Theatre Design/Technology

First-year acting majors are given crew assignments on conservatory productions.

Credits: 1

Sound Design Fundamentals allows students to explore sound and music through projects, sound experimentation and creation. Covering topics like sound synthesis, sampled instruments, basic music composition, foley as well as recording and post processing techniques for voiceover and field recordings.

Credits: 3

Basic drafting skills for professional theatrical applications. Lettering, line weight, measuring, drawing with accuracy and clarity, drafting conventions, dimensioning, and drafting simple units and theatre plans and sections. Ground plans and elevations of each flat with details of door and panel moldings, all with descriptive cross-sections showing dimensions. Students must purchase their own supplies.

Credits: 3

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.

Credits: 3

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.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT1100

A studio course in which freshmen are assigned to the scene, prop, costume, electric, paint, and sound shops and crews on a rotating basis. Intended as a reinforcement of the methodologies taught in TDT 1100 and 1110. The specific course schedule may vary depending on the needs of a given production, so days and times the class will meet will fluctuate.

Credits: 3

A studio course in which freshmen are assigned to the scene, prop, costume, electric, paint, and sound shops and crews on a rotating basis. Intended as a reinforcement of the methodologies taught in TDT 1100 and 1110. The specific course schedule may vary depending on the needs of a given production, so days and times the class will meet will fluctuate.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT1120

An introduction to the process of theatrical design in which a broad spectrum of plays is assigned. Includes script and character analysis, the development of visual concepts, sketches, and renderings, and the use of color and motif.

Credits: 3

An introduction to the process of theatrical design in which a broad spectrum of plays is assigned. Includes script and character analysis, the development of visual concepts, sketches, and renderings, and the use of color and motif.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT1200

A practical introduction to score reading for theatrical stage managers and designers. Existing musical scores of varying levels of difficulty are used to teach musical vocabulary, tempo, and dynamic markings, and instrumental names and notation in their traditional Italian, French, and German languages. Required for and limited to theatre design/technology majors concentrating in stage management.

Credits: 1

An introduction to theories of technical production, methods, and planning, with emphasis on advanced technical drafting of scenery and safety practices.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT1110

An introduction to theories of technical production, methods, and planning, with emphasis on advanced technical drafting of scenery and safety practices.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT2080

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. The specific course schedule may vary depending on the needs of a given production, so days and times the class will meet will fluctuate.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT1130

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. The specific course schedule may vary depending on the needs of a given production, so days and times the class will meet will fluctuate.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT2120

An exploration of the techniques of large-scale, realistic painting through a series of critiqued exercises in the rendering of various materials and textures.

Credits: 2

PREREQ: TDT2150

An exploration of the techniques of large-scale, realistic painting through a series of critiqued exercises in the rendering of various materials and textures.

Credits: 2

Training in costume construction: hand-sewing techniques, machine operations, pattern layout, and fabric identifications.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT1210

Training in costume construction: hand-sewing techniques, machine operations, pattern layout, and fabric identifications.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT1110

Craft training in the construction of stage properties: learning basic approaches to upholstery and drapery, learning different sculpturing techniques, and creating prop lists with an emphasis on research, both historical and pictorial. Visual resources are used to push students out of their comfort zone in the ways they approach projects (both independently and in groups, depending on the project). (This is not a two-semester sequence: TDT 2180, offered in the fall, is the same course as TDT 2190, offered in the spring.)

Credits: 2

PREREQ: TDT1110

Craft training in the construction of stage properties: learning basic approaches to upholstery and drapery, learning different sculpturing techniques, and creating prop lists with an emphasis on research, both historical and pictorial. Visual resources are used to push students out of their comfort zone in the ways they approach projects (both independently and in groups, depending on the project). (This is not a two-semester sequence: TDT 2180, offered in the fall, is the same course as TDT 2190, offered in the spring.)

