THTR 1561 - Stagecraft
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 43857,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Todd Dicken
Email: twdicken@ysu.edu
Course Description
1561. Stagecraft. The technical elements of play production, with emphasis on stage mechanics, set construction, and scene painting. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | AT-A-GLANCE Academic 2026-2027 Weekly Monthly Appointment Book Planner, Black, 8.5" x 11" | -NA- | |
| Optional | Backstage Handbook: An Illustrated Almanac of Technical Information | Paul Carter |
Your planner will be turned in for grading. Therefore, phone, laptop, or tablet apps are not viable substitutes for this personal academic planner. *It is also required for THTR 3701 Professional Prep, and THTR 3768 Script Analysis for Stage and Screen. One planner will work for all three classes.
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Day | Date | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | 8/24 | Intro to class. Scene Shop & Ford Theater Operations. | |
| Wed | 8/26 | Safety Training in Theaters | |
| Mon | 8/31 | Tool Training in Scene Shop | |
| Wed | 9/2 | Tool Training, cont. | |
| Mon | 9/7 | -University Closed- | |
| Wed | 9/9 | Counterweight System (in Ford Theater) | |
| Mon | 9/14 | Counterweight System, cont. Planner Check #1. | |
| Wed | 9/16 | Measuring an Marking for construction. | |
| Mon | 9/21 | Dimensions of Materials, Platforms, and the Math. | |
| Wed | 9/23 | Test #1. | |
| Mon | 9/28 | Tape measure to the Rescue! | |
| Wed | 9/30 | Scale and Drafting Tools. | |
| Mon | 10/5 | Drafting Tools, Symbols and Conventions. | |
| Wed | 10/7 | Drafting, cont. | |
| Mon | 10/12 | Load-Bearing Construction. | |
| Wed | 10/14 | Stage Hardware. Planner Check #2. | |
| Mon | 10/19 | Building Scenery "Stock Units", Wood Joinery | |
| Wed | 10/21 | Stage Rigging. | |
| Mon | 10/26 | Stage Rigging, cont. | |
| Wed | 10/28 | Test #2. | |
| Mon | 11/2 | Soft Materials. | |
| Wed | 11/4 | Special Effects. | |
| Mon | 11/9 | Special Effects, cont. | |
| Wed | 11/11 | -University Closed- | |
| Mon | 11/16 | Scenic Paints and Techniques | |
| Wed | 11/18 | Paint (in Scene Shop) | |
| Mon | 11/23 | Theatrical Properties | |
| Wed | 11/25 | YSU Open, No Classes. | |
| Mon | 11/30 | Props, cont. | |
| Wed | 12/2 | Doors, Windows, Fireplaces onstage. | |
| Mon | 12/7 | Final Exam: 1:00-3:00PM. |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.