This engaging class is tailored for high school students eager to explore the behind-the-scenes magic of theater productions. From set design and lighting to sound effects and costume crafting, this course offers students a comprehensive introduction to the technical elements that bring a stage show to life. By the end of the class, students will have a deeper understanding and appreciation for the technical aspects of theater, as well as the skills necessary to contribute to a live performance.

Key skills developed in this class include text analysis, drawing, visual research, lateral thinking, reflecting given circumstances through design, integrating different design departments, design evaluation, self-critique, visual storytelling, visual vocabulary, spacial placement, critical listening, creative and contextual timing, and the use of sonic space and volume.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Week 1: Introduction to Theatre and Roles in Theatre
Students will be able to define theatre, it's basic elements, and the roles and responsibilities of various theatremakers.

Week 2: Analyzing Text
Students will be able to identify the theatrical design areas of lighting, sound, costumes, and sets.
Students will be able to analyze images and sounds to derive clues to environment and character.
Students will be able to analyze a script for given circumstances.
Students will analyze and select curated images that support the environment and given circumstances of a script.

Week 3: Costume Design
Students will be able to illustrate the importance of costume design by identifying how costumes communicate character.
Students will be able to analyze a character from a text/story and compile design research to support a costume for the character.
Students will review and utilize their costume research to design and present a costume that supports a specific character in a text/story.
Students will be able to self-evaluate research and design work. 

Week 4: Scenic Design I
Students will be able to identify scenic design and how it can communicate the environment, mood, and given circumstances of a text/story.
Students will analyze curated images to create design research that illustrates given circumstances in a text/story.

Week 5: Scenic Design II
Students will be able to identify scenic elements.
Students will appraise design research and create a rendering or model of a design.
Students will be able to self-critique the design process.


Week 6: Lighting Design
Students will explore lighting design and basic lighting design vocabulary.
Students will be able to analyze a scene for the central idea and compare/contrast curated images to compile design research.
Students will create a lighting cue/look to illustrate the central idea of a selected scene utilizing objects found at home.
Students will be able to identify cues, cue sequences, and the element of movement in lighting design.
Students will review text to select appropriate locations for cues.
Students will be able to design cues utilizing at home lighting materials.

Week 7: Sound Design
Students will recognize that sound can help create an environment.
Students will be able to apply sound cues to a scenario to convey an environment.
Students will be able to identify types of sound cues.
Students will be able to analyze a script or story as a sound designer.
Students will create a soundscape that supports the environment and mood of a text/story.


Week 8: Artistic Statement
Students will be able to identify the next steps in the design process (i.e. the production meeting).
Students will present and explain a design.
Students will be able to self-critique a design and determine what changes might be made.

SUBSITUTE POLICY:
Ferrell Studios is an organization on Outschool with about 15 teachers with professional training and experience in the arts. Occasionally, the teacher for this class may not be able to teach and a substitute teacher from the organization will take her place. Only teachers trained to teach this class will serve as a possible substitute for the class. A message will be posted in the Outschool classroom before the class takes place in the event a substitute will be teaching. Thank you for your understanding!