THE 121 - Theatre Technology I

Description
This course is a “hands on” study of the technology and craftsmanship involved in backstage production with specific focus on stage carpentry, rigging, scenic painting, and costume construction. Students will learn while working in the Spectrum Theater’s scene shop and costume shop.

Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 2
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: None
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: Yes
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Course is a Requirement:
Pre-Theater, A.A. (General Transfer)

Other Courses Where This Course is a Prerequisite: None
Other Courses Where this Course is a Corequisite: None
Other Courses Where This course is included in within the Description: None

General Education Requirement:
None
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
NA
Course Learning Outcomes:

Identify safety concerns in the shop and stage area of the theater.
Assemble and paint a stage flat using proper methods and tools.
Explain the proper rigging and flying of a stage flat and explain common mistakes.
Demonstrate the skills of a costume stitcher by constructing an appropriate piece of clothing using a pattern and measurement chart.

Course Outline:
I. Introduction to Shop Equipment, Hardware, and Safety

II. Introduction to Lumber

III. Using the Power Equipment in the Shop

A. Table saw

B. Compound saw

IV. Drawings, Renderings, and Models

V. Building a Flat

VI. Basic Scenic Painting Techniques

A. Wet blend

B. Dry brush

C. Sponge

D. Scumble

E. Spatter

VII. Rigging

A. Fly systems

B. Rigging hardware

C. Rigging safety

VIII. Costume Shop Orientation

IX. Measuring Demonstration

X. Selecting Fabric

XI. Selecting and Reading a Pattern

XII. Cutting the Pattern

XIII. Sewing Skills

A. Hand stitching

B. Machine stitching

XIV. Assembling and Fitting the Clothing

Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
No
Instructional Strategies:
Lecture/demonstration: 30-60%

Hands-on construction work: 15-25%

Group Work: 25-50%
Mandatory Course Components:
Construction and painting of a theater stage flat.

Creation of a clothing article.
Equivalent Courses:
TH 261

Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: None

Course-Specific Placement Test:
Course Aligned with ARW/IRW Pairing: ARW 100 (IRW97/IRW98), IRW 99

Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
Adjudication of flat and clothing constructed.

Course Type:
Program Requirement- Offering designed to meet the learning needs of students in a specific GRCC program.
Course Format:
Lecture - 1:1
Total Lecture Hours Per Week: 2
People Soft Course ID Number: 100375
Course CIP Code: 50.05
Maximum Course Enrollment: 12
General Room Request: Scene Shop and Costume Shop of Spectrum Theater

School: School of Liberal Arts
Department: Theater
Discipline: TH
First Term Valid: 08/01/2025
1st Catalog Year: 2025-2026
Faculty Credential Requirements:
Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement), Other (list below)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
Requires instructors with a strong background in the fields of stage carpentry, scenic painting, and costume construction.

Major Course Revisions: Prefix
Last Revision Date Effective: 20250302T14:43:12
Course Review & Revision Year: 2029-2030