PD Course
Tech for Non-Techies: Teaching Technical Theatre in Your Drama Classroom
Created by Josh Hatt
In this course, instructor Joshua Hatt shows you how to unpack your drama standards, articulate what you want your students to know and be able to do. The material explores how to incorporate lights, sound, makeup, staging, and costuming into your drama class at any grade level regardless of your school resources or unit structure. Bells and whistles? Awesome! Barely a classroom? We’ve still got you covered.
This 9 lesson series works from the basics and standards, though lighting, sound, costuming, staging, and makeup design, and culminates with a final project including rubrics, resources, and handouts.
A wise theatre technician once said: “the theatre mirrors life but technical theatre teachers us how to live.” Try to keep that statement in mind as you work through this course and see if we can make you a believer in all things technical theatre.
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0Lesson 0Introduction12:07 FREE PREVIEWLesson 0 introduces the instructor and lays out the outline for the series of lessons.
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1Lesson 1Getting Down to Basics12:07 FREE PREVIEWBe introduced to how tech theatre can transform your drama program and student buy-in. Technical theatre can cover mood, audience awareness, use of color, appreciation of the bigger picture, working as an ensemble.
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2Lesson 2Unpacking the Drama Standard13:53 LockedLesson 2 will walk you through unpacking your drama standard through the lens of technical theatre and allow you to articulate exactly what it is you want your students to know, how you’re going to get them there, and what you need to do in order to be successful.
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3Lesson 3Light the Lights!21:50 LockedWhether you have the bells or whistles or absolutely nothing and a tiny budget, you will leave this lesson with resources to use tomorrow and inspiration of how to train your students to be problem solvers while considering how lights can affect mood, tension, and set the tone for a professional theatrical experience.
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4Lesson 4What's That Sound?27:40 LockedThis lesson will explore how music can affect scene work and how it can contribute to an effective scene while paying particular attention to the overall audience experience.
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5Lesson 5To Costume or Not to Costume25:24 LockedThis lesson will take students through the design process of planning, executing, and evaluating the effectiveness of work created in costuming.
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6Lesson 6Set the Stage24:07 LockedThis lesson will cover how to teach students to plan, design, plot, and execute a staging plan.
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7Lesson 7Free Play Makeup Design39:45 LockedThis lesson will teach you do how to get students to plan, design, plot, and execute a makeup design plan.
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8Lesson 8Putting it All Together20:12 LockedThis lesson will walk you through the PBL design process and contains rubrics, resources, and handouts for a final project.
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9Lesson 9Recap6:50 LockedThis final lesson aims to answer any remaining questions on how to best approach technical theatre and make it fit your educational context.
Standards Addressed
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Proficient
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Accomplished
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 6
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 7
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Accomplished
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Accomplished
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Advanced
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Proficient
6.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
7.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
8.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
Prof.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
Acc.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
6.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
7.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Acc.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Acc.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Adv.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Prof.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Sixth Grade
Seventh Grade
Eighth Grade
High School - Fundamental Pathway
High School - Advanced Pathway
- DT.H2.1.1.b Students Can: Understand and apply technology to design solutions for a drama/theatre work.
- DT.H2.1.2.b Students Can: Cooperate as a creative team to make interpretive choices for a drama/theatre work.
- DT.H2.1.3.a Students Can: Choose and interpret a drama/theatre work to connect and question beliefs.
- DT.H2.2.2.b Students Can: Apply technical elements and research to create a design that communicates the concept of a drama/theatre production.
High School - Professional Pathway
- DT.H3.1.2.b Students Can: Collaborate as a creative team to discover artistic solutions and make interpretive choices in a devised or scripted drama/theatre work.
- DT.H3.2.2.b Students Can: Explain and justify the selection of technical elements used to build a design that communicates the concept of a drama/theatre production.
Speaking and Listening
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1 Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.2 Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4 Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Language
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases by using context clues, analyzing meaningful word parts, and consulting general and specialized reference materials, as appropriate.
Reading: Literature
Language
Critical Thinking & Reflection
Innovation, Technology & the Future
- TH.912.F.2.4 Apply the skills necessary to be an effective director, designer, stage manager, and/or technician in the mounting of a theatrical performance.
- TH.912.F.3.3 Exhibit independence, discipline, and commitment to the theatre process when working on assigned projects and productions.
- TH.912.F.3.5 Monitor the tasks involved in the creative and design processes and analyze ways those processes might be applied in the workforce.
Organizational Structure
Skills, Techniques & Processes
- TH.912.S.1.8 Use research to extract clues in dramatic texts to create performances or technical elements, choosing those that are most interesting and that best convey dramatic intent.
- TH.912.S.2.1 Create one or more technical design documents for a theatrical production.
- TH.912.S.2.2 Apply technical knowledge of safety procedures and demonstrate safe operation of theatre equipment, tools, and raw materials.
- TH.912.S.2.9 Research and defend one's own artistic choices as a designer.
- TH.912.S.3.1 Articulate, based on research, the rationale for artistic choices in casting, staging, or technical design for a scene from original or scripted material.
Grade 6 - Performing
Grades 9-12 - ADVANCED DRAMA LEVELS I-IV -Performing
Grades 9-12 - MUSICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Performing
Beginning High School Create
Beginning High School Present
Intermediate High School Create
Intermediate High School Present
Advanced High School Create
Advanced High School Present
Beginning High School Standards - Aesthetics
Intermediate High School Standards - Aesthetics
Advanced High School Standards - Aesthetics
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: production
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: production
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: production
- C.3.A develop and practice technical theatre skills.
- C.3.B apply technical knowledge and skills safely to create or operate theatrical elements such as scenery, properties, lighting, sound, costumes, makeup, current technology, or publicity.
