Senior Project Guidelines
Guidelines for Senior Projects Theatre 4908 & 4910
The senior project is an opportunity for students to demonstrate what they have learned during their years as theatre majors as well as to have a focused experience in their field. The project is completed over the course of two semesters. The first semester (Theatre 4908—Senior Project: Research) is the research and project preparation phase and it counts as a General Education Capstone course, and the second semester (Theatre 4910—Senior Project Culmination) is the production phase.
Before beginning the research phase in Theatre 4908, the student should consult with Mandy Rees about their project and proposal. A permanent faculty member (Rees, Eicher, Ressler, Melendez) will be assigned to them as their project advisor.
Students should select projects, in consultation with a faculty advisor, that represent the focus of their work as theatre majors. For instance, if a student has not taken a class in directing, selecting a directing project is unacceptable. Ideally, a student will have had both classes and experiences in the area he/she selects. Someone interested in designing lights will have completed several classes in design and sought experience in this area (working as a master electrician or assistant designer on a main stage show, designing a student project or touring show, etc.)
Projects that are approved are academically sound, manageable in scope, do not require much technical support, have small casts, are within time limits, do not rely on faculty outside of the project advisor, reflect the coursework the student has taken, and can be accomplished within the time period.
Projects that are not approved are overly ambitious, exceed time limits, require larger casts, are in areas the student has no coursework, are of questionable quality, rely on faculty outside of the advisor, have complicated technical needs, or do not appear that they can be successfully accomplished within the time period.
The following are examples of project possibilities. There are many other examples and this is not intended to be a complete list. Please see individual guidelines (below) for each area to assist in the selection process.
Direct a one-act play
Direct a series of scenes centered around a theme
(Performances are to be between 20 and 25 minutes. The full faculty must approve any exceptions)
Perform a one-person show
Perform a selection of scenes and/or monologues centered around a theme
Perform a one-act play
(Performances are to be between 20 and 25 minutes. The full faculty must approve any exceptions)
(scenery, lighting, costumes, sound or props of a significant nature)
Design for the Theatre for Young Audiences touring show
Design a main season show (only students with extensive experience will be approved for this project)
Write a one-act play to be presented in a staged reading
(Readings are to be between 20 and 25 minutes. The full faculty must approve any exceptions)
Write a research paper in the area of Theatre History or Dramatic Literature/Criticism
Complete dramaturgical research for a hypothetical production, or, in certain cases, serve as the dramaturg for a faculty-directed CSUB production.
Stage manage a main season show
A student is welcome to propose a project in an area other than those listed above (Theatre in Education, Theatre for Youth, Theatre for Young Audiences, a project integrating other arts fields, etc.)
Each student must write a proposal outlining the project they wish to undertake. The proposal is due to the Theatre Coordinator before the end of the term prior to the start of the project. This typed, proofread proposal should include the following:
• a clear description of the project
• why this project appeals to you and why you feel it is worthwhile
• what challenges the project presents and what experience and courses you have that prepare you to face them
• when this project would be performed/completed
For performance projects also include:
• technical components requirements (sets, lights, props/furniture, sound, costumes, crew); keep your tech needs limited
• the number of other people to be involved; keep your cast size limited
• the length (performance projects, play readings should be between 20 and 25 minutes)
Once the project is approval, the student and faculty advisor complete an individual study form; this is to enroll the student in Theatre 4908. A student can only enroll in Theatre 4908 and 4910 by completing this form (enrolling by computer through myCSUB is not possible for senior project courses.)
Performance projects needing funding will be given a small budget that students must work within. Students are not allowed to spend their own money on senior projects. The department will also pay any required royalties and arrange for the copying of posters and programs that students provide for their projects. Students must keep projects simple and work within budget demands. For instance, acting and directing projects must not require complicated technical or design support. Working within a prescribed budget is part of the project experience.
