Technical Theatre I and II
Syllabus and Class Information
PowerSchool is the Attendance and Grading program used by Pinecrest High School. Parents are able to monitor their students' grades and attendance by utilizing the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Click here for instructions.
Canvas is the Virtual Classroom Platform used by all of the theatre arts classes. Parents are able to monitor assignments, instructions, and due dates by signing up to observe their students' progress in Canvas. Click here for instructions.
Remind Messaging Group: Parents and students, please join the remind message group for Technical Theatre 20-21 by messaging @PHSTEK2021 to phone number 81010.
Canvas is the Virtual Classroom Platform used by all of the theatre arts classes. Parents are able to monitor assignments, instructions, and due dates by signing up to observe their students' progress in Canvas. Click here for instructions.
Remind Messaging Group: Parents and students, please join the remind message group for Technical Theatre 20-21 by messaging @PHSTEK2021 to phone number 81010.
The technical theatre program is a focused study of the backstage aspects of theatre. Students will study technical theatre, research and design productions, and work backstage in our own theatre creating the sets for our shows.
Needed Materials: Clothing- As we will be working backstage with power tools, ladders, painting, etc., students will be expected to dress to work, or bring clothing to change into. Clothing should be snug enough so it will not interfere with power tools. Long hair must be pulled back. Shoes must be closed toed and closed heeled. NO SANDALS OR CLOGS.
Course Requirements:
1. Attend class regularly. Certain assignments are performance based, and to receive full credit the student must participate in daily rehearsals as well as performance. Over 8 absences results in failing the class (MCS Policy)
2. Electronics: Cell phones, music players/IPods, or other electronics will not be out during instructional time. If I see or hear them, I will take them and turn them into the front office.
3. Food/Drinks: Only water in a clear bottle is allowed inside the auditorium. Food, candy, or other drinks will be thrown away. No Chewing Gum.
4. Restrooms: Students must sign out when they leave, sign in when they return from the restroom, and take the hall pass with them to the restroom. Failing to do so is considered skipping.
5. Tech Hours: Each student is required to work backstage for at least two days of extracurricular production per semester. A production list and a sign up sheet will be available in class. (NOTE: This requirement is currently postponed, as there are no events or productions scheduled. If the guidelines for large gatherings are relaxed, we will revisit this later).
6. Class Shows: Students will also be the design and production crew for the Theatre Arts 1 or Theatre Arts 2 Class Productions. Students will be assigned to these crews early in the semester.
7. Late Work: The majority of assignments are submitted through Canvas. Assignments will be accepted late, with a 10 point deduction per day late, not going below a 50. However, assignments close 2 weeks after they are due, and the grades becomes a zero. Students will need to schedule a one on one meeting with the teacher, and parents may need to be contacted, for assignments to be accepted past two weeks late.
8. Communication: The teacher may communicate with students in the class through email, messaging services (like remind), or text message.
Needed Materials: Clothing- As we will be working backstage with power tools, ladders, painting, etc., students will be expected to dress to work, or bring clothing to change into. Clothing should be snug enough so it will not interfere with power tools. Long hair must be pulled back. Shoes must be closed toed and closed heeled. NO SANDALS OR CLOGS.
Course Requirements:
1. Attend class regularly. Certain assignments are performance based, and to receive full credit the student must participate in daily rehearsals as well as performance. Over 8 absences results in failing the class (MCS Policy)
2. Electronics: Cell phones, music players/IPods, or other electronics will not be out during instructional time. If I see or hear them, I will take them and turn them into the front office.
3. Food/Drinks: Only water in a clear bottle is allowed inside the auditorium. Food, candy, or other drinks will be thrown away. No Chewing Gum.
4. Restrooms: Students must sign out when they leave, sign in when they return from the restroom, and take the hall pass with them to the restroom. Failing to do so is considered skipping.
5. Tech Hours: Each student is required to work backstage for at least two days of extracurricular production per semester. A production list and a sign up sheet will be available in class. (NOTE: This requirement is currently postponed, as there are no events or productions scheduled. If the guidelines for large gatherings are relaxed, we will revisit this later).
6. Class Shows: Students will also be the design and production crew for the Theatre Arts 1 or Theatre Arts 2 Class Productions. Students will be assigned to these crews early in the semester.
7. Late Work: The majority of assignments are submitted through Canvas. Assignments will be accepted late, with a 10 point deduction per day late, not going below a 50. However, assignments close 2 weeks after they are due, and the grades becomes a zero. Students will need to schedule a one on one meeting with the teacher, and parents may need to be contacted, for assignments to be accepted past two weeks late.
8. Communication: The teacher may communicate with students in the class through email, messaging services (like remind), or text message.
Technical Theatre Warnings/Permission
By its very nature, technical theatre has risks involved. While all necessary safety measures and precautions will be taken, some risks cannot be avoided. Therefore, it is required by the theatre program that both student and parent sign this permission form before any work may be done by that student. The following is a list of activities the students may be performing, and equipment they may be using.
Note: Signing that you have read this syllabus will not force students into activities with which they are uncomfortable. For example, if a student has a fear of heights, their grade will not be docked if they choose not to climb ladders or work on the catwalk. Please read the list of activities, and sign to give your student permission.
Catwalk- Students will be hanging and focusing lighting instruments from a catwalk, roughly 30 feet in height.
Grid- Students will at times need to climb to the grid above the stage and load and unload weight from the arbor. This will be roughly 65 feet in height..
