Technical Theater (A.A.) - J

This career-oriented program includes course work in technical theater skills (stagecraft, lighting and design, music and audio engineering), studio and performing arts, and general management; an internship is required.

Learning Outcomes for Technical Theater Majors

Competency #1: Awareness of and Competency in 21st Century Literacies

Students will:

1. Be able to produce an electronic portfolio of their learning journey, specifically focused on the degree program, in hopes it will become a lifelong process.
2. Demonstrate creativity and collaboration.
3. Expand their global awareness and exposure to diversity and communities.
4. Be able to use information and computer technology.
5. Have an increased civic and economic awareness.
6. Demonstrate basic quantitative reasoning and skills, especially geospatial literacy.
7. Have opportunities to develop leadership.
8. Develop their personal learning network.
9. Be employable in a 21st-century work environment.
10. Be aware of the environmental implications of their discipline.

Competency #2: General Backstage Knowledge and Aptitude

Students will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of stage etiquette, correct communication and nomenclature.
2. Demonstrate safety and hazard awareness.
3. Understand the organization structure of the theater, related job descriptions, and fulfilling their position(s) within.
4. Consistently exhibit professional attitude, attendance and behavior.
5. Students will collaborate and communicate productively with the crew.

Competency #3: Basic Stage Carpentry Skills

Students will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the fly system: loading, mechanics, safety and flying.
2. Understand sight lines, trims, proper handling of masking and drops.
3. Understand basic rigging: knots, shackles, slings, wire clamps, etc.
4. Understand basic set assembly: basic tools and safety, flats and platform, construction, jacks, pipe structures, etc.
5. Load-in, set-up and load-out road shows of all types.
6. Collaborate and communicate productively with a diversity of visions.

Competency #4: Basic Knowledge of Stage Lighting and Set Design and Implementation for Theater, Music and Dance

Students will:

1. Analyze a script, present a storyboard or creative interpretation and concept of the design.
2. Draft a lighting plot, with all related paper work: patch, instrument schedule, cut list, focus chart, etc.
3. Understand WYSIWYG and Emphasis software.
4. Operate, design with and understand intelligent fixtures and other DMX accessories.
5. Understand stage electrics: safety, loads, instruments, maintenance, read, hang, circuit, focus, color and trouble shoot a plot.
6. Demonstrate basic board skills: load a plot, patch, record Q’s, Subs and operate.
7. Design a show: document collaboration from concept to actualization.

Competency #5: Basic Knowledge of Sound Systems, Be Able to Set Up, Understand Components, Operate for Theater, Music and Dance

Students will:

1. Understand and use Digital Performer software and other Audio programs.
2. Have a basic understanding of sound theory including EQ, decibels, frequencies, etc.
3. Understand basic system set-ups: Dibden, Performance Space and Andy Shapiro Recording Studio, including: power, tie-ins, FOH, Monitors, Amps, crossover and drive rack configurations.
4. Design sound plots with speaker and mic placement, theory and practice, in each genre.
5. Mix live and for recording when possible for all genres: rock, classical, jazz, folk, pop, theater and musical theater.
6. Be able to set up headsets, hard of hearing systems, lectures, etc., independently.
7. Load-in, set-up and load-out different road shows.
8. Collaborate and communicate productively with a diversity of visitors.