The two-semester structure of the senior project is specifically designed to emphasize the process of developing a piece of theatre, whether that project involves performing, designing, writing, directing or researching. The process is as important as the final result. Those artists who are self-disciplined and able to work independently, who are well prepared and who apply energy to every stage of a project are the artists who will have the most success in their chosen profession. Therefore, students will be evaluated on how well they complete each stage of the project as well as on the quality of the final product. Students who do all of their research at the last minute will not pass. Students who work day and night for two weeks before a show opens but have not rehearsed for the first dozen weeks of the semester will not have fulfilled the expectations of the senior project, regardless of the brilliance of their performance.
During both the research phase and the culmination phase, students will arrange to meet weekly with their faculty advisor (a minimum of ten weekly meetings) and they will work together to set deadlines for each phase of research and production. The student is to take the lead in developing a schedule and to assume responsibility for meeting deadlines. The faculty advisor will keep a record of deadlines consistently and adequately met by the student throughout both semesters of the project. A student’s overall grade will suffer due to missed meetings, missed deadlines and/or inadequate preparation.
The student's work from the research phase will be compiled and presented to the faculty advisor by the end of the term. The advisor will retain these materials.
A requirement for all students completing their senior projects is participation in senior interviews. Interviews are held in the fall semester. Regardless of which semester the project is taking place, all seniors working on their projects sign up for an interview in the fall. Please see an explanation of the interview in the “Theatre Department Student Handbook.”
At the start of the production phase, there will be a meeting for all involved seniors, their advisors, the department chair and the technical director to coordinate the presentation of projects, poster/program and printing concerns, and budgeting.
To ensure students stay on track during the production phase, each project will undergo a review by the faculty (the faculty advisor and at least one other faculty member). Students will be informed of the review date at the beginning of their production semester. The faculty may decide to postpone or cancel outright any project not demonstrating adequate and suitable progress during the review.
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The student director, in consultation with his/her faculty advisor, will select a suitable directing project which may include a one-act play, a cutting from a longer play, or a selection of scenes centered around a primary theme. Actual playing time should be 20-25 minutes.
Directing Preparation Phase (Theatre 4908)
The student director must schedule regular meetings with his/her faculty advisor to ensure the project stays on track. The student and faculty advisor will agree upon deadlines for completion of various research phases. All research and analysis should be presented for final grading at the completion of Theatre 4908.
In preparation for the presentation of the piece, the student director must compile the following information which will be presented in a binder at the end of the preparation semester:
• Concept statement
• Request letter and rights-granted letter for the proposed piece as envisioned by student director
• A bibliography of the playwright(s) other significant works
• Applicable biographical information as it pertains to the selected piece(s)
• Critical commentary for the selected piece(s) as well as production reviews and commentary
• Research of relevant topics necessary to understand the play (period or place in which the play is set, issues the characters face, events or ideas mentioned in the play, etc.)
• An analysis of the play being staged (or the play that the scene(s) are coming from). Include an explication of the theme, a breakdown of the play’s structure, and a discussion of the main characters. Also identify other elements relevant to your project such as given circumstances, use of language, moods, tempos, tone, imagery, etc.
• A prompt script for the play, with clearly marked beats
• A ground plan for the piece
• Technical requirements (use of lighting, costumes, set and sound elements). Please remember that technical support is limited. As the director you must decide how best to utilize what is available to you.
• A rehearsal plan
• An essay reflecting on the value of your General Education and Major coursework (Capstone requirement)
• Additional readings, assignments or activities as directed by your faculty advisor
Directing Production Phase (Theatre 4910)
For the second semester of rehearsal and presentation:
• Prepare a rehearsal schedule
• Schedule regular meetings with faculty advisor to ensure that the project stays on track. Your faculty advisor will request to attend selected rehearsals.
• Hold open auditions to cast the project
• Run rehearsals
• Be prepared to present the piece mid-way through the semester (specific date to be announced at the beginning of the semester); the piece will be presented to the theatre faculty. If sufficient preparation isn't demonstrated, the student director will not be allowed to present the project at the end of the quarter.