Power Tools- Students will be using tools including, but not limited to, power drills, miter saws, circular and jig saws, table saws, pneumatic nail and staple guns, and power sanders. Eye and ear protection, if required by the tools, are available and will be used.
Electrics- Students will be dealing with electrical equipment for the sound and lighting instruments.
Small ladders- are used on stage for working on set pieces as well as lighting equipment. The largest of these is a metal A-Frame that extends to a maximum of 20 feet.
Lifting- Various amounts of lifting are required for this class (stage weights, lighting instruments, lumber, flats, platforms). Students will not be asked to lift above their capability. However, if a student has an injury (bad back, sports/dance injury), these problems should be made known to Mr. Faw as soon as possible.
Note: Signing that you have read this syllabus will not force students into activities with which they are uncomfortable. For example, if a student has a fear of heights, their grade will not be docked if they choose not to climb ladders or work on the catwalk. Please read the list of activities, and sign to give your student permission.
Catwalk- Students will be hanging and focusing lighting instruments from a catwalk, roughly 30 feet in height.
Grid- Students will at times need to climb to the grid above the stage and load and unload weight from the arbor. This will be roughly 65 feet in height..
Power Tools- Students will be using tools including, but not limited to, power drills, miter saws, circular and jig saws, table saws, pneumatic nail and staple guns, and power sanders. Eye and ear protection, if required by the tools, are available and will be used.
Electrics- Students will be dealing with electrical equipment for the sound and lighting instruments.
Small ladders- are used on stage for working on set pieces as well as lighting equipment. The largest of these is a metal A-Frame that extends to a maximum of 20 feet.
Lifting- Various amounts of lifting are required for this class (stage weights, lighting instruments, lumber, flats, platforms). Students will not be asked to lift above their capability. However, if a student has an injury (bad back, sports/dance injury), these problems should be made known to Mr. Faw as soon as possible.
Pinecrest Players Syllabus Addendum
Technical Theatre, 20-21
Please take a deep breath….hold….and exhale slowly. Now do it again.
I know this is stressful for everyone, and this is not how we had hoped to begin the school year. I know that there are probably a lot of questions and worries right now. We are all going to be figuring this out together, and we will be flexible as we learn what a hybrid theatre class looks like.
Online platform: Much of our work will be done online, due Students will be using our website http://PinecrestPlayers.com as well as Canvas for finding instructions for and turning in online assignments. Students will be filling out an information form in class during the first week of school. If students do not have reliable internet access please indicate that on the information form.
Online Office Hours: Wednesdays from 8:45am-3:45pm, Mr. Faw will be available if students need individual help. Please email Mr. Faw with the question, or to set up a time to Google Meet. This is a time to ask questions about assignments, to communicate any difficulties in the class and to get individual help. Do not hesitate to reach out! Mr. Faw may also set up an individual meeting if someone is struggling with the class content or deadlines.
Performances: All large group, in person performances have been cancelled until further notice. We hope to be able to have some smaller, informal performances (socially distanced), or possibly virtual performances rehearsed and recorded online. We will be flexible with the changing guidelines.
Masks and distancing: It is absolutely imperative that masks are worn at all times while working or rehearsing indoors. Projecting while performing is considered a higher risk activity because of the elevated range of aerosol particle emissions. Masks should be well-fitting (no gaps on the sides, nose covered) and, if possible, multi-layer, surgical in style and washable or disposable. Please know that every precaution will be taken to ensure student and teacher safety while in theatre, including distancing and utilizing the outdoors for rehearsal. Students will remain 6 feet apart in the auditorium and all social distancing guidelines will be followed. Students may occasionally rehearse or perform outside, appropriately distanced, and with the opportunity to remove masks.
I know this is stressful for everyone, and this is not how we had hoped to begin the school year. I know that there are probably a lot of questions and worries right now. We are all going to be figuring this out together, and we will be flexible as we learn what a hybrid theatre class looks like.
Online platform: Much of our work will be done online, due Students will be using our website http://PinecrestPlayers.com as well as Canvas for finding instructions for and turning in online assignments. Students will be filling out an information form in class during the first week of school. If students do not have reliable internet access please indicate that on the information form.
Online Office Hours: Wednesdays from 8:45am-3:45pm, Mr. Faw will be available if students need individual help. Please email Mr. Faw with the question, or to set up a time to Google Meet. This is a time to ask questions about assignments, to communicate any difficulties in the class and to get individual help. Do not hesitate to reach out! Mr. Faw may also set up an individual meeting if someone is struggling with the class content or deadlines.
Performances: All large group, in person performances have been cancelled until further notice. We hope to be able to have some smaller, informal performances (socially distanced), or possibly virtual performances rehearsed and recorded online. We will be flexible with the changing guidelines.
Masks and distancing: It is absolutely imperative that masks are worn at all times while working or rehearsing indoors. Projecting while performing is considered a higher risk activity because of the elevated range of aerosol particle emissions. Masks should be well-fitting (no gaps on the sides, nose covered) and, if possible, multi-layer, surgical in style and washable or disposable. Please know that every precaution will be taken to ensure student and teacher safety while in theatre, including distancing and utilizing the outdoors for rehearsal. Students will remain 6 feet apart in the auditorium and all social distancing guidelines will be followed. Students may occasionally rehearse or perform outside, appropriately distanced, and with the opportunity to remove masks.