Part-time adult education, evening classes: London: City Lit

Technical theatre skills foundation

A unique opportunity to explore all areas of technical theatre - lighting, sound, set design and stage management. Develop your skills in the classroom and practically, by applying several disciplines onto public performances at City Lit's John Lyon Hall. During terms 1 and 2, course runs Mondays 18.00 -21.15 and Wednesdays 19.20- 21.20. During term 3, course runs Monday and Wednesday 18.15 -21.15.

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Key course information

Dates
12/09/11 - 27/06/12

Day(s)
Mon+Wed

Duration
34 weeks

Time
18:15 - 21:20

Fees
Full fee: £731
Senior fee: £731
Concession: £366

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
DP021*

Availability
Contact department

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol on this course - please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover missed content with you. Please be advised that the published course fees will apply.

Course outline

What is the course about?

The programme aims to provide you with:
- A sound knowledge of technical theatre, the terminology, the safe usage of equipment and a practical insight into theatre design.
- Professional-level experience in at least one of the following: stage management, set, sound and lighting design.
- Basic knowledge and skills that can lead to further education or vocational work in the industry.

What topics will we cover?

Stage management:
You will explore the different functions in the stage management team, post- and pre-production, and their role in the theatre environment. You will have the opportunity to experience being a stage manager, deputy stage manager and assistant stage manager.
All equipment will be demonstrated thoroughly and all relevant health and safety legislation will be taught. You will also learn about the role of production manager.

Lighting design:
The role, duties and responsibilities of the lighting designer and other members of the electrics team will be explored. You will learn about the different production processes within the theatre and the many theatrical styles used in lighting design. We will look at the pre-planning of a lighting design, and how to rig, focus and plot lighting for a show. Basic electrical theory will be covered along with the many health and safety aspects of working in a theatre environment.

Sound design:
You will learn about the role of the sound designer and sound operator, and their duties and responsibilities. Different styles of recorded and live sound will be explored, as well as their use in a theatrical environment. Technical equipment will be explained, along with the many related health and safety issues. We will record live sounds, pre-record effects onto a variety of formats, and edit sounds in a pre-production studio for use on a production.

Scenic design:
The role of a scenic designer will be explored, and you will be encouraged to produce design work of your own. You will be taught the basics of scenic design and will learn about materials and their usage. Each student will be required to produce a model box of City Lit's theatre space, with full instruction given. You will also be taught basic construction techniques.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- Rig lanterns and sound equipment to a professional standard
- Identify the five different types of lantern
- Understand the role(s) within a stage management team
- Understand how to create a stage manager's prompt copy
- Understand the theory of a basic lighting system
- Understand the theory of a basic sound system
- Understand the need for health and safety and observe good working practice
- Understand the creation and importance of 2D plans, including scale drawings, and 3D representations, including computer realisations, and their usage in presenting a design.
- Highlight some artistic decisions that constitute a set design.

This course is designed to give you a basic understanding of the principles of all aspects of technical theatre. Successfully completing this course will equip you with the skills you need to take a full time theatre technical course, or allow you to tackle your own productions.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

You should have a basic background or experience in the subject.

In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:
• Follow spoken and written instructions
• Locate and respond to written information in manuals
• Have an awareness of scale, 2D and 3D drawings
• Listen actively and communicate clearly in a team setting
• Give and receive constructive feedback
• Read and analyse scripts to find meaning and clarity
• Take notes
• Use numbers to recognise rhythm.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course will be delivered with a combination of seminars, demonstrations and some visits to places of interest. However, the main emphasis of this course is the group project work on exercises designed to encourage team work and the ability to problem solve under pressure. All students will be expected to keep a journal of every session, highlighting opinions, strengths, weaknesses and feedback.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Essential equipment:
A4 pad plain white page
Pencils
Pencil sharpener
Rubber
Scissors
Glue (pritt stick)
A4 folder
Steel toe cap boots.

Non essential equipment:
Mains testing screwdriver
Large flat head screwdriver
Large Phillips headed screwdriver
Adjustable spanner
Pair of long nose pliers
Torch
Heavy duty gloves
Scale ruler

Extra cost will be incurred for theatre visits. A book list to accompany this course will be provided on the first day.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

Yes. Before you can enrol on this course, you need to have an advisory interview with the relevant department. Without this the enrolment team will be unable to process your enrolment. Please contact the department to arrange your interview, or to find out about drop-in sessions.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made. You will be kept informed of your progress by being assessed on your group work, written assignments and student journals. All assessments will be discussed by students and staff alike and, for practical exercises, you will have the opportunity to comment on your own performance and that of your peers.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You can progress onto the Technical Theatre Skills Access course at City Lit, where you can hone and expand your practical skills and knowledge.

You will be able to apply for various fringe theatre positions and indeed may be already in the business and are re-skilling to take over other roles or increase specific understanding within a theatrical environment.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2542

drama@citylit.ac.uk

Drop-in advice During term-time: Monday & Wednesday 12.30 - 13.30 and 17.30 - 18.30 Thursday 17.30 - 18.30 Non term-time Tuesday 12.30 - 13.30 Wednesday 17.30 - 18.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.