• Work with faculty designer/technical director regarding the requirements of the presentation; cooperate with other seniors who will be presenting on the same evening
• Acquire all props and set pieces
• Prepare a program
• Stage project on scheduled presentation date for the general public.
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The student actor, in consultation with his/her faculty advisor, will select appropriate material with a playing time of around 20 minutes but no more than 25 minutes. Options include performing a one-person show, two person one-act, or selected scenes from one or more playwrights, linked by a relevant theme and so on. The actor will receive regular guidance from the faculty advisor, but acting projects are not faculty directed. If the senior wants to engage a fellow student to direct, this must be approved by the faculty advisor.
Acting Preparation Phase (Theatre 4908)
The student actor must schedule regular meetings with his/her faculty advisor to ensure the project stays on track. The student and faculty advisor will agree upon deadlines for completion of various research phases. All research and analysis should be presented for final grading at the completion of Theatre 4908.
In preparation for the presentation of the piece the student actor must compile the following information which will be presented in a binder at the end of the preparation quarter.
• Concept statement (as applicable)
• Request letter and rights granted letter for the proposed piece as envisioned by student actor
• A bibliography of the playwright(s) other significant works as well as production reviews, etc.
• Applicable biographical information as it pertains to the selected piece(s)
• A thorough character analysis for all characters to be portrayed
• A rehearsal script for the material, with beats, actions and objectives marked
• A ground plan for the piece
• A description of necessary technical requirements (use of lighting, costumes, set and sound elements). Please remember that technical support is limited. As the actor you must decide how best to utilize what is available to you.
• An analysis of the play being staged (or the play that the scene(s) are coming from). Include an explication of the theme, a breakdown of the play’s structure, and a discussion of the main characters. Also identify other elements relevant to your project such as given circumstances, use of language, moods, tempos, tone, imagery etc.
• An essay reflecting on the value of your General Education and Major coursework (Capstone requirement)
• Additional readings, assignments or activities as directed by faculty advisor.
Acting Production Phase (Theatre 4910)
For the second semester of rehearsal and presentation:
• Prepare a rehearsal schedule and hold rehearsals
• Schedule regular meetings with faculty advisor to ensure that the project stays on track. The faculty advisor will request to attend selected rehearsals.
• Be prepared to present piece mid-way through the semester for the theatre faculty (specific date to be announced at the beginning of the semester); if sufficient preparation isn't demonstrated, the student actor will not be allowed to present the project at the end of the semester.
• Prepare a program
• Stage project on scheduled presentation date for the general public.
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The student designer, in consultation with his/her faculty advisor, will select a suitable design project which may include designing costumes, lighting, scenery, sound or props for the children’s production, another senior’s acting or directing project, or possibly for a main stage production. Student designers will work closely with faculty advisor to determine an appropriate design project.
Design Preparation Phase (Theatre 4908)
The student designer must schedule regular meetings with his/her faculty advisor to ensure the project stays on track. The student and faculty advisor will agree upon deadlines for completion of various research phases. All research and analysis should be presented for final grading at the completion of Theatre 4908.
In preparation for the realization of the chosen design, the student designer must compile the following information which will be presented in a binder at the end of the preparation semester.
• An analysis of the play being staged. Include an explication of the theme, a breakdown of the play’s structure, and a discussion of the main characters. Also identify other elements relevant to your project such as given circumstances, use of language, moods, tempos, tone, imagery etc.
• A brief overview of the production history of the piece
• If applicable, the director’s or producer’s concept statement
• A clear and concise written statement of the designer’s concept
• A written description of specific techniques the designer intends to employ to make the final project reflect the ideas in the concept statement
• Appropriate pre-production graphic presentations, schedules and paperwork as described below
• Research materials including artwork or photographs
• An essay reflecting on the value of your General Education and Major coursework (Capstone requirement)
• Additional readings, assignments or activities as directed by your faculty advisor. See below breakdown for each discipline.