Credits: 2

PREREQ: TDT1110

Basic principles and practice of scene design, including script analysis. Composition and focus in scene design, developing acting areas, entrances, exits, and movement patterns. Research period architecture, art, and dress while refining drafting skills: complete ground plans and sections with masking, fully drafted elevations, color sketches, and a white model. All of these areas have preliminary, refined, and finished stages. Fall: Greek play with classical elements in period and Molière play with limitations of period style. Spring: Modern plays, one with exterior and one with period interior box set with ceiling.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT1210

Basic principles and practice of scene design, including script analysis. Composition and focus in scene design, developing acting areas, entrances, exits, and movement patterns. Research period architecture, art, and dress while refining drafting skills: complete ground plans and sections with masking, fully drafted elevations, color sketches, and a white model. All of these areas have preliminary, refined, and finished stages. Fall: Greek play with classical elements in period and Molière play with limitations of period style. Spring: Modern plays, one with exterior and one with period interior box set with ceiling.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT2200

An expansion of the theories and practices of stagecraft in a studio setting. Includes standard practices involved in stagecraft and accepted construction techniques.

Credits: 2

PREREQ: TDT1110

An introduction to concept, costume rendering, character extension, and historical research.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT1210

An introduction to concept, costume rendering, character extension, and historical research.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT2300

An introduction to concept-based lighting design in the theatre. Through play analysis and practical lab exercises, students begin to comprehend the connections between color, equipment, angles of light, etc. and how these are used to support their ideas and feelings on stage. Students also obtain a basic knowledge of lighting rendering, equipment, history, theory, drafting, etc., and have the opportunity to observe working professionals during technical and dress rehearsals of outside productions.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT1210

An introduction to concept-based lighting design in the theatre. Through play analysis and practical lab exercises, students begin to comprehend the connections between color, equipment, angles of light, etc. and how these are used to support their ideas and feelings on stage. Students also obtain a basic knowledge of lighting rendering, equipment, history, theory, drafting, etc., and have the opportunity to observe working professionals during technical and dress rehearsals of outside productions.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT2400

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.

Credits: 2

PREREQ: TDT1210

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.

Credits: 2

PREREQ: TDT2440

An introduction to audio for the theatre, covering the basic principles of sound design, reinforcement, equipment and technology, live recording, editing, and show control.

Credits: 2

PREREQ: TDT1210

Description: Students explore acoustics, basic sound reinforcement system and computer audio playback used in the in theatrical production for theatre sound engineers.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT1210

Students explore the application of the fundamental elements of sound design, script analysis and research techniques to create sound designs for theatrical production.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT2501

Lectures and research assignments in historical modes of decorative art and ornamentation (Greek through 18th century).

Credits: 3

An introduction to the fundamental skills of stage management through each phase of the production process: preproduction, first rehearsal, rehearsal period, preparing for the tech, technical rehearsals, previews, opening, running of the show, and closing.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT1110

An introduction to the fundamental skills of stage management through each phase of the production process: preproduction, first rehearsal, rehearsal period, preparing for the tech, technical rehearsals, previews, opening, running of the show, and closing.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT2600

A survey of costume design that covers the creation of icons and myths as well as attempts to reinvent history by exploring self-definitions as individuals and groups, and by looking at people’s need to express their subconscious and define themselves in historical context. R-rated films may contain some adult material (hard language, intense or persistent violence, sexually oriented nudity, drug abuse or other elements).

Credits: 4

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.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT2090

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.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT3080

An intensive studio course in which juniors are assigned to designer/technical director, crew head, and/or other crew positions. The specific course schedule may vary depending on the needs of a given production, so days and times the class will meet will fluctuate.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT2130

An intensive studio course in which juniors are assigned to designer/technical director, crew head, and/or other crew positions. The specific course schedule may vary depending on the needs of a given production, so days and times the class will meet will fluctuate.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT3120

Familiarizes students who are interested in a career in costume construction and/or design with the basics of textiles and related crafts. Focuses on textile identification, fiber classifications and painting, distressing/aging, and other related textile crafts.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT2170

Familiarizes students who are interested in a career in costume construction and/or design with the basics of textiles and related crafts. Focuses on textile identification, fiber classifications and painting, distressing/aging, and other related textile crafts.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT3160

Students learn to develop a cohesive, unified design for a multiset show. Topics include finding design elements that flow through each set to give the sense of style and unity, working out ground plans and scene changes to assure speed and practicality, and using historical plays from several periods to evoke a sense for period style. Full drafting and model building with intensive work on sketching and rendering techniques to develop presentation-quality sketches.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT2210

