University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

(Revised November 2002 )

Code: UAMPC5-20-1 Title: Scenic Construction - materials and processes Version: 3

Level: 1 UWE credit rating: 20 ECTS credit rating: 10

Module type: Professional Practice

Owning Faculty: Faculty of Creative Arts / Bristol Old Vic Theatre School Field: Stage Management

Faculty Committee Approval: Q & S Committee Date: 7th October 2009

Valid from: Sept 2009 Discontinued from:

Contributes towards: FdA Professional Stage Management, DPS - Professional Stage Management (W47017) and BA Hons - Professional Stage Management (W470).

Pre-requisites: None

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: Any Professional Acting modules.

Learning outcomes:

On satisfactory completion of this module the student will be able to:

    • Knowledge and Understanding

    • Understand the role of the scenic construction department in the overall process of mounting a theatre production.

    • Understand the range of materials and processes commonly used in scenic construction.

    • Understand the particular aspects of Health and Safety relating to scenic construction.

    • Understand the principles of costing scenery and the factors influencing total cost.

    • Intellectual Skills

    • Problem solve – e.g. interpret working drawings.

    • Research the appropriate materials required to construct an object from a design brief.

    • Research suppliers of materials and tools.

    • Subject / Practical Skills

    • Demonstrate basic competence in a range of scenic construction techniques.

    • Demonstrate safe use of hand and power tools necessary for scenic construction.

    • Choose appropriate tools and materials for use in constructing scenery to an appropriate standard from a working drawing.

    • Transferable Skills

    • Present and communicate information clearly and effectively.

    • Prioritise own workload and meet deadlines.

    • Work safely.

Syllabus outline:

The syllabus will include; Health & Safety information and guidelines, detailed explanation and practical demonstration of the workshop and its Rules, safety & protection of skin in the workplace, the risk assessment procedure. A scenic flat - how it is constructed and its named component parts, practical work on flat construction & canvassing a flat. Correct use of hand tools & power tools; introduction & safety procedures for using air tools, half lap joint using hand tools, introduction to cordless drill, joints used in construction. The handling and safe use of ladders. Carpentry and welding projects in appropriate workshops.

Teaching and learning methods:

Classes as described in the syllabus outline and practical work, under direct supervision of the tutor on specific projects and on scenery appropriate for use in performance.

Reading Strategy

Students are encouraged to become familiar with the subject area, and texts specific to the module, through reading lists and reference material provided. Lists are updated annually to maintain currency and relevance. Each department holds texts and reference material, as well as the general access provided to the School’s library and access to the Internet. The specifically vocational nature of training and study, combined with the project based nature of learning on the course, may require that students are guided to reading and research material in the first instance by the module leader.

NB: BOVTS students do not have access to UWE Libraries and UWE OnLine

Indicative sources:

Collins J

The Art Of Scene Painting, (London: Harrap, 1985).

Griffiths T

Stagecraft, (Oxford: Phaidon, 1982).

Thomas T

Create Your Own stage Sets, (London: Black, 1985).

Blurton. J Scenery: Draughting and Construction (A & C Black 2001)

Assessment

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Description

1. Scenic construction skills/Scenic Construction Project

Element weighting 100%

Assessment of basic competencies in scenic construction. Assessment of the students ability to work within a given brief, students choose a piece to be made, produce a design, research the item, select appropriate materials, cost and find materials, produce working drawing, produce finished item which accurately interprets original design and specification.

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is required)

Description

2. Scenic construction skills/Scenic Construction Project

Element weighting 100%

Assessment of basic competencies in scenic construction. Assessment of the students ability to work within a given brief, students choose a piece to be made, produce a design, research the item, select appropriate materials, cost and find materials, produce working drawing, produce finished item which accurately interprets original design and specification.

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes is required.

Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)

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