Scene Design
• Thumbnail sketches
• Preliminary ground plan sketches
Lighting Design
• Color rendering of at least two moments from the production
• Gel samples
Costume Design
• Color renderings of each major costume (at least 11 inches high)
Properties Design
• Thumbnail sketches of all built props
• Prop list
Design Production Phase (Theatre 4910)
For the second semester of rehearsal and presentation:
• Prepare a work schedule
• Schedule regular meetings with faculty advisor to ensure that the project stays on track.
• Complete project on scheduled due date
Scene Design
• Ground plan
• Section
• Drop point perspective
• Color rendering
• Working plates
• Shift schedule
Lighting Design
• Light plot
• Hanging plot
• Instrument schedule
• Dimmer schedule
• Magic sheet
• Color list
Costume Design
• Swatches of fabric to be used
• Costume Plot
• Quick change schedule (if applicable)
• At least one hand drawn or draped pattern
Properties Design
• Working drawings of all built props
•Shift schedule (broken down by scenes)
• Budget itemization.
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The student playwright, in consultation with his/her faculty advisor, will write an original play and present the play in staged reading form for an audience. The project’s scope will be determined by the playwright and faculty advisor, and may be a long one-act or a number of short plays organized around a unifying theme or concept. The playwright will organize a reading of his/her work that will be no longer than 25 minutes, regardless of the final play’s length.
Playwriting Preparation Phase (Theatre 4908)
The student playwright must schedule regular meetings with his/her faculty advisor to ensure the project stays on track. The student and faculty advisor will agree upon deadlines for completion of various research phases. All research and analysis should be presented for final grading at the completion of Theatre 4908.
In preparation for the playwriting project, the student playwright must compile the following to be presented in a binder at the end of the semester:
• An analysis of a play with similar theme, structure or style, or a comparison of several plays. Include an explication of the theme, a breakdown of the play’s structure, and a discussion of the main characters. Also identify other elements relevant to your project such as given circumstances, use of language and dialogue, moods, tempos, tone, imagery etc.
• Research as designated by faculty advisor
• Preparatory writing exercises (including an outline of the entire project, character sketches, and initial drafts of some scenes)
• An essay reflecting on the value of your General Education and Major coursework (Capstone requirement)
• Complete outside readings as assigned by faculty advisor
Playwriting Production Phase (Theatre 4910)
The production phase of the playwriting production will include:
• Writing the script.
• Developmental readings of the script with actors
• Final polishing and revision of the script
• Regular meetings with faculty advisor to ensure that the project stays on track. Faculty advisor will request to attend selected rehearsals.
• Rehearsal of the script in collaboration with actors
• Staged reading performance of script, no more than 25 minutes in length
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The scholarly research project consists of the development of an original thesis and research plan, in-depth scholarly research and the writing, revision and presentation of a final academic paper of at least 20 pages. The topic of the paper, developed in consultation with the faculty advisor, may be in the area of theatre history or dramatic literature/criticism, depending on the student’s primary academic interest and strengths.
Research Preparation Phase (Theatre 4908)
The student researcher must schedule regular meetings with his/her faculty advisor to ensure the project stays on track. The student and faculty advisor will agree upon deadlines for completion of various research phases.
Preliminary research and analysis, as designated by the faculty advisor, should be presented for grading at the completion of Theatre 4908. The student researcher is expected to compile the following information:
• Original thesis statement
• Compiled research and bibliography
• Outline and preliminary organization of research material
• A survey of research that has been done on the topic
• Rough draft of introduction and thesis statement
• An analysis of a play being studied (or a play by the playwright or within the period or style being studied). Include an explication of the theme, a breakdown of the play’s structure, and a discussion of the main characters, given circumstances, use of language, moods, tempos, tone, imagery etc.
