Course Descriptions

PROD 101 Introduction to Production Design
In this course, students are introduced to the fundamentals of production design for stage and screen including the application of costume, scenery, lighting and props and their importance in film, theater, and television productions. Students are introduced to the impact scene, light, costume elements and props have in a complete production or performance.

PROD 110 Drafting for Production Design
This course focuses on drafting for the entertainment designer with the intent of making the student fluent in the language of layout, shape, proportion, contour, mass, detail and the drafting standards set by the United States Institute of Technical Theater.

PROD 130 Scenographic Fundamentals and Applications
Students learn the equipment, techniques, and procedures of technical production for stage and screen. Wood working, metalworking and lighting equipment are experienced and applied.

PROD 150 Introduction to Make-up Design
Make-up design is a subtle, yet essential, part of many artistic undertakings, including fashion, photography, filmmaking, and theatre. After gaining an understanding of the anatomical structures of the head, face, and neck, and the effects of lighting on those structures, students explore make-up products and their applications to create a "natural" face, do corrective make-up, and create a character. Professional standards are emphasized in the application of skills to real situations.

PROD 200 Production Management and Administration
Production Management and Administration is a survey course designed to familiarize students with the organizational procedures of the theatre production process. Major areas of study include stage management and production management, with some reference to video and film production management. Prerequisite: PROD 101.

PROD 210 Script Interpretation
This course develops the students' skills to identify relevant structure, plot and themes in script and text work. In addition, students learn the basic themes, structure and concepts that influence production design, performance and other facets of production for stage and screen. Research, critical thinking and analysis of script and text to develop design concepts for production design. The course also develops students' skills to understand the structure, history and overall themes of published/produced work in screen and stage. Prerequisite: ENGL 123.

PROD 212 History of Costume and D??cor
With a sound historical base, lifestyles and societal influences are examined to understand the look of each period. Emphasis is on a chronological examination and is the goal of this class. The sociological and aesthetic aspects influencing the architecture, furnishings and textiles of the period as well as the subtle use of color indicative to specific periods are addressed. Geographical needs that contribute to style and design also are considered. The goal is that students learn the definitive need for conclusive and rigorous research. Prerequisite: PROD 101.

PROD 220 Lighting Design for Stage and Screen I
This course examines lighting design, from the germination of the idea to the final product. Through class discussion and critiques, students' lighting concepts are developed and refined. Prerequisite: PROD 101.

PROD 221 Scenic Design for Stage and Screen I
In this course, students focus on the development of scenic design ideas and their application in theater, film and television. By developing, articulating, and defending design concepts, students demonstrate successful scenic design projects for theater, film and television. Prerequisite: PROD 101.

PROD 230 Introduction to Costume Design
This studio course explores the exciting and creative world of costuming for stage and screen. Assignments enable students to develop skills in areas such as rendering, swatching, play analysis, fabric modification, masks, hats, draping, accessorizing and productions. Additional practicum time is required and assigned by the professor. Prerequisite: PROD 210.

PROD 270 CAD for Production Design
This course focuses on hand drafting for the entertainment designer with the intent of making the student fluent in the language of layout, shape, proportion, contour, mass, detail and the drafting standards established by USITT. Prerequisites: PROD 110, PROD 221.

PROD 300 Rendering for Entertainment Design
Through study of various techniques and medium, design students produce drawings of scenery, costumes, and lighting essential to the production process. By researching influential designers of the 20th century, the student finds a means to communicate with fellow designers as well as evaluate a successful rendering. Prerequisites: PROD 101, PROD 220, PROD 221.

PROD 320 Lighting Design for Stage and Screen II
Through the development of actualized lighting projects, students in this course work examine the process of lighting design projects from the germination of the idea to the final product. Students design lighting for events taking place in theaters, film projects, alternative spaces, as well as for media-based applications. Through class discussion and critiques, lighting concepts are challenged and developed. The final project is a completely documented lighting design including photographs for portfolio. Students in this course complete a lab component that focuses on practical applications. Prerequisite: PROD 220.

