Practicum

The best way to learn about theatre is by doing theatre. To make the most of your time at OSU, you should find every way possible to be involved with our productions. We recommend that you work on productions two times a year. You can receive credit that counts toward your theatre degree when working on a production or in one of our theatre shops or laboratories.

 

Theatre 2000.XX - (1 credit) This credit is set up to accomplish work that needs to be done before the run of the show, for example, scenic construction, light hang and focus, costume construction, publicity (poster distribution). For this course, you sign-up for 40 hours worth of work during the semester - usually 4 hours per week - scheduled at a time that is convenient for you.

 

Theatre 3000.XX - (2 credits) This is for work that happens during the run of the show, for example, set run crew, light board operator, sound board operator, costume run crew, etc. For this course, you are required to attend evening and weekend rehearsals and performances for the entire run of the show (this is a two to four week commitment).

 

Theatre 4000.XX - (3 credits) This is for actors and members of the production team who have high-level responsibilities, for example, stage managers, assistant directors, dramaturgs, assistant scenic, costume, or lighting designers. For some of these positions, students do not have a set schedule (with the exception of the weekly production meetings and tech week), while some positions require regular attendance at rehearsals and performances.

 

 Stage Management

If you want to be in charge of a production and have a direct impact on all aspects of the production, become a stage manager for our shows. The stage manager serves as the central nervous system for a production by running auditions, production meetings, rehearsals, and performances. The stage manager works closely with the director and the design team to make sure that everyone involved (cast, crew, directors, designers) is on the same page. During production meetings, the stage manager records and distributes the minutes, keeps the production team up to date on the rehearsal process, listens for any conflicts, requests props, etc. In rehearsal, the stage manager arranges and posts the call times, records blocking notations, gives lines, maintains the rehearsal schedule, and enforces the company rules. During a performance, the stage manager makes sure everything is good to go, solves problems, calls cues, motivates the cast and crew, and maintains the artistic integrity of the show.