Syllabus Set Design 2011-12
John Brandhorst, Office Hours: Mondays 3:30-4:30 pm
Art: Set Design Course #:
Textbook: Various technical theater texts, manufacturer supplied videos, manuals, and web sites.
Course Description
The set design course is a very unique experience that exposes the students to all types of wood and metal working tools, sign making, carpentry, welding, painting, theatrical lighting production, theatrical sound production, and client relations. It is intended for upper level students and serves the performance, event, and aesthetic needs of the entire Grady community.
Course Objectives
Students in the set design course will execute the design and construction of a wide range of projects requiring the integration of multiple skills on tight deadlines. Students will exhibit mastery of various tools including hand tools, power tools, metal fabrication and welding, light engineering, sound engineering, theatrical set design, construction, and installation, and CAD design as applied to banner and sign production.
Course Requirements
Students must have taken the intro art course and/or shown dedicated activity in the area of set design and technical theater.
Content
The course will be taught in terms of real projects for school and community “clients”. Therefore, each project will involve issues regarding technical production, design, client relations, money issues, shop safety and maintenance, and deadlines. Students will become informed and attentive to all safety recommendations and procedures surrounding tool use and shop management. Manuals, video presentations, web-based tutorials, and in-class demonstrations will be used to train participants on the various tools and techniques.
Dates to Remember
Specific deadlines will be determined by the school activity calendar and client needs.
Materials/Equipment/Resources
A wide variety of materials will be used including wood, metal, plastics, masonry, fabric, and paper. Equipment used will range from hand held screwdrivers to HVLP paint guns to flux-core and MIG welding equipment. No student will be required to use tools that they are not comfortable using. Safety is the first priority of all projects.
Evaluation
Grading for the set design course will be based on participation, teacher assessment, and client feedback. Participation involves adherence to safety procedures, problem solving, active participation during building or production crunches, material use, and clean-up. Teacher assessment will be based on the relationship between the specifications for the project and the actual physical manifestation of the project plans completed by deadline. Client feedback will involve the use of a client feedback form. The form will include written feedback and a client issued ‘grade’ which will apply to the final project grade. Bonuses will be granted for extraordinary project results, extra time spent, and efficiency in production.
Grading System
Design / Fabrication Section 1 25%
Design / Fabrication Section 2 25%
Design / Fabrication Section 3 25%
Design / Fabrication Section 4 25%
The set design course utilizes Grady’s scene shop. Students must be dressed appropriately for use of this shop. Closed toe shoes MUST be worn when active in the shop. Heavy, hard-soled boots are best and are available cheaply at Salvation Army or other secondhand shops. Long denim or cotton work pants or workman’s jumpsuits would also be helpful. Inappropriately dressed students will not be allowed to participate in class and will receive a zero for the day. Students may leave these items in the scene shop for their personal use. Long hair must be fastened back and loose fitting clothing is not allowed. Safety goggles, aprons, dust masks, welding attire, gloves, and grinding shields are provided.
I have read this syllabus. I understand that these are the basic content and procedural structures for curriculum and assessment.
Student Signature Date