EA165-4-FY-LO:
Foundation Skills in Construction and Stage Craft
2024/25
East 15 Acting School
East15 (Loughton) Campus
Full Year
Undergraduate: Level 4
Current
Thursday 03 October 2024
Friday 27 June 2025
15
15 April 2021
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
EA198, EA199
BA DKAS Stage and Production Management,
BA W451 Stage Management
The Foundation Skills – Construction & Stagecraft module will enable students to:
1. Understand the roles and responsibilities of the construction department.
2. Use hand and power tools and bench machinery safely.
3. Construct scenery using a range of materials.
4. Apply a range of techniques in the making of scenery. Fit up and secure scenery safely, including flown scenery.
5. Move and assemble scenic units safely.
6. Use appropriate theatre and workshop terminology.
7. Understand how to read and interpret designers plans and drawings.
8. Use further processes, following construction, required to finish scenery.
9. Understand the use of rehearsal notes.
10. React positively to changes communicated throughout the rehearsal process.
11. Interpret ground plans in relation to staging and rigging.
12. Work competently and safely at height.
13. Have an awareness and understanding of Manual Handling.
14. Understand the process for get-ins, fit-ups, strikes and get-outs.
15. Gain an understanding of health & Safety and the importance of risk assessment.
1. Support the development of the stage and production management skills in the areas of scenic construction and stagecraft at introductory level.
2. Introduce students to the roles and responsibilities of the Construction department in the theatre production process.
3. Teach basic practical theory.
4. Introduce students to methods and processes that enable them to:
interpret texts and designs effectively
think analytically
research possible outcomes
communicate ideas, possible solutions, and technical information in relation to Set Construction
5. Teach basic core practical set construction skills for the safe construction and assembly of stage sets.
6. Develop methods of problem solving, negotiation, and personal management.
7. Develop abilities to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a Construction department.
8. Develop stagecraft skills
9. Introduce the students to the importance of Health & Safety and risk assessments.
Understanding of:
1. The roles and responsibilities within the construction department and how construction skills can support the stage manager.
2. Methods used in fitting up and securing scenery safely.
3. Appropriate theatre/industry and workshop terminology.
4. Construction of different types of scenery.
5. How to apply a range of techniques in the making of scenery to a varying degree of complexity.
6. Working to deadlines and schedules.
7. How to interpret designs and plans.
8. Responding to the requirements of an artistic team throughout the production process.
9. Appropriate Health and Safety procedures.
10. How to work in and/or manage a team.
11. How to work independently.
No additional information available.
Small group practical classes, lectures, seminars, presentations, tutorials, independent study, supervised rehearsals, Production projects, a log book to support the learning experience through the module and a reflective evaluation.
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Marsden, R. (2021)
Inside the rehearsal room: process, collaboration and decision-making. First edition. London [England]: Methuen Drama. Available at:
https://www-dramaonlinelibrary-com.uniessexlib.idm.oclc.org/encyclopedia?docid=b-9781350103696.
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Carter, P. and Carter, S.F. (1994) Backstage handbook: an illustrated almanac of technical information. 3rd ed. Shelter Island, New York: Broadway Press.
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Allison, M.E. (2011) A survival guide for stage managers: a practical step-by-step handbook to stage management. Denver, CO: Outskirts Press.
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Pallin, G. (2005)
Stage management: the essential handbook. Rev. ed. London: Nick Hern. Available at:
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/universityofessex-ebooks/detail.action?docID=5101804.
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Dean, P. (2002) Production management: making shows happen. Marlborough: Crowood.
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Wilson, A. (2003) Making stage props. Marlborough: Crowood.
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Mort, S. (2015)
Stage lighting: the technicians’ guide?: an on-the-job reference tool with online video resources. London: Bloomsbury Methuen Drama. Available at:
https://app.kortext.com/Shibboleth.sso/Login?entityID=https://idp0.essex.ac.uk/shibboleth&target=https://app.kortext.com/borrow/99816.
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The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Reflective Evaluation |
15/11/2024 |
20% |
| Practical |
Portfolio & Continuous Assessment |
15/11/2024 |
80% |
Additional coursework information
Assessment is based on the ability to achieve the learning outcomes of the module related to the overall criteria contained in the Year One Assessment Form and Grading Descriptors. Formative assessment and feedback is given throughout the module and Summative assessment is undertaken at the end of the term in which the module is taken and marks issued to students on the Assessment Form together with written tutor comments.
Students must pass both elements of the assessment to pass the module.
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Mr Alexander Purser, email: a.purser@essex.ac.uk.
Alex Purser and staff
abpurs@essex.ac.uk
No
No
No
Ms Emma Ruth Hansford
LAMDA
Lead Practitioner Stage Manager
Available via Moodle
No lecture recording information available for this module.
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