First Year
- Drawing for Designers Sequence
- Technical Drawing Sequence I
- Principles of Design Sequence
- History of Dramatic Literature Sequence (Arts and Literature Requirement)
- Theatre Crew Sequence
Second Year
- Lighting Design Sequence I
- Lighting Technology I, one per quarter: three DES 240 LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY
- Rendering for Designers Sequence
- Production Practice Sequence I
Third Year
- Survey of the Arts for Theatre Sequence
- Lighting Design Sequence II
- Theatrical Collaboration Sequence
- Production Practice Sequence II
Fourth Year
- Lighting Design Sequence III
- Design Electives
- Select three Scene or Costume Design from the following list
- One Theatre or non-Theatre elective chosen in consultation with advisor
- Production Practice and/or Internship
- Select three courses from the following list
Additional Courses
- During the 3rd and 4th years of the major, students must complete four courses from the following list
Open Electives
Open elective credit also is required to meet the minimum graduation requirement of 192 hours.
TEC 111
DRAWING FOR DESIGNERS I
The first in a three quarter sequence of general drawing courses exclusively for students enrolled in the design majors of The Theater School. Two credit hours. Open to Theatre students only.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
TEC 112
DRAWING FOR DESIGNERS II
The second in a three quarter sequence of general drawing courses exclusively for students enrolled in the design majors of The Theater School.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
TEC 113
DRAWING FOR DESIGNERS III
The third in a three quarter sequence of general drawing courses exclusively for students enrolled in the design majors of The Theater School.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
TEC 151
TECHNICAL DRAWING I
First course in a 3 course sequence. Mechanical drawing techniques and projection theories are practiced, including drawing-board geometry, scale and dimensioning, and orthographic principles.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
TEC 152
TECHNICAL DRAWING I
Second course in a 3 course sequence. Mechanical drawing techniques and projection theories are practiced, including drawing-board geometry, scale and dimensioning, and orthographic principles.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
TEC 153
TECHNICAL DRAWING I
Third course in a 3 course sequence. Mechanical drawing techniques and projection theories are practiced, including drawing-board geometry, scale and dimensioning, and orthographic principles.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 141
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
Principles of Design (4 quarter hours). First course of a 3-quarter sequence of courses for the appreciation and experience of design as an aesthetic distinct from the other arts, and awareness of design considerations as manifested in theatrical productions.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 142
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
Second course of a 3-quarter sequence of courses for the appreciation and experience of design as an aesthetic distinct from the other arts, and awareness of design considerations as manifested in theatrical productions.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 143
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
Third course of a 3-quarter sequence of courses for the appreciation and experience of design as an aesthetic distinct from the other arts, and awareness of design considerations as manifested in theatrical productions.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 204
HISTORY OF DRAMATIC LITERATURE
First course in a 3 course sequence. A study of the development of playscripts, the physical theatre, and means of production from ancient Greek and Roman societies through contemporary theatre. The course emphasized theatre's changing role in society.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 205
HISTORY OF DRAMATIC LITERATURE
Second course in a 3 course sequence. A study of the development of playscripts, the physical theatre, and means of production from ancient Greek and Roman societies through contemporary theatre. The course emphasized theatre's changing role in society.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 206
HISTORY OF DRAMATIC LITERATURE
Third course in a 3 course sequence. A study of the development of playscripts, the physical theatre, and means of production from ancient Greek and Roman societies through contemporary theatre. The course emphasized theatre's changing role in society.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
TEC 107
THEATRE CREW
Theatre Crew (2 quarter hours) All students in the first year of the program are assigned on a rotating basis throughout the year to various crews which build and run the shows in the Showcase, Playworks, New Directors, and Workshop Series.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
TEC 108
THEATRE CREW
Theatre Crew (2 quarter hours) All students in the first year of the program are assigned on a rotating basis throughout the year to various crews which build and run the shows in the Showcase, Playworks, New Directors, and Workshop Series.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
TEC 109
THEATRE CREW
Theatre Crew (2 quarter hours) All students in the first year of the program are assigned on a rotating basis throughout the year to various crews which build and run the shows in the Showcase, Playworks, New Directors, and Workshop Series.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 247
LIGHTING DESIGN I
First course in a 3 course sequence. The development and communication of lighting ideas. Script analysis, images, visual research, lighting concepts. The observation of light, and the development of oral, written and visual communication of lighting ideas.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 248
LIGHTING DESIGN I
Second course in a 3 course sequence. The development and communication of lighting ideas. Script analysis, images, visual research, lighting concepts. The observation of light, and the development of oral, written and visual communication of lighting ideas.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 249
LIGHTING DESIGN I
Third course in a 3 course sequence. The development and communication of lighting ideas. Script analysis, images, visual research, lighting concepts. The observation of light, and the development of oral, written and visual communication of lighting ideas.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 384
RENDERING FOR DESIGNERS I
First course in a 3 course sequence. The course consists of exercises, studies and renderings using values of gray to achieve the illusion of 3- dimensional form. With a variety of drawing and painting materials, students work from gradually more complex still-life set ups, under controlled lighting, and form a clipping file of research which they compile.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 385
RENDERING FOR DESIGNERS II
