Design and Technology for Performance Syllabus

Course Introduction:
What is the role of design in performance? How can performance design be used as a research tool to explore the depth and complexity of history and society? How can we utilize design as a process for discovery and a method of inquiry? Throughout this course we will analyze aesthetic choices for their cultural meanings, and investigate how those cultural meanings can shift over time, and between individuals and groups of people.

This course is an introduction to principles and practical application of techniques for designing theatre, music and other types of live performance. This course includes practical aspects of designing and producing live performance. Topics include lighting, sets and space, clothing and costume design, sound; may include specialized techniques such as masks, props, makeup.

Students will design and execute the production needs for a workshop production of Bronzeville . Bronzeville is a play by Aaron Woolfolk and Tim Toyama, which was commissioned by the Robey Theatre Company. The play is set in the Little Tokyo area of Los Angeles and begins right after President Franklin D. Roosevelt has issued Executive Order 9066. The story narrates the imprisonment of the Taharas, a Japanese American family in Little Tokyo during the 1940s, and the subsequent conflict that unfolds when the Goodwins, a Black family, move into the Tahara’s home once they have been incarcerated. Participation in this production process is required.

Learning Outcomes:
Through this course students will:

•  Analyze a script as it pertains to performance design.
•  Develop vocabulary used to collaborate on a theatrical production team.
•  Visually represent and present designs.
•  Collaborate with classmates on creative solutions to design challenges.
•  Apply design as a method of inquiry into complex historical and social issues.
•   Design the scenic, costuming, lighting, and sound for the workshop production: Bronzeville .
•  Execute the scenic, costuming, lighting, and sound designs for the workshop production: Bronzeville .
•   Analyze aesthetic choices in design for their effective communication to an audience.
•   Analyze the cultural, social, and political meanings in aesthetic choices.
•  Demonstrate industry-standard safety practices throughout the semester.

  Texas A&M University has identified student learning outcomes that describe our institutional commitment to your educational goals. These include the ability to demonstrate critical thinking, effective communication, and social, cultural, and global competence. Please see TAMU Student Learning Outcomes .

To successfully complete this course you must:

•   Attend and participate in all class meetings.
•   Attend production meetings, rehearsals, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances as required.
•   Complete all reading and written assignments.
•   Complete all drawing, design, and rendering projects.
•   Become familiar with the eCampus website as important course information and communication will be posted there.
•   Submit all written assignments via eCampus. Assignments will not be accepted via email.Required Texts:
• Bronzeville by Tim Toyama and Aaron Woolfolk (provided on eCampus)
• Shifting Grounds of Race: Black and Japanese Americans in the Making of Multiethnic Los Angeles by Scott Kurashige
• The Art of Theatrical Design: Elements of Visual Composition, Methods, and Practice by Kaoime E. MalloyRecommended Texts:
• Show Case: Developing, Maintaining, and Presenting a Design-Tech Portfolio for Theatre and Allied Fields by Rafael Jaen (available as a free eBook accessed through the TAMU library website)

Required Supplies:
Drawing Pencils—HB, 2B, 4B, 6B Kneadable eraser
Pencil sharpener
Sketch pad 11×14 or larger
Metal straight edge ruler with cork back Architect scale rule

Suggested supplies (as needed):
X-acto knife with number 11 blades Black core foam core
Cutting mat for cutting with X-acto knife Rendering paper as desired
Tracing paper or vellum
Drafting tape
Prismacolor colored pencils
Tackle box or container for art supplies Rubber cement
Spray adhesive Assignments and Grading:
Matte board as desired Straight pins Watercolor paint (tubes) Watercolor brushes Water container
Plastic palette or aluminum foil \
Paper towels
Chalk pastels
Acrylic paint (tubes)
Modeling clay

All grades will be posted on the eCampus website. Please review your grade throughout the semester. If you have grade related questions or concerns, please see me during office hours or make an appointment. In accordance with The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) I will not discuss grades in the classroom or via e-mail.

Grade Breakdown:
Attendance and Participation 10%
Script Analysis 10%
Research 10%
Visual Composition 10%
Preliminary Designs 10%
Final Designs 15%
Design Journal 10%
Portfolio Page 10%
Final Paper 15%

Total 100%

A (90-100) – Excellent. Your work is turned in on time, complete, appropriate to the assignment, and demonstrates thoughtful application of the materials covered in class. Your work demonstrates thoughtful preparation and presentation.
B (80-89) – Good. Your work is turned in on time, complete, appropriate to the assignment, and demonstrates application of the materials covered in class.

C (70-79) – Satisfactory. Your work is turned in on time and complete. Your work meets the requirements of the course work.
D (60-69) – Passing. Your work is turned in on time, but is incomplete or does not meet all requirements of the course work.

F (0-59) – Failing. Your work is not turned in on time or does not meet the requirements of the course work.

Communication Policy
E-mail is my preferred method of contact. Please check your e-mail daily, and promptly reply when needed. I will respond to email inquiries within 24-48 hours, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. You should email me if you:

•   will miss a quiz, test, or assignment deadline due to an excused absence.
•   have a documented disability and would like to discuss accommodations.
•   have a brief, succinct inquiry. Complicated issues are best discussed during office hours.
•   would like to set an appointment outside of regularly scheduled office hours.When sending an email, please include:

•   your name, class, and section number
•   A brief, descriptive subject lineAttendance Policy:
  The best way to be successful in this course is to attend class. The University views class attendance as the responsibility of an individual student. I will not accept late assignments without an excused absence . If you do miss a class for any reason you are responsible for obtaining notes and information regarding assignments from your classmates.

As per University policy, a student must notify me in writing (an acknowledged e-mail is acceptable) prior to the absence if possible, but no later than the end of the second working day after the absence in order to be excused. In most cases I will ask for documentation substantiating the reason for the absence. You must provide the documentation within one week of the last day of absence in order to be excused. See http://student-rules.tamu.edu/rule07

Your full participation is necessary for the success of this course. Attendance and participation is required for all regularly scheduled class times, as well as work calls, production meetings, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances that are scheduled outside of class .

Classroom Atmosphere:
Please respect your fellow students and the instructor by arriving to class on time. Please silence your cell phones before class begins. For more information regarding classroom behavior please see Student Rule 21 .
In this course, each voice in the classroom has something of value to contribute to class discussion. We will often engage difficult and controversial issues and it will be our collective responsibility to make sure that our classroom interaction is respectful and supportive of the views, experiences and expertise of others at all times. Please respect the different experiences, beliefs and values expressed by your fellow students and instructor, and refrain from derogatory comments about other individuals, cultures, groups, or viewpoints. I reserve the right to remove anyone from class who acts in a rude or disruptive manner.
The Texas A&M University Commitment to Diversity Statement

Academic Integrity:
Aggie Honor Code
“An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do.”

Upon accepting admission to Texas A&M University, a student immediately assumes a commitment to uphold the Honor Code, to accept responsibility for learning, and to follow the philosophy and rules of the Honor System. Ignorance of the rules does not exclude any member of the TAMU community from the requirements or the processes of the Honor System.
See http://aggiehonor.tamu.edu

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy Statement:
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact Disability Services, currently located in the Disability Services building at the Student Services at White Creek complex on west campus or call 979-845-1637. For additional information, visit http://disability.tamu.edu .

If you believe that you have a disability that is affecting your level of participation or success in this course, please do not hesitate to see me. I will be happy to help you find the resources you need to help you succeed in this course.