Students learn to develop a cohesive, unified design for a multiset show. Topics include finding design elements that flow through each set to give the sense of style and unity, working out ground plans and scene changes to assure speed and practicality, and using historical plays from several periods to evoke a sense for period style. Full drafting and model building with intensive work on sketching and rendering techniques to develop presentation-quality sketches.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT3200

A continuation of TDT 2310, with emphasis on character and script analysis and on developing skills in color, line, proportion, scale, movement, and rhythm. Study involves historical reality and stylization with projects that address design theory and practical problems, research and chart making, as well as conceptualizing designs for dance, drama, and opera. Rendering technique workshops are included.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT2310

A continuation of TDT 2310, with emphasis on character and script analysis and on developing skills in color, line, proportion, scale, movement, and rhythm. Study involves historical reality and stylization with projects that address design theory and practical problems, research and chart making, as well as conceptualizing designs for dance, drama, and opera. Rendering technique workshops are included.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT3300

A course in the foundation skills necessary for safe and dramatically effective techniques of staged combat.

Credits: 1

A course in the foundation skills necessary for safe and dramatically effective techniques of staged combat.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT2410

Continued study of lighting design principles, with emphasis on drafting and design of full-scale, concept-based light plots for the theatre.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT3400

Focuses on the materials and methods used to construct scenic models for the designer. Students learn techniques that allow them to build accurate presentation models and work safely with various materials.

Credits: 1

PREREQ: TDT2200

Students learn and practice materials and methods used to construct scenic models for the designer. Students will learn techniques that allow them to build accurate presentation models and work safely with various materials. These will be a continuation and expansion of the techniques and practices learned in TDT 3490.

Credits: 1

PREREQ: TDT2210

Students explore the practice of current techniques employed by sound reinforcement system techniques for live theatrical productions. Emphasis will be on digital audio system, digital wireless microphones, live musical mixing technique, and show control programming.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT2511

Students explore the advanced study of sound design for the different genres of plays with a special focus on original composition for theatrical production.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT3501

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.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT1080

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.

Credits: 2

Thinking like a stage manager; the psychology of management; critical thinking, collaboration, conflict resolution, problem solving, principled negotiation, and leadership tools. Advanced stage management skills, e.g., calling a show, public speaking, scheduling, theatrical unions and contracts, preparing a Broadway musical, and the ins and outs of working as a professional freelance stage manager.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT2610

Thinking like a stage manager; the psychology of management; critical thinking, collaboration, conflict resolution, problem solving, principled negotiation, and leadership tools. Advanced stage management skills, e.g., calling a show, public speaking, scheduling, theatrical unions and contracts, preparing a Broadway musical, and the ins and outs of working as a professional freelance stage manager.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT3600

Examines the fundamental techniques and information needed for managing commercial and nonprofit theatrical productions. Students gain a working knowledge of union contracts, pricing, human resources, new media, publicity, and the rise of demand pricing, as well as contract negotiation and conflict resolution. The working relationships between the stage manager and producer(s) are also explored.

Credits: 3

This detailed look at the position of a production manager on Broadway takes students from the design process to the load-out of a show and introduces them to the inner workings of a Broadway musical and play.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT1110

An introduction to the theories and practices of computer-aided drafting for theatrical productions, including how to draw and organize DWG files so that a designer can express his or her designs to anyone working in the field. Emphasis is also placed on communication skills to help students become comfortable discussing projects with directors, other designers, and future employers. Includes in-class participation, lectures, practical exercises, and critiques. (This is not a two-semester sequence: TDT 3700, offered in the fall, is the same course as TDT 3710, offered in the spring.)

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT1080

An introduction to the theories and practices of computer-aided drafting for theatrical productions, including how to draw and organize DWG files so that a designer can express his or her designs to anyone working in the field. Emphasis is also placed on communication skills to help students become comfortable discussing projects with directors, other designers, and future employers. Includes in-class participation, lectures, practical exercises, and critiques. (This is not a two-semester sequence: TDT 3700, offered in the fall, is the same course as TDT 3710, offered in the spring.)

