THDA 125, Technologies of Performance: This course grounds students in the technical and construction practices of performance-making: materials and their sources and histories; conventional and contemporary technologies and techniques; quantitative methods for calculating and assessing drawings for execution. A balance of lecture and hands-on studio time allow students to learn and apply knowledge through working with materials. Students in this course also may provide support to mainstage performance projects, further extending their learning in the course. The department will provide course materials.
Frequency: Every year.
Course Objectives
- Develop a comfort and competency in the use of major fabrication techniques found in the creation of the world of performance.
- Develop a comfort and competency in the use of major wood and metal fabrication tools.
- Develop an understanding of the materials available for use in performance design.
- Develop an introductory fluency with the specific equipment found in the theater in the areas of rigging, lighting, media, and sound.
- Demonstrate an ability to identify technical problems and effectively problem-solve and communicate those solutions in written, visual, and oral form.
Methodology
This course will meet in a lecture/discussion relationship as well as a studio lab component each week. The course is based in a “hands on philosophy” so there will be time spent exploring materials and tools to develop the tangible aspects of performance. The nature of technology involves many terms and techniques so there will be a number of quizzes and tests in addition to a final project. The out-of-class expectations will include reading assignments, in-studio project completion, and approximately 18 hours of scheduled production specific work.
Evaluation
- Quizzes: 10%
- Class Participation: 10%
- Production Participation: 10%
- Drafting: 10%
- Studio Labs: 20%
- Exams: 20%
- Final Project: 20%