the importance of proper ventilation of shops and stage

Apply Scenic Materials and Hardware

• Compare and contrast different materials and their uses
• Verify the actual measurements of lumber (i.e., 1”x3”, 1”x4”, & 2”x4”)
• Describe the various uses and sizes of different types of materials and hardware
• Explain terminology related to metallic materials (i.e., pipe, flat bar, truss)
• Demonstrate the application of different types of hardware and materials

Construct Scenic Elements

• Practice proper procedures for measuring materials
• Demonstrate proficiency in use of non-powered tools used for the stage
• Demonstrate proper paint application techniques
• Demonstrate proficiency in use of powered tools used for the stage
• Explain the importance and requirement of fire proofing scenic elements
• Select appropriate materials for a scenic element
• Demonstrate correct construction techniques

Build Basic Units of Scenery

• Explain the purpose of a wagon in a theatrical production
• Demonstrate how to build and install window and door units
• Describe the different parts of a stair unit (i.e., stringer, kickboard, and tread)
• Identify the term platform as it relates to the stage
• Demonstrate how to build a 4’ x 8’ platform for the stage
• Analyze the different types of flats used in set construction
• Describe the different parts of a theatrical flat
• Demonstrate how to build a standard flat used in set construction

Assemble Flats

• Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of hard and soft coverings
• Demonstrate how to hard and soft cover a flat
• Explain how to join two flats together at various angles
• Describe the term “Dutchman” as it relates to set construction
• Demonstrate sizing and repair of a muslin/cotton flat

Understand Production Load In/Out

• Define the terms strike, load out, and load in as they relate to the theater
• Describe the needs of a specific load out
• Explain the process required for a specific load out

Understand Concepts of Scenic Design

• Identify the purpose and history of scenic design
• Research the elements of scenic design
• Utilize industry standard terms related to scenic design
• Compare and contrast the types of scenic design (e.g., box set, unit set)
• Demonstrate the importance of sightlines in a set design and how it affects the audience

Analyze Scenic Designs

• Explain the use of levels and planes in a scenic design
• Discuss the use of flats, wagons, platforms, and ramps in scenic design
• Analyze the different styles of scenic design (e.g., representational, presentational sets, realism, selective realism)
• Analyze a given script for scenic design
• Analyze the purposes of designing for directorial composition
• Examine drops and drapery in scenic design
• Identify the utilization of a unified color palette in all theatrical designs

Create Elevations and Models

• Explain the purpose of elevations in a scenic design
• Demonstrate the steps in building a scale model for a scenic design for the stage
• Create a scale model using a ground plan and elevations in either ¼” or ½” scale

Utilize Scale Drawings and Ground Plans

• Identify the term rendering as it relates to scenic design
• Identify the term ground plan as it relates to scenic design
• Demonstrate the use of scale in a drawing using ¼” =1’ and ½” = 1’
• Analyze the purpose of the centerline and plasterline in a ground plan for the stage
• Define the elements of a scenic plan
• Demonstrate how to draw elements of a scenic plan (i.e., walls, doors, archways, windows, stairs, and platforms)
• Describe the use of a section view
• Research new advances in technology that can be applied to scenic design

Lighting:

Explain Lighting Theory

• Describe the basic function of stage lighting (i.e., visibility, directional, practical, background, effect)
• Discuss what it means to properly light the stage

Compare and Contrast Instruments and Equipment

• Compare and contrast features and uses of different types of lighting instruments
• Describe accessories used in stage lighting equipment

Demonstrate Hanging and Focusing Lighting Systems

• Describe and demonstrate the process of safely installing lighting systems
• Explain the purpose of lamp optimization within a fixture’s reflector
• Describe and demonstrate the process of focusing various lighting instruments
• Demonstrate how to install color medium (i.e., gel and install a gobo in a lighting instrument)
• Demonstrate how to install a lighting pattern (gobo) in a lighting instrument

