Dan R. K. Ports								drkp@mit.edu

Petition for a Substitution for the HASS Requirement

I am requesting a substitution to allow Structural Design for the Stage to count as a HASS elective. This is a special course offered by the Department of Theater Arts this term only. It is listed under the course number 21M.851, Special Topics in Drama; hence, HASS credit is by petition. It is a 9 unit class, with letter grades.

This subject of this course is the art of designing structures for the theater. Principles of structural engineering are introduced and applied to scenic design and construction. The goal is to first understand what makes theater scenery stand up, then to use this to learn how to design a set that enhances the artistic value of a theatrical production while being safe and structurally sound. Typical styles, materials, and methods of stage construction are discussed. Many examples from past theatrical productions are presented. Some engineering topics such as statics are used, but the focus is on their application to the theater rather than theory. The textbook for the course is Holden and Sammler, Structural Design for the Stage, Focal Press 1999.

The class is taught by Michael Katz (E33-101, 3-0824) of the MIT Theater Arts Department. The five students in the class all have some experience in theater and stagecraft, such as 21M.606, Introduction to Stagecraft. The class is run as a seminar, so attendance and participation in class discussions are essential. Reading assignments from the textbook and homework questions are assigned prior to each class, then discussed in class. Discussions are frequently student-led, and students make oral presentations of designs and analysis. Grading is determined by classwork, participation, and attendance (70%) and homework (30%).