DramaTech offers a number classes through the School of Literature, Media, and Communication. These courses count for one hour of free elective credit and will not help to satisfy your humanities requirement. They do not need to be taken in order. Also, all classes list ENGL 1101 or ENGL 1102 as a prerequisite; however, this requirement can generally be waived. E-mail the Artistic Director if you have any questions, comments or concerns.
It is not necessary to sign up for a DramaTech class to get involved. For information on getting involved with the theatre, take a look at the getting involved section of the site. However, if you would like to get more out of involvement than pride in a job well done, pick a class that sounds interesting, register, and dive right in.
LMC 2661 – Theatre Production 1 – 1 credit hour
This class teaches students about set construction techniques. Generally meeting on Saturdays from 1pm to 5pm, students will build and paint scenery, hang curtains and other set related soft goods, set up risers and seating, and generally prepare the physical space. All students will be required to wear appropriate attire (in particular, no open toed shoes) for working with power tools and construction materials.
LMC 2662 – Theatre Production 2 – 1 credit hour
In this class, students will learn what goes into lighting, costuming, or providing props for a theatrical production through practical experience. Students will be expected to select one of the three areas to focus on throughout the semester, although those who wish to work on all three are more than welcome.
Lights
Those who choose to work on lights should be comfortable working at modest heights (about 20 feet). Lighting workshops will focus on teaching students how to hang, focus, and perform limited maintenance on theatrical lighting instruments. Students will also learn what sort of fixtures exist, what each of them is used for, and what the various properties of these instruments are. In some semesters, one or more design workshops may be offered teaching students about the fundamentals of light design. Light parties are usually Sundays from 1pm to 5pm.
Costumes
Students working on costumes will help the costume designer and costume master get ready for the upcoming show. This involves building costumes by hand, shopping for pieces, or selecting pieces for rental. Duties sometimes include being available on some show nights to help with costume issues.
Props
Students working on props will assist in covering the full range of props related activities. These include determining the needs of a particular show, providing rehearsal props, searching for exactly the right Turkish coffee pot, and even manufacturing props when what you’re looking for just doesn’t seem to exist. Although not a requirement, having some form of transportation off campus helps significantly in the search for props. Props work generally does not depend on unlimited access to the theater space and therefore happens whenever is convenient for those involved.
LMC 3661 – Theatre Production 3 – 1 credit hour
Students help with the design and implementation of the marketing campaigns for all shows in the semester. This includes designing posters and programs as well as getting those materials out around campus. Students in this class also work box office on nights the shows are running. Publicity schedules are flexible; box office schedules are of course tied directly to performance schedules.
LMC 3662 – Theatre Production 4 – 1 credit hour
This course provides students an opportunity to learn the basics of acting and to potentially perform onstage in a production at DramaTech Theatre.
LMC 4602 – Production Practicum – Introduction to Acting in Musical Theatre – 3 credit hours
This 3 credit hour class provides an in-depth look at acting, directing and technical theatre. The subject matter changes each semester. The upcoming semester’s offering is Directing.
LMC2813 – Special Topics in Performance
This 3 credit hour class focuses on the design and implementation of a piece of technology that enhances a theatrical performance. Split between theory and practice, the students work together to have a functioning piece by the end of the semester. To register, please email the Artistic Director to request a permit.