Theatre and Entertainment Technology (A.S.)

In an age of computerized and corporate-driven entertainment, theater is more important than ever—and so is learning the basics of theatrical production. This three-part series offers an excellent primer in the history of drama as well as in-depth guidance on the industry’s technical side. From ancient Greek masks and amphitheaters to 21st-century know-how in casting, rehearsal, costumes, sets, and lighting, each video will go the distance in supporting, instructing, and inspiring a new generation of theater professionals.

(Segment) The technical aspects of theater allow non-actors to participate in theater. Edwin Meyer of Stage Lighting Rental Service works with the students. Alumni come back and help with the productions.

It can take more than 100 specialists working 8,000 hours to create the set for a single stage production. How is it done? In this extraordinary program, the dynamic process of set design for RSC productions of Much Ado About Nothing, The Tempest, and Measure for Measure is described by the people who make it all happen. From creating a full-size tree for Benedick to climb that can be removed quickly between acts to fabricating a giant conch shell for Caliban to inhabit, no creative or engineering challenge is beyond the abilities of this talented team of prop makers and set builders.

When a play is performed, all eyes are on the actors—which means the costume department can make or break a production. This program introduces skills and responsibilities essential to theatrical costume design, technology, and management.

This program captures the unique creative process of one of North America’s longest running, most distinctive and exciting theater experiences. Each year between April and October, the Shaw Festival—which began in 1962 with the mandate on works by George Bernard Shaw—presents around 10 plays on four stages. Located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada—the Shaw’s one-of-a-kind schedule has actors and directors working on several plays at once. Over eight months, crews design and build sets on a finely honed schedule that is both frenetic, creative, and amazingly well planned and executed. Follow the process of getting the play from the page to the stage as the film provides insight into every aspect of production at a summer theater festival.