Design /Technology B.F.A. | Academic Requirements | Courses | Faculty
The Design/Technology B.F.A. Program: Courses
Lower level: TDT 1000–1999 (freshman)
Lower level: TDT 2000–2999 (sophomore)
Upper level: TDT 3000–3999 (junior)
Upper level: TDT 4000–4999 (senior)
Note: The 1000-level courses are prerequisites for all other TDT undergraduate courses. In the two-semester course sequences offered every year, successful completion of the fall course is a prerequisite for the spring course, unless noted otherwise. For example, TDT 1100/Stagecraft (part one, fall) is a prerequisite for TDT 1110/Stagecraft (part two, spring).
Design/Technical Practicum
TDT 1010 / 1 credit / Every semester
First-year acting majors are given crew assignments on Theatre Arts productions.
The Modern Stage
TDT 1050 / 3 credits / Spring
An overview of 20th-century American theatre with emphasis on design. Students become familiar with current events and practices in American commercial and regional theatre.
Drafting
TDT 1080 / 3 credits / Spring
Drafting techniques and conventions used in stage designs and construction. Extensive drafting required in and out of class. Students must purchase their own supplies.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Stagecraft
TDT 1100 and 1110 / 3 credits (per semester) / Every year
An introduction to the basic materials and techniques used in scene, costume, and lighting production, presented in lecture and studio situations. Intended to equip the student with the skills required to work on productions.
Production I
TDT 1120 and 1130 / 4 credits (per semester) / Every year
A studio course in which freshmen are assigned to the scene, prop, costume, electric, and paint crews on a rotating basis. Intended as a reinforcement of the methodologies taught in TDT 1100 and 1110.
Design Fundamentals
TDT 1200 and 1210 / 3 credits (per semester) / Every year
An introduction to the process of theatrical design, including script analysis and the development of visual concepts: sketches, renderings, technical drawings, and models. A broad spectrum of plays is assigned.
Perception and Design
TDT 1250 and 1260 / 3 credits (per semester) / Every year
An exploration of physical and psychological bases of representation and design, and development of drawing and painting techniques suitable for theatrical designers.
Music Reading for Stage Managers
MUS 2045 Refer to Undergraduate Music Courses: MUS 1000–4999 for description.
Electrics
TDT 2050 / 2 credits / Fall
Includes a hands-on introduction to various lighting controls and products currently in professional service.
Theatre Technology I
TDT 2080 and 2090 / 3 credits (per semester) / Every year
An introduction to theories of technical production, methods, and planning, with emphasis on advanced technical drafting of scenery and safety practices.
Prerequisite: TDT 1110 and 1210
Production II
TDT 2120 and 2130 / 4 credits (per semester) / Every year
An intensive studio course in which sophomores are assigned to crew head or other crew positions. Intended as a reinforcement of methodologies taught in TDT 1100, 1110, 1120, and 1130.
Prerequisite: TDT 1130
Scene Painting I
TDT 2140 and 2150 / 2 credits (per semester) / Every year
An exploration of the techniques of large-scale, realistic painting through a series of critiqued exercises in the rendering of various materials and textures. (In this two-semester sequence, TDT 2150, which is offered in the spring, is the prerequisite for TDT 2140, offered in the fall.)
Costume Construction I
TDT 2160 and 2170 / 3 credits (per semester) / Every year
Training in costume construction: hand-sewing techniques, machine operations, pattern layout, and fabric identifications. (For design/technology majors who are concentrating in costume design or technology: TDT 2160 is the prerequisite for TDT 2170. A different section of TDT 2170 is offered for other design/technology majors, with no prerequisite.)
Properties Construction I
TDT 2180 and 2190 / 2 credits / Every year
Intensive craft training in the construction of stage properties. (This is not a two-semester sequence: TDT 2180, offered in the fall, is the same course as TDT 2190, offered in the spring.)
Scene Design I
TDT 2200 and 2210 / 3 credits (per semester) / Every year
A continuation and exploration of painting and drawing techniques. Students begin to study perspective, architecture, and model building for the stage. By the end of the year, students should possess the basic techniques necessary to begin designing for the stage.
Prerequisite: TDT 1080 and 1210
Stage Carpentry
TDT 2250 / 2 credits / Fall
An expansion of the theories and practices of stagecraft in a studio setting. Includes standard practices involved in stagecraft and accepted construction techniques.
