"When the curtain rises, it is the scenery that sets the key of the play. A stage setting is not a background; it is an environment. Players act in a setting, not against it. We say, in the audience, when we look at what the designer has made, before anyone on the stage has time to move or speak, 'Aha, I see! It's going to be like that! Aha!'"
- Inigo JonesNESA's "techies" study and produce various artistic styles of scenery, gain experience in the fundamentals of designing for proscenium, thrust, arena, and environmental theatre, and work as stage managers, lighting designers, set designers, costume designers, and other roles in technical theater. Elements of design and principles of composition are studied while producing working drawings, renderings, and models. Students have opportunities to tour local theaters and discuss technical requirements of productions. The Technical Theater program provides students with portfolio and resume development.
GRADE 9
Students will explore the basic elements of technical theatre. Units of study will include: theatrical safety, technical terminology, theater history, forms of modern theater, use of hand tools and power tools, basic set construction techniques, and theatrical production. Students will be expected to complete numerous projects in these subject areas.
Technical Theater Lab
In this course students will be introduced to the techniques and procedures of set construction. Students will learn the application and use of tools and equipment common to the scene shop and stage. Safe working procedures in theatrical construction will be emphasized.
GRADES 10 & 11
Stagecraft I
A double credit class. This course provides students a more in-depth study of technical theatre: set construction, scenic painting, production skills, introduction to theater management, and show assignments.
GRADES 11 & 12
A double credit class. Advanced study of technical theatre and production skills. Studies can include advanced construction of stage scenery, scene painting, properties, reading stage blueprints, and stock maintenance. The use of stage lighting with an emphasis on electrical safety, hanging and focusing, programming and running a light board, and instrument cleaning and maintenance. In the use of stage sound with an emphasis on electrical safety, running cable, proper microphone and speaker usage, adjusting and running a sound board, and instrument cleaning and maintenance. In management, with an emphasis on running rehearsals, maintaining the rehearsal space, inter-crew communication, prompt book development and maintenance, and managing a cast.
A double credit class with emphasis on a continuation of advanced technical theatre and production skills, introduction to design, properties management, stage management, and costuming for a production. Individual projects for students based upon production schedule. Includes design opportunities, advanced lighting and sound console operations, and stage management of productions. Students will explore and apply advanced stage lighting and sound, advanced scenic design, and practical application of technical theatre.
