Professor: David Jacques

Office Telephone: 985-4044

Office Hours: Mon/Wed, 1:30 - 2:30

Class Times: Mon/Wed, 11:00 - 12:15

Room: Star Chamber

FALL 2010

This course covers the fundamentals of the process of designing for the theatre--developing the design from the initial script study through the collaborative process in rehearsal and into the theatre. The development of the artistic team in practical theatrical applications is studied through class projects and critique of the productions at CalRep and University Theatre. Learning how to “see” and developing points of view and approaches are also studied. The course will also briefly cover the business of design, working on Broadway and the Regional Theatres, and other professional venues.

Requirements:

The student will read and attend all the plays produced by the department so they may be discussed in class.

The student is also required for material presented on Professor Jacques' Web site. This site is located at: www.csulb.edu/~djacques .

Projects turned in after the due date will not be accepted unless for compelling reasons. There will be no incomplete's for this class.

Exam and project dates are subject to change.

Attendance Policy:

Attendance: Please read the CSULB attendance policy carefully. It can be found at: http.://www.csulb.edu/~senate/Policies/01-01.html

ATTENDANCE IS VERY STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. Experience has shown that good grades are strongly correlated with attendance, practice and participation. Each class period may not seem like it covers very much, but students who do not come to class are often surprised at how quickly they get behind. Your attendance in class will be reflected in your Class Participation Grade. Please refer to the University Catalog for the definition of excused and unexcused absences.

In observance of the Veterans Day holiday no classes will be held on Thursday, November 11. Classes that normally meet on Thursdays will meet on Tuesday, November 9 at the same times and in the same classrooms normally occupied on Thursdays. Students who cannot attend class on Tuesday, November 9 must inform their instructors in advance so that arrangements can be made to allow the students to make up the missed work.

Withdrawal Policy:

It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw from classes. Instructors have no obligation to withdraw students who do not attend courses, and may choose not to do so.

The deadline to withdraw from a class without a “W” is stated in the official Schedule of Classes.

Withdrawal from a course after that date requires the signature of the instructor and the department chair, and is permissible only for serious and compelling reasons. [Severe or extensive medical problems would be a reason to drop after that date, but fear of receiving a final grade lower than desired, or change in one’s work schedule are not considered a serious and compelling reasons.] A “W” will appear on the students’ transcript.

DURING THE FINAL THREE WEEKS OF INSTRUCTION WITHDRAWALS ARE NOT PERMITTED EXCEPT IN CASES SUCH AS ACCIDENT OR SERIOUS ILLNESS WHERE THE CIRCUMSTANCES CAUSING THE WITHDRAWAL ARE CLEARLY BEYOND THE STUDENT’S CONTROL. THE CAUSE MUST BE DOCUMENTED. ORDINARILY, WITHDRAWALS IN THIS CATEGORY INVOLVE TOTAL WITHDRAWAL FROM THE UNIVERSITY. YOU WILL NEED THE APPROVAL OF THE COLLEGE DEAN AS WELL AS THAT OF THE CLASS INSTRUCTOR AND THE DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSON FOR EACH CLASS YOU DROP.

Electronic Devices:

All electronic devices that have the potential to disrupt the class, its members, or the instructor must be turned off or silenced (unless approved by instructor). It is the students' responsibility to notify the instructor in advance of any need for accommodation of a disability that has been verified by the University.

Evaluations:

Project/production book (Due the last day of class): 30%

Collaboration Music Video Design Project: 20%

Power of Myth Paper: 20%

Class Participation (Attendance): 30%

Materials:

Drawing and painting materials

Texts:

Otello, Shakespeare

The Power of Myth, Joseph Campbell

Class Structure:

1. Collaboration in Theatre Art

Why are we theatrical artists?

a. The Designer’s Function in the Theatre

b. Learning how to see

2. Collaboration Music Video Design Project Due

3. Elements of Design

a. Line

b. Shape

c. Mass

d. Color

e. Texture

f. Rhythm

Design Principles

a. Variation and Contrast

b. Balance and Proportion

c. Rhythm and Movement

d. Unity and Harmony

e. Visual Composition

f. Reading Assignment: Otello

4. The Objectives of Theatrical Design

a. Time and Period

b. Place and Locale

c. Theme

d. Mood

e. Style – Production, Literary

f. Reveal the Characters

g. Solve Theatrical Problems

5. Script Analysis for Designers

a. The Play and the Playwright

b. Discovering the Design Objectives - Developing a Point of View

c. Developing the Production Concept - Developing an Approach

d. Learning to Present Your Ideas and Talk About Your Work.

e. First Impressions of the Script

f. Discuss Otello

g. The music of the script

h. Evocative responses

Assignment: Construct a montage of your emotional response.

6. The Music of the Play

a. Understanding the Dramatic Action.

b. Understanding the score of the play.

c. Transitions and Dynamics

d. In-class music exercise

Assignment: Bring in Music that underscores a moment and a transition

Reading Assignment - Read The Power of Myth

7. The Power of Myth Discussion and Paper Due

8. Developing the Point of View and Approach

Assignment: Bring in Point of View for Otello

9. Bring in Design Approach for Otello - Discussion

10. Bring in Costume Research

11. Costume Sketches Due

12. Costume Design Presentations

13. Developing Set Design Ideas

14. Set Design Research due

15. Set Design Presentations

16. Set Design Presentations