Second course in a 3 course sequence. The course consists of exercises, studies and renderings using values of gray to achieve the illusion of 3- dimensional form. With a variety of drawing and painting materials, students work from gradually more complex still-life set ups, under controlled lighting, and form a clipping file of research which they compile.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 386
RENDERING FOR DESIGNERS III
Third course in a 3 course sequence. The course consists of exercises, studies and renderings using values of gray to achieve the illusion of 3- dimensional form. With a variety of drawing and painting materials, students work from gradually more complex still-life set ups, under controlled lighting, and form a clipping file of research which they compile.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 271
DESIGN PRODUCTION PRACTICE I
First course in a 3 course sequence. Design students do practical work on planning, constructing, rigging, painting, crewing, and running of productions. Areas may include scenery, costumes, lighting, or sound.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 272
DESIGN PRODUCTION PRACTICE I
Second course in a 3 course sequence. Design students do practical work on planning, constructing, rigging, painting, crewing, and running of productions. Areas may include scenery, costumes, lighting, or sound.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 273
DESIGN PRODUCTION PRACTICE I
Third course in a 3 course sequence. Design students do practical work on planning, constructing, rigging, painting, crewing, and running of productions. Areas may include scenery, costumes, lighting, or sound.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 381
SURVEY OF THE ARTS FOR THEATRE
First course in a 3 course sequence. The styles and aesthetics of art, architecture, fashion and the decorative arts from ancient Egypt through the first half of the 20th century are examined. Emphasis is placed on periods and countries that are most important to American theatre. Can be taken by non-Theatre School students with permission of instructor.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 382
SURVEY OF THE ARTS FOR THEATRE
Second course in a three-course sequence. The styles and aesthetics of art, architecture, fashion and the decorative arts from ancient Egypt through the first half of the 20th century are examined. Emphasis is placed on periods and countries that are most important to American theatre. Can be taken by non-Theatre School students with permission of instructor.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 383
SURVEY OF THE ARTS FOR THEATRE
Third course in a three-course sequence. The styles and aesthetics of art, architecture, fashion and the decorative arts from ancient Egypt through the first half of the 20th century are examined. Emphasis is placed on periods and countries that are most important to American theatre. Can be taken by non-Theatre School students with permission of instructor.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 347
LIGHTING DESIGN II
First course in a 3 course sequence. The implementation of lighting ideas. Practice in the translation of lighting ideas into actual designs. Light pads, lighting paperwork, Vectorworks, the use of equipment and the exploration of realistic lighting styles.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 348
LIGHTING DESIGN II
Second course in a 3 course sequence. The implementation of lighting ideas. Practice in the translation of lighting ideas into actual designs. Light pads, lighting paperwork, Vectorworks, the use of equipment and the exploration of realistic lighting styles.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 349
LIGHTING DESIGN II
Third course in a 3 course sequence. The implementation of lighting ideas. Practice in the translation of lighting ideas into actual designs. Light pads, lighting paperwork, Vectorworks, the use of equipment and the exploration of realistic lighting styles.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 361
THEATRICAL COLLABORATION
Theatrical Collaboration (3 quarter hours) An investigation, through research and discussion, of the conceptual problems of physically mounting specific, assigned scripts from the classic and modern theatre, covering a broad stylistic range. Students will submit proposals for designs and justify their ideas through literary and pictorial research. The directorial and collaborative problems of arriving at a production concept, up to, but not including fully-realized design documentation, is emphasized through a series of projects. PREREQUISITE(S): Open to 3rd and 4th year BFA Lighting, Scenery, Costume, Sound Design and Dramaturgy students, in addition to MFA students.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 362
THEATRICAL COLLABORATION
Theatrical Collaboration (3 quarter hours) An investigation, through research and discussion, of the conceptual problems of physically mounting specific, assigned scripts from the classic and modern theatre, covering a broad stylistic range. Students will submit proposals for designs and justify their ideas through literary and pictorial research. The directorial and collaborative problems of arriving at a production concept, up to, but not including fully-realized design documentation, is emphasized through a series of projects. PREREQUISITE(S): Open to 3rd and 4th year BFA Lighting, Scenery, Costume, Sound Design and Dramaturgy students, in addition to MFA students.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 371
DESIGN PRODUCTION PRACTICE II
First course in a 3 course sequence. For all design students. Through demonstration, discussion, lecture, and projects, students explore thAssignments will be commensurate with ability and experience.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 372
DESIGN PRODUCTION PRACTICE II
Second course in a 3 course sequence. For all design students. Through demonstration, discussion, lecture, and projects, students explore thAssignments will be commensurate with ability and experience.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 373
DESIGN PRODUCTION PRACTICE II
Third course in a 3 course sequence. For all design students. Demonstration, discussion, lecture, and projects. Assignments will be commensurate with ability and experience.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 447
LIGHTING DESIGN III
First course in a 3 course sequence. Complete lighting design projects in a variety of styles and methods of presentation including unit set, multi-set, musicals, operas. Cuing, scenery and backdrop design will also be covered.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 448
LIGHTING DESIGN III
Second course in a 3 course sequence. Complete lighting design projects in a variety of styles and methods of presentation including unit set, multi-set, musicals, operas. Cuing, scenery and backdrop design will also be covered.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 449
LIGHTING DESIGN III
Third course in a 3 course sequence. Complete lighting design projects in a variety of styles and methods of presentation including unit set, multi-set, musicals, operas. Cuing, scenery and backdrop design will also be covered.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 241
