Garfield High School – Technical Theatre Beginning

Mar 2026 · 2nd Semester

This production-oriented course provides a foundation to stagecraft skills and safety procedures preparing students for industry and college study of technical theatre. Students receive an introduction to scenic design and construction, lighting, sound, properties, costumes, make-up, special effects, theatre management, stage management, and theatre terminology. Students actively participate on a crew to mount a production. Throughout the course students engage in problem solving and collaboration. Students research costuming, properties and set pieces in support of historical accuracy or vision of the production. Instructor will guide students in the use of power and hand tools in constructing set pieces, applying special effects, and using a variety of sound and lighting equipment. Costume construction and basic makeup application may be explored. Students shadow the advanced production crews for stage management and/or theatre management including but not limited to: box office, concession, publicity, ushering, and backstage coordination. Behind-the-scenes show experience will be acquired through the school’s production schedule. As a preparatory Career and Technical Education (CTE) equivalent course, students demonstrate leadership and employability skills. Students have expanded opportunities to make direct connections to careers as working artists. Course content may include: portfolio development, guest speakers from arts industries, and development of professional responsibility skills such as time management, reliability and punctuality, ability to multi-task and present oneself professionally.