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT1080

Focuses on creating the skill sets necessary to adapt students’ existing manual drawing and painting talents to the realm of computer-assisted media.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT2460

A seminar covering a mixture of advanced scenery construction techniques and the set of managerial skills required to be a working professional in the industry. Typically includes field trips to production venues in New York City, including shops, theatres, and studios, together with mock interviews and production/shop scenarios.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT3090

A seminar covering a mixture of advanced scenery construction techniques and the set of managerial skills required to be a working professional in the industry. Typically includes field trips to production venues in New York City, including shops, theatres, and studios, together with mock interviews and production/shop scenarios.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT4080

An intensive studio course in which seniors are assigned to design, technical direct, assist, hold crew head and/or crew positions. The specific course schedule may vary depending on the needs of a given production, so days and times the class will meet will fluctuate.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT3130

An intensive studio course in which seniors are assigned to design, technical direct, assist, hold crew head and/or crew positions. The specific course schedule may vary depending on the needs of a given production, so days and times the class will meet will fluctuate.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT4120

An intensive studio course in which senior stage management, tech, and design students staff conservatory productions on a supervisory level. The specific course schedule may vary depending on the needs of a given production, so days and times the class will meet will fluctuate.

Credits: 6

PREREQ: TDT3130

An intensive studio course in which senior stage management, tech, and design students staff conservatory productions on a supervisory level. The specific course schedule may vary depending on the needs of a given production, so days and times the class will meet will fluctuate.

Credits: 6

PREREQ: TDT4140 Or TDT4120

Fall: Construction techniques for dance costumes using stretch fabrics, including patterning, cutting, sewing, and fitting techniques. Also basic principles and construction of tutus and other classical dance costumes. Spring: Tailoring with an overview of the development of the three-piece suit (style details and construction). Basic techniques used in traditional tailoring and an exploration of theatrical methods of tailoring. Alteration techniques and some pattern making are included.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT3170

Fall: Construction techniques for dance costumes using stretch fabrics, including patterning, cutting, sewing, and fitting techniques. Also basic principles and construction of tutus and other classical dance costumes. Spring: Tailoring with an overview of the development of the three-piece suit (style details and construction). Basic techniques used in traditional tailoring and an exploration of theatrical methods of tailoring. Alteration techniques and some pattern making are included.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT3170

Design projects developed to meet the needs of each student. Furthers the skill sets needed to become a working professional in the many mediums of scenic design.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT3210

Design projects developed to meet the needs of each student. Furthers the skill sets needed to become a working professional in the many mediums of scenic design.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT4200

Advanced design projects developed to meet the needs of each student. Furthers the skill sets needed to become a working professional in the many mediums of costume design.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT3310

Advanced design projects developed to meet the needs of each student. Furthers the skill sets needed to become a working professional in the many mediums of costume design.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT4300

Advanced work in concept-based lighting design, preparing students to enter the professional community. Through class projects, lab exercises, guest lectures, and field trips, students master a wide range of lighting design mediums (e.g., theatre, opera, dance, television, video, corporate theatre, architectural). Students are exposed to automated and advanced lighting equipment, control consoles, channel assignment theory, the business of lighting, and industry leaders.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT3410

Advanced work in concept-based lighting design, preparing students to enter the professional community. Through class projects, lab exercises, guest lectures, and field trips, students master a wide range of lighting design mediums (e.g., theatre, opera, dance, television, video, corporate theatre, architectural). Students are exposed to automated and advanced lighting equipment, control consoles, channel assignment theory, the business of lighting, and industry leaders.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT4400

An analysis of current theatrical practices and the interaction of designer, technician, stage manager, actor, and director. Guest lecturers include leading industry figures who stress the various methods of collaboration.

Credits: 2

Students explore the advanced study of system sound design process and applications for Broadway musicals. This course focuses on the pre-production process.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT3511

An advanced study of system sound design process and applications for Broadway musicals. Part 2 the continuous class of Part 1 and focuses on from the shop prep to the production process.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT4501

Focuses on methods, practices, theory, and organizational structures specific to Broadway and other commercial production environments.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT3610

Focuses on methods, practices, theory, and organizational structures specific to Broadway and other commercial production environments.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: TDT4605

Advanced studies in the art of scenery for film and television. Explores similarities to and differences from the theatrical model involved in the creation of the changing frame with varying camera angles.

Credits: 3

Discussion of the skill sets, techniques, and requirements needed to enter the professional community.

Credits: 1

PREREQ: TDT4120 Or TDT4140