• An essay reflecting on the value of your General Education and Major coursework (Capstone requirement)
• Additional readings, assignments or activities as directed by your faculty advisor
Research Production Phase (Theatre 4910)
The production phase of the research project will include:
• Writing research paper
• Revision of research paper
• Regularly schedule meetings with faculty advisor to ensure that the project stays on track.
• A ten to fifteen minute oral summary of research findings presented to theatre faculty and Theatre Company students on scheduled presentation date.
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Students can undertake dramaturgical research for a hypothetical production, or, in certain cases, for a faculty-directed CSUB production. The dramaturgical work will include detailed work on the proposed play as well as extensive research. The project will culminate in the creation of a well-organized, informative and comprehensive research binder of potential use to producers of the chosen play and supported with materials suitable for a program and pre-show lobby display.
Research Phase (Theatre 4908)
The student dramaturg must schedule regular meetings with his/her faculty advisor to ensure the project stays on track. The student and faculty advisor will agree upon deadlines for completion of various research phases. All research and analysis should be presented for final grading at the completion of Theatre 4908.
In preparation for the realization of the project, the student dramaturg must compile the following information that will be presented in a binder at the end of the preparation semester.
• Detailed script analysis. Include an explication of the theme, a breakdown of the play’s structure, and a discussion of the main characters. Also identify other elements relevant to your project such as given circumstances, use of language, moods, tempos, tone, imagery etc.
• Dramaturg’s Research Notebook
• Vocabulary
• References made in script to events, phrases/jargon of the time
• Location/Geography
• Architecture/Furniture/Visuals used in script
• Key events from the time period
• Politics/Religion that relate to script
• Economics
• Social/Ethnic issues
• Images
• Themes
• Bibliography
• Other items that may relate to the script
• Reviews of past productions (collect reviews, highlight useful information)
• Biography of playwright, with sources
• List of works of playwright
• Prepare presentation for a first rehearsal (including important background information, visuals, video clips) as directed by advisor
• An essay reflecting on the value of your General Education and Major coursework (Capstone requirement)
• Additional readings with written response, assignments or activities as directed by your faculty advisor
Production Phase (Theatre 4910)
The production phase of the dramaturgy project will include:
• Scheduling regular meetings with your faculty advisor to ensure the project stays on track
• If working on realized production, attending rehearsals (table readings and additional rehearsals as directed) and meetings with director
• Making a presentation at an early rehearsal
* Developing program notes
* Developing a lobby display
* Preparing study guides for CSUB 1009/1019 and/or other groups
• Presenting a pre-show lecture
• Completing other assignments as directed (such as researching music suitable for the production)
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The student stage manager first must obtain approval from a faculty director and faculty designer to stage manage a main season show.
Stage Management Preparation Phase (Theatre 4908)
The student stage manager must schedule regular meetings with his/her faculty advisor (the faculty designer/technical director) to ensure the project stays on track. The student and faculty advisor will agree upon deadlines for completion of various research phases. All research and analysis should be presented for final grading at the completion of Theatre 4908.
In preparation for the realization of the chosen design, the student stage manager must compile the following information which will be presented in a binder at the end of the preparation semester.
• An analysis of the play being staged. Include an explication of the theme, a breakdown of the play’s structure, and a discussion of the main characters. Also identify other elements relevant to your project such as given circumstances, use of language, moods, tempos, tone, imagery etc.
• A brief overview of the production history of the piece
• If applicable, the director’s concept statement
• A scene breakdown, character plot, cue synopsis as appropriate (scenery, lights, costumes, props, sound, effects)
• An essay reflecting on the value of your General Education and Major coursework (Capstone requirement)
• Additional readings, assignments or activities as directed by your faculty advisor.
Production Phase (Theatre 4910)
The production phase of the stage management project will include:
• Creating a well organized prompt book
• Attending all rehearsals and performances and completing stage managing duties
• Attending production meetings
• Facilitating communication between all production staff
• Scheduling regular meetings with your faculty advisor to ensure that the project stays on track.