Program a Lighting System

• Determine when lighting cues are needed according to the script/director
• Demonstrate correct patching of a stage lighting system
• Determine the timing of the lighting cues according to the script/director
• Demonstrate the keystrokes needed to properly create and save a stage lighting look
• Demonstrate proficiency in operating the school theater’s lighting console and software

Create a Light Plot

• Determine lighting needs and placement based on a given light plot
• Explain how to use the instrument key on a given light plot

Apply the Design Process to Lighting

• Discuss the importance of given circumstances in a play as it informs light design
• Explain the effect of color used in lighting
• Create a light plot and instrument schedule
• Explain the psychological/emotional impact of light direction on the subject onstage
• Explain the difference between “motivated” and “motivating” light sources
• Compare and contrast lighting for various set designs and performance venues
• Analyze challenges when parameters of the performance venue are changed

Sound:

Explain the Components of a Sound System

• Compare and contrast a live source versus a playback source
• Identify the components of a sound system
• Demonstrate how to set up a basic sound system
• Describe the signal path as it travels through the sound system
• Demonstrate the sequence to power up and power down the sound system
• Identify the different parts of speaker, microphone and patching cables
• Illustrate and label the equipment that is needed in a basic sound system
• Describe mix and signal processing as it relates to audio engineering

Compare and Contrast Microphones

• Compare and contrast different types of microphones and their set up
• Define phantom power and describe its use in certain microphones
• Demonstrate the setup of wired and wireless microphones
• Practice proper handling, general maintenance, and proper care of all types of microphones and cables
• Communicate to performers the proper handling of microphones

Apply Various Signal Levels

• Explain the difference between line level and mic level inputs
• Demonstrate the use of the gain and EQ control in correcting microphone levels
• Describe the use and effect of signal processing, including the use of a compressor
• Demonstrate proper troubleshooting techniques in audio engineering

Demonstrate Recording and Playback

• Demonstrate the skills and techniques that are needed to play back sound through various devices
• Research various copyright rules and regulations as related to audio
• Demonstrate the skills and techniques needed to record and store sound to various devices

Describe the Function of Amplifiers and Speakers

• Describe the function of amplifiers and how they fit into a basic sound system set up
• Explain the function of different types of speakers
• Describe the importance of proper speaker placement

BA Theatre Arts: Technical Theatre Degree Audit

BA in Theatre Arts: Technical Theater
University Core Requirements (40 Credits)
Academic Foundations (8 credits)
THA	1105	Expressing Humanity	4CR
THA	1205	Nature of Work: Fine Arts	2CR
LAS	1305	Wellness: Yoga	2cr
Communication (12 Credits)
WRI	1001 or 1002	Comp. & Rhet. I or Comp. & Rhet. II	4CR
WRI	1002 or 2012	Comp. & Rhet. II or Advanced Comp.	4CR
COM	2001	Public Speaking	4CR
STEM Engagement (8 Credits)
		STEM	4CR
		STEM	4CR
Culture & Society (12 Credits)
		Global Culture	4CR
		Community & Responsibility	4CR
THA	1001	Theatre Appreciation (Creative Expression & Creative Self)	4CR
Theatre Arts Major: Technical Theatre (61 Credits)
THA	1009	Acting Workshop	2CR
THA	1011	Technical Practicum	1CR
THA	1011	Technical Practicum	1CR
THA	1011	Technical Practicum	1CR
THA	1011 or 1012	Technical Practicum or Performance Practicum	1CR
THA	1011 or 1012	Technical Practicum or Performance Practicum	1CR
THA	1011 or 1012	Technical Practicum or Performance Practicum	1CR
THA	1011 or 1013	Technical Practicum or Office Practicum	1CR
THA	1015	Movement for Actors I	2CR
THA	1050	Intro to Technical Theatre I	4CR
THA	1051	Intro to Technical Theatre II	4CR
THA	3011/3012 -or- 3013/3014	Theatre History I & II or Theatre History III &  IV	X	See Global Culture
THA	2120/2121	Voice & Speech	2CR
THA	2045	Stage Management	4CR
THA	2046	Intro to Directing	4CR
THA	3025	Set Design for Theatre	4CR
THA	3026	Lighting Design for Theatre	4CR
THA	4001	Thesis Project	4CR
FAS	3005	History of Costume	4CR
VAR	1005	Drawing I	4CR
COM	1020	WNTI/Audio Production	4CR
THA		Elective	4CR
Electives (19 Credits)
			4CR
			4CR
			4CR

