Theater Technologies Certificate

The Certificate of Achievement in Theatrical Technologies provides students with vocational training in various areas of entertainment and theatre arts such as Stagecraft, Rigging, Carpentry, Props, Audio and Video tech, and Lighting tech.  Through project-based learning on department productions and campus events, students develop practical experience and professional dispositions to succeed in a wide range of careers in the entertainment industry. 

Program Learning Outcomes:

Students will:

·        Recognize standard terminology associated with fundamental stagecraft practices.

·        Demonstrate analytical and comprehension skills in the reading and execution of scenic, or props, or lighting, or audio/visual design plans.

·        Apply theatre history knowledge and research practices when executing the production concept in the collaborative production process.

·        Assess appropriate materials and equipment to meet production and/or construction needs.

·        Employ standard stagecraft practices during the production process when working backstage.

·        Apply standard safety practices when working within the entertainment and theatre arts industries. 

This program will likely produce approximately 10 students per year completing with a Certificate of Achievement. 

This foundational program is designed as nexus for best practices in theatrical technology, equipment, and production experience for emerging entertainment and theatre arts specialists.  Each course provides hands-on experience alongside working professionals in the areas of Sets, Lights, Audio and Digital Display, Props, Construction or production practice. Each course develops practical skills and professional dispositions through production-based learning in a wide range of technical theater areas.  Given that we have a newly upgraded lighting system and stage, we are uniquely positioned to offer advanced training in lighting design using LED technology.  We recently completed phase one of a two-phase sound/AV upgrade in the James Dunn Theater which will modernize our system to digital sound and include the installation of a High Definition projector. We also have a fully operational scene shop responsible for the construction of theatrical scenery and are slated for a student light lab classroom.  All of these resources combined add up to a well-rounded, hands-on educational experience and a strong foundation in technical theater.

Certificate Required Units: 22

DRAM 110-Introduction to Theatre (3.0 units)

DRAM 150- Introduction to Stagecraft (3.0 units)

DRAM165-Stage Carpentry, Rigging, and Safety (3.0 units)

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Choose 6.0 Units from the following:

DRAM 252B- Seminar and Fieldwork(3.0 units)

DRAM 151-Set Construction and Design (3.0 units)

DRAM  153- Lighting Equipment and Design (3.0 units)

DRAM154-Audio/ Visual Equipment and Design (3.0 units)

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Choose 3.0 Units from the following

DRAM 161A-Production Preparation-Set (0.5 units)

DRAM 161B-Production Preparation-Properties (0.5 units)

DRAM 163A-Production Preparation-Lighting (0.5 units)

DRAM 163B-Production Preparation Audio and Video (0.5 units)

DRAM 164-Production Crew (1.0 units)

DRAM168-Theatre production Management (2.0 units)

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Choose 4.0 Units from the following

ART 112-2D Art Fundamentals (4.0 units)

ART 113-3D Art Fundamentals (4.0 units)

ART 130-Drawing and Composition(4.0 units)

MACH 130-Welding I- (2.0 units)

MACH 131-Welding II-(2.0 units)

The Certificate in Theatrical Technologies is a foundational certificate and as such it requires all students to take Introductory classes in Theatre, Stagecraft, and Carpentry/safety.  Once students develop the knowledge and comprehension of basic theatre practices and vocabulary, they then proceed to specialty areas in design and application.  Along with the Introductory classes, students may also take the Production Preparation courses in which they receive group and individual instruction in the development of hands-on skills.  Following the Introductory and Production Prep classes, students advance to a specialty area of Design and Implementation in which they learn to develop and interpret set, light, and/or audio plans/plots.  Additional courses in Art and/or Machine Technologies enhance the drawing and/or welding skills needed in many technical positions.

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
DRAM 110	Introduction to Theatre	3.0	S1
DRAM 150	Introduction to Stagecraft	3.0	S1
DRAM 165	Stage Carpentry, Rigging, and Safety	3.0	S1
DRAM 165 or MACH 130	Production Crew or Welding 1	1.0 or 2.0	S1
DRAM 161A	Production Preparation - Set	0.5	S1
ART 112 or ART 113 or ART 130 OR MACH 131	ART 112-2D Art Fundamentals (4.0 units) or ART 113-3D Art Fundamentals (4.0 units) or ART 130-Drawing and Composition (4.0 units) OR Welding II	4.0 2.0	S2
DRAM 161B	Production Prparation - Properties	0.5	S2
DRAM 252B	Seminar and Fieldwork	3.0	S2
DRAM 151 or 153 or 154	Set Construction and Design or Lighting Equipment and Design or Audio/ Visual Equipment and Design	3.0	S2
DRAM 163A	Production Preparation - Lighting	0.5	S2
DRAM 163B or DRAM 168	Production Preparation - Audio/Video or Theatre Production Management	0.5 or 2.0	S2

Students are encouraged to repeat the Production Preparation courses as often as they like for with each iteration they may learn a new skill or technique. Students are also encouraged to pursue supplemental education and/or certification in a variety of technology systems and processes if they plan to enter the field as technical directors, designers, programmers, or engineers.

We share the program information with Napa Valley Community College, Solano Community College and Santa Rosa Junior College. * Napa Valley does not offer a Theater Technician or any theater-based certificate of achievement. We contacted Dianna Chiabotti. We haven't heard of any concerns. * Jerry Miller at Santa Rosa Junior College responded positively. * Maire Morine at Solano Community College hasn't responded with concerns.