PROD 321 Scenic Design for Stage and Screen II
Using a broad range of drawing, ideation and presentation skills, students master the theoretical understanding and studio skills used in the professional arena of performance events, including stage productions, performance art pieces, installation projects, industrial-, film-, and television-specific applications. Students actualize scenic projects and build portfolio level work. Prerequisite: PROD 221.

PROD 330 History of Costume in Film
In this course, students focus on the history and development of costume design and its application in theater, film and television. They also develop design concepts and articulate, defend and demonstrate successful costume and wardrobe projects for theater, film and television. Prerequisite: PROD 230.

PROD 380 Costume Rendering for Construction
This course explores the important connection between rendering and costume construction. Students are encouraged to experiment with various mediums and to develop skills in drawing. Sewing techniques specific to costume building are illustrated by practical application, experienced through opportunities to build for current productions. Prerequisite: PROD 330.

PROD 420 Advanced Costume Design
This studio course extends students' technical and informational base in the history and execution of costume and prop design. Students engage in technical rendering, pattern drafting, the creation of full-color costume plates with swatch sections, and the production of one specialized prop item and period garment. Additional practicum time is required and assigned by the professor. Prerequisite: PROD 330.

PROD 490 Production Design Portfolio
This course guides students through the design and execution of their final portfolio and features an emphasis on research and analysis of aesthetic and conceptual decisions. The end product is representative of the designer's abilities and aesthetic sensibilities, and as such may serve as an introduction to potential employers. Prerequisite: PROD 321 or PROD 420.

PROD 720 Production Design Theory and Practice
This course establishes the theory and development of production design from its development in theater through film and television and finally into contemporary design for exhibition focused outlets including theme parks, performance art and other areas. This course develops the student's aesthetic choices through the research, understanding and criticism of well-known and exemplary design projects in a wide variety of mediums.

PROD 725 Production Design Studio I
Students develop the essential production design elements that form the foundation of future design aesthetics. Through studio projects and design assignments, students begin to create the foundation for future original production designs.

PROD 730 Script Analysis for Production Design
This course requires students to apply the established principles of production design theory by producing design projects based on scripts, screenplays or other source material. Students critique their work and that of others. Prerequisite: ARTH 701.

PROD 735 Concept Development for Production Design
Using the research, critical thinking and analysis skills developed in previous script analysis courses, students synthesize the analysis process to identify and evaluate successful production designs and their relationship and origin in script and text-based material. Prerequisite: MPRA 728 or PROD 730.

PROD 740 Production Design Seminar
This course provides a forum for students to define and develop direction in personal artistic growth and evolution, while receiving guidance and criticism from multiple viewpoints on portfolio work. Prerequisite: MPRA 728 or PROD 730.

PROD 749 Production Design M.A. Final Project
The final M.A. project is the culmination of all work, learning and growth of the student over the course of study. The project demonstrates ability and mastery of the design concepts, theory and artistic development of the M.A. student. Prerequisite: PROD 720.

PROD 755 Production Design Studio II
Students further develop the essential production design elements that form the foundation of their M.F.A. thesis project. Through increasingly demanding studio projects and design assignments students formalize unique artistic concepts and designs. Prerequisite: PROD 725.

PROD 760 Production Design Practicum
The practicum allows the student to braid theory and practice within a faculty supervised departmental production or project. This experiential setting provides the student learning opportunities to apply leadership, artistic and problem solving skills in a collaborative setting. The student acts as a production designer or in another role within a predetermined production or project. The practicum requires both a designated meeting schedule as well as work assignments as needed by the production or project. Prerequisite: PROD 755.

PROD 765 Production Design Studio III
Working collaboratively with all members of a designated production team, students in this course produce a coherent and professional production design from concept to design to final build-out. Prerequisite: PROD 755.

PROD 770 Professional Development in Production Design
This course provides students the necessary knowledge, tools and portfolio required for careers in the field of production design. Students evaluate current and future trends of the industry. Emphasis is placed on the essentials of portfolio work and presentation, as well as the development of a business/career plan. Professional contacts are researched and developed. Prerequisite: PROD 755.

PROD 790 Production Design M.F.A. Thesis
The production design thesis is the culmination of the sum total of all work, learning and growth by the student over the course of study. The thesis consists of both a visual and written component.