Prerequisite: TDT 1110
Costume Design I
TDT 2300 and 2310 / 3 credits (per semester) / Every year
An introduction to concept, costume rendering, character extension, and historical research.
Prerequisite: TDT 1210
Lighting Design I
TDT 2400 and 2410 / 3 credits (per semester) / Every year
An introduction to the fundamentals of lighting design, including concept, play analysis, equipment selection, and simple light plots.
Rendering and Graphic Techniques
TDT 2440 and 2460 / 2 credits (per semester) / Every year
Focuses on the development of painting and sketching techniques in all categories of theatre design. The primary goal is to assist student designers and technicians in pictorial explanations of their ideas.
Prerequisite: TDT 1080 and 1210
Model Building
TDT 2450 / 2 credits / Spring
Aids in the development of model building skills to assist the designer and technician in three-dimensional, visual explanation of design construction ideas.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Introduction to Sound Design
TDT 2500 / 2 credits / Spring
A basic course about audio techniques and their use in the theatre, including recording, editing, and creating sound effects.
Sources of Stage Design
TDT 2540 and 2550 / 3 credits (per semester) / Every year
Lectures and research assignments in historical modes of decorative art and ornamentation (fall: Greek through l8th century; spring: 19th century).
Introduction to Stage Management
TDT 2600 and 2610 / 3 credits (per semester) / Every year
The elements of stage management: scripts, preparing schedules, the rehearsal process, and calling the show.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Theatre Technology II
TDT 3080 and 3090 / 3 credits (per semester) / Every year
Focuses on the advanced technologies needed to understand and build complete structures. Topics include live load and structural computations, wood vs. steel structures, and rigging practices for large loads. An intensive research/drafting project is required.
Prerequisite: TDT 2090 and permission of instructor
Production III
TDT 3120 and 3130 / 4 credits (per semester) / Every year
An intensive studio course in which juniors are assigned to designer/technical director, crew head, and/or other crew positions.
Prerequisite: TDT 2130 and permission of instructor
Scene Painting II
TDT 3140 / 2 credits / Spring
Techniques learned in TDT 2140 and 2150 are applied to specific problems in landscape, interior decor, and exterior architecture presented in the painter’s elevation provided by the instructor and/or the student.
Prerequisite: TDT 2140 and permission of instructor
Costume Construction II
TDT 3160 and 3170 / 3 credits (per semester) / Every year
Continued training in costume construction: hand-sewing techniques, machine operations, pattern layout, and fabric identification.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Advanced Rendering for Opera
TDT 3185 / 2 credits / Fall
Continued development of painting and sketching techniques, with special focus on opera design for the scenic and costume designer.
Prerequisite: TDT 2450 and permission of instructor
Scene Design II
TDT 3200 and 3210 / 3 credits (per semester) / Every year
A study of plays, opera, and ballet and their abstract and practical implications for the stage designer.
Prerequisite: TDT 2210 and permission of instructor
Stage Management Production
TDT 3220 and 3230 / 6 credits (per semester) / Every year
An intensive studio course in which junior stage management students are assigned as stage managers for Theatre Arts productions.
Prerequisite: TDT 2130 and permission of instructor
Costume Design II
TDT 3300 and 3310 / 3 credits (per semester) / Every year
A study of plays, opera, and ballet and their abstract and practical implications for the costume designer.
Prerequisite: TDT 2310 and permission of instructor
Lighting Design II
TDT 3400 and 3410 / 3 credits (per semester) / Every year
The continuing study of lighting design principles, with emphasis on drafting and design of full-scale light plots (based on concept) for proscenium stage. Students may have the opportunity to design studio Theatre Arts productions.
Prerequisite: TDT 2410 and permission of instructor
Advanced Sound
TDT 3500 / 2 credits / Spring
A study of equipment, acoustics, and psychoacoustics, plus an in-depth exploration of creative techniques.
Prerequisite: TDT 2500 and permission of instructor
Vector Works
TDT 3520 / 2 credits / Fall
Covers the computer-aided drafting and graphic standards for lighting design used in the industry. Extensive out-of-class work is required. Required for design/technology majors who are concentrating in lighting design.
