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Drama 213 is a practicum credit in lighting or sound given for work within the Drama production program. It is a required co-requisite for Drama 211 or Drama 411 or may be taken independently by anyone.

Drama 213 is an excellent hands-on way of learning about theatrical lighting, equipment, and the production process. It is also a great way to get involved with the Department of Drama mainstage production season. Interested student may go on to take other courses in lighting such as Drama 411 Lighting Design or Drama 211 Lighting Technology (if not taken concurrently with Drama 213). Students who have or acquire skills in the lighting area are also invited to apply for one of the paid undergraduate shop assistant positions.

No previous experience is required to register for Drama 213.

Activities/Requirements:

Production positions and schedules vary semester to semester depending on the needs of the mainstage production season. There are two primary options for completing the one credit practicum:

• Option 1: Lighting Run Crew
• Requires a commitment to the complete production dress rehearsal and performance schedule. The schedule varies by production but the commitment generally totals two and a half weeks. Rehearsals/performances usually take place between 6:30pm and 11pm.
• Run crew positions are as critical to the show as the actors on stage. It is important that students commit to and are prompt at all calls.
• Activities: Run crew positions include:
• Operate light board
• Operate followspot
• While the total hour commitment is usually more than the afternnon lab sections being part of a run crew is a particularly rewarding experience.
• There are only a limited number of run-crew positions available each semester and they vary with show requirements.
• Grading:
• Students that are prompt at all calls and participate fully in their crew activities will receive a grade of A. Missing a call, or repeated lateness is grounds for immediate dismissal from the crew and a grade of F being assigned.

• Option 2: Participate in afternoon lighting lab sections
• Labs meet weekly for 3 hours (11 weeks of the semester).
• Students elect an additional 7 hours in scheduled extra hang, focus, or strike calls.
• Activities: Students working in lighting afternoon labs may be involved in:
• Hanging and focusing lights for a production
• Doing maintenance on lighting equipment
• Configuring and troubleshooting lighting control systems and automated lighting equipment
• Grading
• Assuming students come to scheduled calls and have a positive learning and working attitude (and work the minimum number of hours) a grade of A is assigned. Grades are reduced 1 grade level for every three hours missed. A grade of F is assigned to students that work less than 30 hours. (See grade sheet for grading details)