NCSA CATALOG ENTRY:

An introduction to the mechanics of stage lighting, including instrument maintenance, control boards, color media, basic electricity and shop procedures. In addition, basic stage management and a discussion of a performing arts organizational chart will be discussed.

OBJECTIVES and format:

The class prepares students for the work required during lighting production crew calls.  Through lecture and practicum, students will be taught how to perform on these crews in the NCSA performance spaces and electric’s shop.  In addition, basic principles necessary to understand electricity, lighting design and crew structure will be discussed. The material will be presented in a lecture format and some classes will include “hands-on” work.

TEXTS AND MATERIALS:

·         TEXT:  Backstage Handbook, second or third edition, Paul Carter, Broadway Press.  Louisville, KY.

·         MATERIALS:

·         8” Crescent wrench          

·         3/16” flat blade screwdriver and #2 Phillips screwdriver…or

·         …10 in 1 screwdriver

·         Wire strippers (for 16-10 AWG wire)

·         Sta-Con crimper.

·         It is suggested that students get a small tool bag to carry tools to class and work calls.

NOTE: Students intending to take Stage Electrics (DP 234-236) should consider purchasing wire strippers capable of 22 – 10 AWG wire.

class participation:

All cell phones and pagers must be powered off prior to class! Please be on time for class.  Arriving late is disruptive; lateness will be noted and points deducted from the final grade, ½ - percentage point for every occurrence of lateness.  An unexcused absence will result in 1 – percentage point deducted from the final grade for each occurrence.  Participation in class is essential to the learning process and is taken in consideration when evaluating the “class participation” portion of the final grade.

EVALUATION AND GRADE SCALE:

Exams and quizzes will include practical demonstrations – bring your tools.

Grades are determined based upon the following scale:

In order to achieve a high grade (“A” or “B”) in the class a student will be expected to attend all classes, approach the “hands-on” classes with a good attitude and pass all quizzes and exams.

incomplete grades and late assignments:

Students are expected to complete all work as assigned for the class on time.  If, due to extenuating circumstances, a student is unable to comply with this requirement, he/she may request a make-up time to complete missed practicum, quizzes and/or exams.  Further, if a student attending and participating in class regularly is unable to perform satisfactorily in practicum and/or on quizzes and exams, he/she may request additional assistance from the instructor.  If, despite extra effort, the student is unable to complete the assignments satisfactorily, he/she may request an incomplete or “I.”  An incomplete allows the student one extra term to complete the course satisfactorily or the grade is automatically converted to an “F.”

Student Responsibility for Coursework:

In submitting assignments and projects for courses, students take responsibility for their work as a whole, and imply that, except as properly noted, the ideas, words, material and craftsmanship are their own. In written work, if students cite from a source of information or opinion other than themselves without giving credit, either within the body of their texts or in properly noted references and without using quotation marks where needed, or otherwise fail to acknowledge the borrowings, they have in fact presented the work, words or ideas of others as if they were their own. Failure to abide by those simple principles of responsible scholarship is dishonest, as is receiving or giving aid on tests, examinations or other assigned work presumed to be independent or original. A student whose work is found to be dishonestly accomplished and submitted as his or her own for credit will be removed from the course with a grade of “F.”

NC School of the Arts policy on working with students with disabilities:

In compliance with the NC School of the Arts policy and equal access laws, I am available to discuss appropriate academic accommodations that may be required for students with disabilities. Requests for academic accommodations are to be made during the first three weeks of the trimester, except for unusual circumstances, so arrangements can be made. Students are encouraged to register with the Officer for Student Disabilities to verify their eligibility for appropriate accommodations.

SPRING term class outline