syllabusshetler

Northern Virginia Community College
SPD 136 Theatre Workshop Course

Course Title: Theatre Workshop
Instructor: Stephen Shetler, MFA, Adjunct
Phone: (703) 845-6166 office (703) 845-6165 fax
sshetler@nvcc.eduRequired Text: The Backstage Handbook, Carter, Paul & George ChiangCourse Rationale:
Theatre Workshop is designed to introduce the student to the many technical and logistical elements that go into creating a fully realized theatrical production. It also serves to make the student familiar with basic standard practices and equipment used in set construction, stage lighting, sound production and other aspects of the theatre experience.Course Objectives:
Upon successfully completing this course, students should be able to:
* Feel themselves to be more confident in the use of common tools and equipment of the theatre
* Understand the various elements which go into producing a play
* Report an increased understanding of the art of theatrical performance
* Report an improvement in technical skills and knowledgeEvaluation:
The semester grade will be based on the following elements:
In-class participation, attendance = 60%
Written exams (two) = 40%

Exams:
There will be a mid-term and a final exam, each worth 20% of the semester grade. The exams will be based on readings from the text, lecture topics, and writing assignments. They will test the student's understanding of the material covered in class and comprehension of the textbookClassroom Dress and Etiquette:
* Habitual tardiness is punishable with a reduction of in-class participation and attendance points.
* Students should wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for active and sometimes dirty work. Short skirts, dresses, dress shoes, etc. are not appropriate. Do not wear any dangling jewelry that may get caught in machinery. You may wish to purchase a coverall to protect your clothes.
* Participation in the final performance is required, with a 10% reduction in the final semester grade for failure to attend.
* No food or drink is allowed on stage or in the theatre. Bottled water is allowed.
* Cell phones must be turned off in the theatre and pagers must be in silent mode.

Withdrawal:
It is the student's responsibility to drop the course if, for whatever reason, the student is no longer able to attend class. As long as a student's name appears on the class roster they will continue to be graded for the course. To avoid detriment to your overall grades, you must follow college guidelines for dropping the course officially.

Grading:

A = 100 - 92

B = 91 - 85

C = 84 - 78

D = 77 - 70

F = 69 - 0