Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Drawing and Rendering for Theatre (Face-to-Face)

THEA 2533-01

Course: THEA 2533-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: TA
CRN: 30647

Course Description

This course teaches students of set, costume, and lighting design the fundamentals of visual communication using a variety of media and techniques. Assignments are structured to develop fundamental skills in observation, drawing, and painting, with an emphasis on the application of these skills to the theatrical design process. Students are expected to provide appropriate materials as needed. (Fall) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Registration Restriction(s): None

Required Texts

There are no required texts for this course.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Exploration and utilization of fundamental aspects of drawing and painting for the representation of designs.
  2. Gain an introductory understanding of how to render with a variety of media for scenic, costume and lighting designs in theatre.
  3. Development of skills for visual and verbal communication of ideas for design.

Course Requirements

12 Assignments at 10 pts each 
- Contour, Gradations, Self Portrait, Perspective, 
Mid-Semester Critique  200 Points
Final Renderings  180 Points
Final Critique  200



Course Outline

Week 1 – Introduction to Course & Materials
Review syllabus, course expectations, and required materials. Begin warm-up drawing exercises and sketchbook setup.

Week 2 – Observational Drawing: Line & Contour
Learn how to capture shapes and proportions through contour and gesture drawing exercises.

Week 3 – Observational Drawing: Gesture & Form
Practice rapid sketching to convey movement and form, focusing on building confidence with line work.

Week 4 – Value & Shading: Light & Shadow
Explore light direction, highlights, mid-tones, and shadows to create depth in drawings.

Week 5 – Tonal Rendering & Composition
Develop shading techniques for texture and form, and begin applying them to simple scene compositions.

Week 6 – Perspective Drawing: One-Point
Learn the basics of one-point perspective and apply them to interior and exterior scene sketches.

Week 7 – Perspective Drawing: Two-Point
Advance to two-point perspective to render more dynamic environments and objects.

Week 8 – Midterm Project
Apply observational drawing, value, and perspective skills in a fully rendered midterm project for critique.

Week 9 – Color Theory & Application
Study the color wheel, mixing techniques, and harmonies, then practice with small color rendering exercises.

Week 10 – Painting Techniques for Theatre Design
Learn brush handling, layering, and blending for scenic and costume applications.

Week 11 – Rendering for Scenic Design
Apply drawing, perspective, and color techniques to create detailed scenic design renderings.

Week 12 – Texture & Material Representation
Practice rendering wood, metal, fabric, and other materials relevant to set and costume design.

Week 13 – Rendering for Costume Design
Focus on drawing the human figure, fabric folds, and color application for costume plates.

Week 14 – Final Project Work & Critique
Studio work, feedback sessions, and completion of final project for presentation during finals week.

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Late assignments will be accepted for 75% credit. However, the assignments WILL NOT be accepted for credit if turned in more than one week after the due date, unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor BEFORE the due date. Absence from class on the day an assignment is due is not a valid excuse and makeup work will not be accepted

Attendance Policy

Departmental Absence Policy
Attendance policies vary by instructor and course section. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the specific attendance expectations for each course. These policies will be clearly outlined in the instructor's syllabus or course information. If clarification is needed, students should proactively contact their instructor.
Lecture Based Courses
Attendance is required for all classes unless excused by the instructor or for official university travel. Students who miss more than four class meetings for courses scheduled three days a week; three in courses scheduled two days a week, or one is courses scheduled one day a week, shall have their grade lowered by 1/3 of a letter grade with an additional 1/3 for every additional absence.
Studio Based Courses
Attendance is required for all classes unless excused by the instructor or for official university travel.  Students who miss more than four class meetings for courses scheduled three days a week; three in courses scheduled two days a week, or one in courses scheduled one day a week, shall have their grade lowered by a full letter grade with an additional 1/3 grade for every additional absence.

Additional Information

  • Any student missing more than 25% of class meetings cannot receive a passing grade in departmental courses.
  • Students who are habitually late to courses will be subject to final grade lowering at the discretion of the instructor.

Course Fees

There are no additional fees for this course.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.