Beginning Theatre Management is a foundation course in the principles, practices, and applications of arts administration and stage management in both educational and professional theatre. The first part of the course will cover an introduction to arts administration, as we examine the structure of the theatre and other performing arts organizations from management structure through cultural policy. In the next unit, we will study the practical application of the practices of the Stage Manager as they pertain to the theatrical production process. Emphasis is placed on the duties, responsibilities and procedures from pre-production to post production and the role of the stage manager as the hub of communication for a production. The final unit explores the business needs of the performing arts organization through specific discussion of the various areas of arts management, operations techniques, such as resource management, box office and front-of-house procedures, accounting practices, and marketing and publicity.

At the conclusion of the this semester, the successful student should be able to demonstrate the following:

1. Identify and define the duties and responsibilities of theater administrative and production personnel.
2. Identify the various responsibilities of theatrical stage managers.
3. Develop and maintain production calendars, cast lists, rehearsal schedules, company rules, production plots and production budgets
4. Develop and assemble a prompt book relevant to a theatrical production.
5. Formulate a method of delivery of daily production and performance notes.
6. Create a plan for conducting and calling technical rehearsals and performances.
7. Investigate methods for maintaining the technical aspects of a production and maintaining actors.
8. Describe the basic theatre practices of budgeting, marketing and Publicity.
9. Identify the various responsibilities of the house manager and house staff.
10. Apply the language and techniques used on theater administration and stage management.

What you will need for this class:

This course is open to all students. This course satisfies the required Technical Theater credit class. Students will complete the following requirements:

1. Portfolio/Resource Binder: Collection of resource materials in a resource binder, organized in a binder in such a way as to be easily accessible for reference. Collection of all worksheets, quizzes, drawings and sketches in this resource binder. An additional binder will be needed to create a production prompt book. These binders may become a part of the student’s portfolio for entrance into college.

2. Front of House Crew hours: Students are required to work on a House Crew at least 15 hours for this class. Students will perform a variety of assignments designed to explore some of the course’s main themes in more detail and how they relate to school productions. Individual participation grades will be based on the quality of work, commitment to the project, and completion of the project. Performances will be during evening hours at school. Students will be asked to wear all black dress clothes. Students may earn thespian credits for each hour.

3. Reaction Papers: Student must see a live theatrical performance in the theater community each six weeks and write a reaction paper focusing on the management, operations, or marketing aspects for the production. Classroom presentations may be given for professional productions. Reaction papers should not be on school productions. Students who are unable to afford tickets should consult with the teacher for other options—students may be able to volunteer as an usher at many theaters and see the show for free or attend Pay-What-You-Can performances. Parents and family are encouraged to attend performances with the student. --- Papers must be one-page TYPED, Ariel 12 point font, single-spaced. Student must provide either a ticket stub or a program from the performance.

The final grade will be computed on the following DISD grading formula:

• Daily Classroom Participation Grades (Class Work) - 40%
• Classroom Projects, Worksheets & Assignments Grades (Projects/Products) - 20%
• Classroom Quizzes and Tests Grades - 25%
• Six Weeks Portfolio/Binder Grade and/or Test - 15%