Course

Set Construction I

Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Department
Stagecraft & Event Technology
Course code
STGE 1106
Credits
2.00
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
25
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Lab
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Typically offered
To be determined

Overview

Course description
In this course students will be introduced to the basic techniques and procedures for set construction and set up. Students will learn the application and use of tools and equipment common to the scene shop and stage including rigging and electrics. Safe working procedures in both the construction and set up phase will be emphasized. Please note: The scene shop is a construction area. Safety footwear, eye and ear protection are mandatory.
Course content
  1. The Performance Space:
    • function vs. aesthetics
    • sight lines
    • seating plans
    • the proscenium arch
    • thrust and apron stage
    • arena stage
    • other forms
  2. Stage Equipment
    • the counterweight system
    • basic rigging
    • theatrical drapery and fabrics
    • electrics
  3. The Scene Shop  
    • tools and materials
    • basic shop math
  4. Construction Procedures: 
    • stock scenery
    • jointing
    • covering
    • two-dimensional  and three-dimensional scenery
    • glues and adhesives
  5. Safety Procedures
    • safe work habits
    • safe working environment
    • fire extinguishers and alarms
    • safety switches
Learning activities

Students will receive instruction in the form of lecture/demonstration followed by shop time each week, including independent work and one-on-one instruction.

Means of assessment

Assessment will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. Students are expected to be self-motivated and to demonstrate professionalism, which includes active participation, good attendance, punctuality, effective collaboration, and the ability to meet deadlines.

Professionalism 10%
Drafting Assignments 20-30%
Contruction projects 40-50%
Quizzes and exams 20-30%
 TOTAL   100%
Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the successful student should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate safe working practices and procedures when dealing with tools, materials, and machinery common to scene construction.
  2. Identify various commonly used construction materials and demonstrate the theatrical construction techniques by which they are used.
  3. Describe the “theatrical space” and its various forms and design.
Textbook materials

A list of recommended textbooks and materials is provided on the Instructor’s Course Outline, which is available to students at the beginning of each semester.

Example:

 

  • Carter, Paul. Backstage Handbook.  3rd Ed. Shelter Island: Broadway Press, 1994
  • Gillette, Michael.  Theatrical Design and Production.  3rd Ed. Toronto: Mayfield Publishing Co., 1997.
  • CSA  Grade 1, Green Triangle Safety Footwear.

 

Requisites

Prerequisites

Acceptance to Stagecraft Program or permission of the Stagecraft Program Coordinator.

Corequisites

No corequisite courses.

Equivalencies

No equivalent courses.

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer details for STGE 1106
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) KPU ARTS 1XXX (3)
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) TRU THTR 1XXX (2)
Trinity Western University (TWU) TWU THTR 2XX (1)
University of British Columbia - Okanagan (UBCO) No credit
University of British Columbia - Vancouver (UBCV) UBCV THTR_V 1st (2)
University of Northern BC (UNBC) No credit
University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) UFV THEA 1XX (2)
University of Victoria (UVIC) UVIC THEA 1XX (1)

Course Offerings

Winter 2025

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
25
Currently enrolled
25
Remaining seats:
0
On waitlist
2
Building
New Westminster - North Bldg.
Room
N3290
Times:
Start Time
13:30
-
End Time
17:20