Prerequisite: TDT 3400 or 3710
Directing for Stage Managers
TDT 3550 and 3560 / 2 credits (per semester) / Every year
The problems, requirements, and relationship of the stage manager to the director. This seminar deals with script analysis and technique of the designer, as well as the position of the actor as an instrument of the director and the play.
Advanced Stage Management
TDT 3600 and 3610 / 3 credits (per semester) / Every year
Covers production and design elements; budgeting, time, space, and money; theatrical unions and contracts; and “theatre psychology.”
Prerequisite: TDT 2610 and permission of instructor
Production Management
TDT 3660 / 3 credits / Spring
Focuses on production management skills and techniques necessary for work in professional theatre.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
CAD for the Theatre
TDT 3700 and 3710 / 3 credits / Every year
A study of computer-aided drafting for design and technical drawing to industry standards. Extensive in- and out-of-class work is required. (This is not a two-semester sequence: TDT 3700, offered in the fall, is the same course as TDT 3710, offered in the spring.)
Prerequisite: TDT 1080 and permission of instructor
3-D CAD for Theatre
TDT 3715 / 2 credits / Spring
Focuses on the techniques and skills required to develop three-dimensional CAD models for use in production.
Prerequisite: TDT 3700 or 3710 and permission of instructor.
Seminar in Graphic Skills for the Theatre Artist
TDT 3750 and 3760 / 2 credits (per semester) / Every year
An exploration of the two-dimensional representation of architecture and organic form in the theatrical venue. Covers graphic skills and layout in accordance with currently accepted professional standards.
Theatre Technology III
TDT 4080 and 4090 / 3 credits (per semester) / Every year
A seminar covering the problems associated with technical direction on the single- and multi-set show. Emphasis is on individual solutions to the managerial problems (paperwork, charts, flow) associated with production. In addition, full sets of technical drawings are required for a single- and multi-set show.
Prerequisite: TDT 3090 and permission of instructor
Production IV
TDT 4120 and 4130 / 4 credits (per semester) / Every year
An intensive studio course in which seniors are assigned to design, technical direct, assist, and hold crew head and/or crew positions.
Prerequisite: TDT 3130 and permission of instructor
Stage Management/Tech/Design Production
TDT 4140 and 4150 / 6 credits (per semester) / Every year
An intensive studio course in which senior stage management and tech students staff Theatre Arts productions on a supervisory level.
Prerequisite: TDT 3130 and permission of instructor
Costume Construction III
TDT 4160 and 4170 / 3 credits (per semester) / Every year
Focuses on advanced draping techniques, including tailoring, stretch wear, tutu construction, and other advanced costume construction techniques.
Prerequisite: TDT 3170
Scene Design III
TDT 4200 and 4210 / 3 credits (per semester) / Every year
Design projects developed to meet the needs of each student.
Prerequisite: TDT 3210 and permission of instructor
Costume Design III
TDT 4300 and 4310 / 3 credits (per semester) / Every year
Advanced design projects developed to meet the needs of each student.
Prerequisite: TDT 3310 and permission of instructor
Lighting Design III
TDT 4400 and 4410 / 3 credits (per semester) / Every year
A seminar with specialized design projects, including field trips when possible. Students design major productions for the Conservatory of Theatre Arts and Film.
Prerequisite: TDT 3410 and permission of instructor
Directed Studies in Collaborative Process
TDT 4450 and 4460 / 2 credits (per semester) / Every year
An analysis of current theatrical practices and the interaction of designer, technician, stage manager, and actor with the director.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Design/Technology Internship
TDT 4600 / 1–12 credits / Every semester
A program providing structured, off-campus theatrical work experience. Placement by faculty committee. Limited to fourth-year design/technology majors.
Prerequisite: Permission of board of study
Stage Management Seminar
TDT 4605 and TDT 4615 / 3 credits (per semester) / Every year
Focuses on methods, practices, theory, and organizational structures specific to Broadway and other commercial production environments.
Prerequisite: TDT 3610
Seminar in Production Design/Art Direction
TDT 4760 and 4770 / 3 credits (per semester) / Every year
Advanced studies in the art of scenery for film and television. Explores similarities to and differences from the theatrical model.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Portfolio
TDT 4880 / 1 credit / Spring
Development of portfolio content and presentation skills needed for commercial, regional, corporate, and related theatrical environments.
Prerequisite: Permission of the board of study
Updated July 31, 2008 (no change to the 2008–2010 College Catalog text)