SCENE DESIGN I
First of a 3-course sequence. An introduction to the methods of scenic design, with exposure to both historical and contemporary practice. Students become familiar with the mechanical aspects of scenery and stages, and assimilate the principles of design and the technical requirements of a script into a fully developed scene design.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 242
SCENE DESIGN I
Second of a 3-course sequence. An introduction to the methods of scenic design, with exposure to both historical and contemporary practice. Students become familiar with the mechanical aspects of scenery and stages, and assimilate the principles of design and the technical requirements of a script into a fully developed scene design.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 243
SCENE DESIGN I
Third of a 3-course sequence. An introduction to the methods of scenic design, with exposure to both historical and contemporary practice. Students become familiar with the mechanical aspects of scenery and stages, and assimilate the principles of design and the technical requirements of a script into a fully developed scene design.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 244
COSTUME DESIGN I
First of a 3-course sequence. An introduction to costume. Students will explore the design process, costume silhouette and detail, and scripts and character analysis within the context of historical theatrical costuming. CO-REQUISITE: THE 382.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 245
COSTUME DESIGN I
Second of a 3-course sequence. An introduction to costume. Students will explore the design process, costume silhouette and detail, and scripts and character analysis within the context of historical theatrical costuming. CO-REQUISITE: THE 382.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 246
COSTUME DESIGN I
Third of a 3-course sequence. An introduction to costume. Students will explore the design process, costume silhouette and detail, and scripts and character analysis within the context of historical theatrical costuming. CO-REQUISITE: THE 382.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 471
DESIGN PRODUCTION PRACTICE III
For all design students. Assignments will be commensurate with ability and experience.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 472
DESIGN PRODUCTION PRACTICE III
For all design students. Assignments will be commensurate with ability and experience.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 473
DESIGN PRODUCTION PRACTICE III
For all design students. Assignments will be commensurate with ability and experience.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 490
DESIGN INTERNSHIP
The internship provides the student with an opportunity to learn by working with experienced professionals in an area related to his/her area of study at The Theatre School.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 284
MODEL BUILDING
The course focuses on creating professional quality scale models of stage scenery. Students will learn to work with a variety of materials (foamcore, board, paper, wood, and metal, and appropriate glues), will find sources for scale furnishings, and will learn a variety of techniques such as soldering and casting.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 285
MEDIA FOR DESIGNERS
Students will gain experience with a variety of color media that will be useful in illustrating and rendering their designs for the stage. Media covered will include watercolor, acrylics, oil pastel, colored pencil, and others.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 286
LIFE DRAWING
By creating drawings from live models, students will learn about body structure and musculature, and will develop their skills in figure drawing, and 'drawing what you see'.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 484
PHOTOSHOP FOR DESIGNERS
This class will take students through the process of creating professional renderings of stage scenery, costumes, and lighting, by using Photoshop to manipulate and transform their original sketches.Through this process, the students will master the tools available in Photoshop, and will create portfolio-ready rendering works.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 485
PROJECTION DESIGN
This is a one quarter course that provides students with basic design concepts, techniques and skills in the use of projection design for theatre. The classes combine lecture-discussion and studio work, and are project based to apply learned skills to the projection design process. The course focuses on conceiving motion and still images for projection, communicating those ideas to the design team through story boards, and realizing those ideas through the use of Isadora' video control software. The instructor will work with students individually to focus on techniques that support each student's specific design discipline. Every effort will be made to bring students into working theaters to see professional theatre productions using projections. No pre-requisite; a working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop is recommended.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 486
PORTFOLIO PREPARATION
Students will work on developing a professional portfolio that showcases their design work to best advantage. Students will develop a consistent presentation style and will rework projects as necessary to increase the quality of their portfolio.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 641
THEATRICAL COLLABORATION
An investigation, through research and discussion, of the conceptual problems of physically mounting specific, assigned scripts from the classic and modern theatre, covering a broad stylistic range. Students will submit proposals for designs and justify their ideas through literary and pictorial research. The directorial and collaborative problems of arriving at a production concept, up to, but not including fully-realized design documentation, is emphasized through a series of projects.
Prerequisites:
Status as Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 642
THEATRICAL COLLABORATION
An investigation, through research and discussion, of the conceptual problems of physically mounting specific, assigned scripts from the classic and modern theatre, covering a broad stylistic range. Students will submit proposals for designs and justify their ideas through literary and pictorial research. The directorial and collaborative problems of arriving at a production concept, up to, but not including fully-realized design documentation, is emphasized through a series of projects.
Prerequisites:
Status as Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
DES 240
LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY
Lighting Technology (2 quarter hours) Technical and mechanical aspects of lighting. A detailed study of standard equipment, lamps, connectors, control systems, hanging positions, procedures and practices for the lighting designer.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.