This really depends on your skill levels in the various technical theater areas you want to teach. Even techs at the Guthrie in Minneapolis are all going to have different comfort levels in different areas. I, for example, can weld-- but do not like to. So I would look at it that way. What sorts of things do you want to do and what tools will you need for those units. In terms of tools for production, you might be able to acquire them over time, and charge them to the particular production they are used for.
That being said-- we pursue the following units in my tech classes and use the following supplies
Scene Design-- cardstock, water color paper, foam core, glue, rulers, water color pencils, artist paint brushes
Costume design-- same as above
Lighting design-- we draw the plots by hand using scale templates on a scale floor plan of the theater that I provide to them. My advanced students draw their plots by hand as well and I have one drafting table and a briefcase full of hand drafting tools. I'd like to get a computer and CAD Standard for them, but have not done that yet. In terms of the execution of the design, we do that as a class in the theater. I have them do this in a group -- one does sound design, one designs the lighting, one serves as board op, one as master elec and then we have a performer on stage.
I also do a little unit on flat construction and scene painting-- for this we make 1/3 scale flats and I use real lumber and what not. We make the corner blocks and straps and I rip the 1 by for them and cut it to length on a Saturday or during my planning. Then, we use diluted wood glue, utility knives, paint brushes, sponges, hammers, panel nails, muslin and paint to create sample paint flats-- I have them do faux bricks, wood and sky with clouds on their sample flat. I think this is a fun project.
We also design and build the set for the winter or spring play and to be honest that supply list varies from production to production-- but some of the stuff we use is a miter saw, hammers, nails, screw guns, screws, glue, paint, paint brushes, finches, rollers, muslin, knives, flame treatment, skill saw, table saw, jig saw. Many of these tools are off limits to my students-- such as the table saw and miter saw-- I just do not feel that I want to take the risk here-- but they do many things in the theater from light hang to load in and load out. We also have a collection of sewing machines and what not, but I would like to work on this area.
Of other concerns is where will students work with these tools-- do you have a scene shop? That can be a big determining factor in what you want to take on.
Hope that helps a bit.
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Michael Johnson
Trinity NC
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-01-2015 10:13
From: Karissa Talty
Subject: Tech Theatre supplies and curriculum
I have convinced the district of the need for a tech theatre class for next year. As this will only be my second year, equipment is pretty skimpy from the past (we have one saw and three drills, all of which we share with the local Jr. High). What equipment would you say is absolutely necessary for a tech theatre class?
Along the same note, I am hoping to utilize this class to help build sets and create props, but is there any specific curriculum or lessons that you find useful or necessary?
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Karissa Talty
Troupe Director
Springfield MO
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