- C.3.C perform a role such as actor, director, designer, technician, or editor in production decision making and collaborate with others in a production role to tell a story through live theatre or media performance.
- C.3.D demonstrate responsibility, artistic discipline, and creative problem solving by concentrating in one or more areas of theatre production such as acting, technical theatre, or theatre management.
HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: production
- C.3.A develop and practice safe and effective stagecraft skills.
- C.3.D perform a role such as actor, director, designer, technician, or editor in production decision making and collaborate with others to tell a story through live theatre or media performance.
- C.3.E develop responsibility, artistic discipline, and creative problem solving by concentrating in one or more areas of theatre production such as acting, technical theatre, or theatre management.
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: production
- C.3.A experiment with technical elements of theatre safely and effectively in improvisation or scripted scenes or plays.
- C.3.D perform a role such as actor, director, designer, technician, or editor in production decision making and collaborate with others to tell a story through live theatre or media performance.
- C.3.E perform the role of actor, director, or technician, demonstrating responsibility, artistic discipline, and creative problem solving.
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: production
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Costume
- 1 demonstrate understanding of the purpose of costume
- 2 recognize the importance of illusion in costume design
- 3 recognize the importance of artistic unity in costume design
- 4 demonstrate knowledge of appropriate safety procedures
- 5 demonstrate understanding of symbolism and psychological implications of colour, texture, line and shape
- 6 demonstrate understanding of the value of the sketch as a tool in creating and communicating ideas in costume design
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Lighting
- 1 demonstrate understanding of the purpose of stage lighting
- 2 recognize the importance of illusion in lighting design
- 3 demonstrate understanding of the important of artistic unity in lighting design
- 4 demonstrate knowledge of appropriate safety procedures
- 5 demonstrate understanding of functions of standard lighting instruments: flood, fresnel, ellipsoidal, follow spotlight, border lights
- 8 demonstrate understanding of symbolism and psychological implications of colour, angle, intensity and timing in creating mood
- 9 demonstrate understanding that gels affect the way colour is perceived in scenery, costume and makeup
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Makeup
- 1 demonstrate understanding of the purpose of makeup
- 2 recognize the importance of illusion in makeup design
- 3 demonstrate understanding of the importance of artistic unity in makeup design
- 7 identify basic makeup supplies: bases, highlights, shadows, liners, powders, cleansers, brushes, sponges, crepe hair, adhesives
- 8 differentiate between abstract, straight and character makeups
- 9 demonstrate understanding of symbolism and psychological implications of colour, texture, line and shape
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - Properties
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - Set
- 1 demonstrate understanding of the purpose of stage scenery
- 11 demonstrate understanding of proper placement of stage scenery: balancing, angling, masking, sight lines, backdrops, scrims
- 2 recognize the importance of illusion in set design
- 3 recognize the importance of artistic unity in set design
- 4 recognize and use theatre terminology related to the proscenium
- 5 demonstrate knowledge of appropriate safety procedures
- 6 recognize different types of stages: proscenium, thrust, arena, flexible
- 7 demonstrate understanding of symbolism and psychological implications of colour, texture, line, mass and form
- 8 recognize different types of scenery: bare stage, curtain set, drop and wing set, box set, unit set, suggestive or selective set, flats, projections, scrims, cyclorama
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - Sound
Junior Orientation
Junior Goal I Objectives
- develop a sense of responsibility and commitment
- develop self-confidence
- develop self-discipline
- develop the ability to initiate, organize and present a project within a given set of guidelines
- develop the ability to interact effectively and constructively in a group process
- develop the willingness to make a decision, act upon it and accept the results
Technical Theatre - Levels I, II, III - Awareness
- 1 recognize the basic terminology associated with the component being studied
- 2 demonstrate understanding of the basic functions of the component being studied.
- 3 show awareness of the importance of research
- 4 show awareness of available resources pertaining to the component being studied; e.g., supplies, libraries and theatre companies
- 5 demonstrate understanding of the various conventions of the components being studied
Technical Theatre - Levels I, II, III - Readiness
- 10 demonstrate understanding of and use appropriate methods and tools for designing the project; e.g., makeup charts, cue sheets, working drawing
- 11 arrange and sequence time, ideas, information, materials and/or personnel for achievement of the project
- 6 demonstrate understanding of the importance of planning and organization
- 7 select a project appropriate to the component being studied
- 8 demonstrate understanding of the use of colour, shape and texture to achieve a desired effect
Technical Theatre - Application
- 12 demonstrate understanding of and apply appropriate regulations, procedures and precautions to ensure safe working conditions
- 13 determine and acquire necessary supplies or substitutes to construct the planned project
- 14 use appropriate tools and skills to assemble or construct the planned project
- 15 use the project
- 16 demonstrate the integration of technical theatre with other disciplines in order to enhance dramatic communication
Senior Goal I Objectives
- demonstrate a sense of inquiry and commitment, individually and to the group
- demonstrate a sense of responsibility and commitment, individually and to the group
- demonstrate the ability to contribute effectively and constructively to the group process
- demonstrate the ability to initiate, organize and present a project within a given set of guidelines
- develop a sense of inquiry and commitment to learning
- extend the ability to concentrate
- increase self-confidence
- increase self-discipline
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Exploring and creating
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Connecting and expanding
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Communicate and document
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Communicate and document
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Communicate and document
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
Grades 9 & 10 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - Connections Beyond the Classroom
Grades 9 & 10 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - The Critical Analysis Process
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Grade 11 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - The Critical Analysis Process
Grade 12 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Theatre Arts II: Dramatic Literature And Theatre History
Theatre Arts III: Intermediate Acting & Playwriting
Theatre Arts III: Intermediate Acting & Playwriting
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