1. To earn a Bachelor’s degree, all graduates must successfully complete a minimum of 120 credit hours.
2. Minimum of 30 credits must be taken at Centenary University.
3. All graduates must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above.
4. All graduates must have a minimum of 2.0 GPA in their major(s).
5. Courses that are special topic listed in the title, typically ending with a 99, are repeatable. Courses are counted multiple times and do not replace grades of the previous special topic course.
6. Credits can only be shared between the core and the major or core and minor requirements. Shared credits within the core requirements are not allowed.

BA-Theatre-Arts-Technical-Theatre-Recommended-Four-Year-Sequence

Centenary University B.A. in Theatre Arts: Technical Theatre Recommended Four-Year Sequence 2024-2025
Year 1 (Fall)
Course #	Title	Credits		Completed
THA 1105	Expressing Humanity (Broad, Enduring Interest)	4
THA 1009	Acting Workshop	2
THA 1015	Movement for Actors I	2
THA 1205	Nature of Work: Fine Arts	2
LAS 1305	Wellness: Yoga	2
THA 1050	Introduction to Design and Technical Theatre I	4
Year I (Spring)
WRI 1001/1002	Comp. & Rhet. I or Comp. & Rhet. II	4
THA1051	Intro. to Design & Tech. Theatre II	4
THA 1001	Theatre Appreciation (Creative Expression & Creative Self)	4
THA 1011	Technical Practicum	1
Year 2 (Fall)
WRI 1002/2012	Comp. & Rhet. II or Advanced Comp.	4
VAR1005	Drawing I	4
THA 1011	Technical Practicum	1
THA 2045/2046	Stage Management or Directing	4
STEM	STEM Engagement	4
Year 2 (Spring)
STEM	STEM Engagement	4
Elective	Elective	4
THA 1011	Technical Practicum	1
THA 3011/3012 -or- 3013/ 3014	Theatre History I and Theatre History II -or- Theatre History III and Theatre History IV (all are 8 weeks sections, 2 credits each can be taken out of sequence) (Global Culture)	4		Students must take 2 of the four courses for a total of 4 credits
THA 3025 or 3026	Set Design for Theatre or Lighting Design for Theatre	4
Year 3 (Fall)
THA 1011/1012	Technical Practicum or Performance Practicum	1
THA 2045 or 2046	Stage Management or Introduction to Directing	4
THA 2120/2121	Voice and Speech	2
FAS3005	History of Costume	4
COM 1020	WNTI/Audio Production	4
Year 3 (Spring)
THA 1011/1012	Technical Practicum or Performance Practicum	1
COMM 2001	Public Speaking	4
THA 3025 or 3026	Lighting Design for Theatre or Set Design for Theatre	4
Cult. Society	Global Culture	4
Elective	Elective	2
Elective	Elective	1
Year 4 (Fall)
THA 1011/1012	Technical Practicum or Performance Practicum	1
THA 4001	Thesis Project	4
Cult. Society	Social & Community Responsibility	4
Elective	Elective	4
Year 4 (Spring)
THA 1011/1013	Technical Practicum or Office Practicum	1
THA	THA Elective	4
Elective	Elective	4
Elective	Elective	4
	Total Credits	120

Note: Transfer students, in order to graduate as a Theatre major, must complete 20 credits in Theatre courses at Centenary University, including Senior project.