Set Construction

Curriculum Guideline

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Course
STGE 2306
Discontinued
No
Course Code
STGE 2306
Descriptive
Set Construction
Department
Stagecraft & Event Technology
Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Credits
2.00
Start Date
End Term
Not Specified
PLAR
Yes
Semester Length
15 weeks
Max Class Size
25
Contact Hours
48 hrs. per semester
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Lab
Learning Activities

Students will receive 1 to 1 ½ hours of lecture/demonstration followed by 2 ½ to 3 hours of shop per week, including independent work and one-on-one instruction.

Course Description
This is an advanced course in scenic construction techniques and procedures. Students will be encouraged to formulate inventive and creative solutions to basic engineering and structural design problems. Students will continue the study of tools, materials and equipment common to the scene shop and stage, including rigging and electrics. Safe working procedures in both the construction and set up phase will be emphasized. Please note: The scene shop is a construction area. Safety footwear, eye and ear protection are mandatory.
Course Content

Drafting:

  • working drawings
  • design

Rigging:

  • forces on rigging
  • load calculations
  • natural, synthetic and wire rope
  • knots
  • flying techniques, block and fall, counter-weight system

Metal work:

  • materials, pipe, channel
  • welding basics, gas and electric

Structural design:

  • 2D and 3D scenery
  • deck design, load calculations and construction
  • staircases, trusses and beams, turntables and wagons
Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the successful student should be able to:

  1. Learn and demonstrate safe working procedures when using equipment, tools and materials common to scene construction.
  2. Learn the use of a variety of construction materials and demonstrate the theatrical construction techniques by which they are used.
  3. Develop creative problem solving skills through use of advanced construction techniques materials.
Means of Assessment
Drafting and problem solving in deck design 25%
Problem solving in rigging 20%
Final project that combines the elements of instruction 25%
Written exam 30%
TOTAL  100%
Textbook Materials

A list of recommended textbooks and materials is provided on the Instructor’s Course Outline, which is available to students at the beginning of each semester.

Example:

  • Gillette, Michael. Theatrical Design and Production. Toronto: Mayfield Publishing (current edition)
  • Carter, Paul. Backstage Handbook. Shelter Island: Broadway Press (current edition)
  • CSA Grade 1 Green Triangle Safety Footwear.
Prerequisites

Enrolment in SET program or permission of instructor