OUP Resources
Workshops - Required Workshops
A regular series of workshops will be offered each semester by the OUP. A Workshop & Seminar Day is set aside once each semester, generally the last Saturday in September and January. At that time all required workshops will be presented throughout the day in multiple campus locations on a rotating basis. The day may also include workshops on additional topics of interest. All workshops are presented by OUP staff and other invited professionals in the field. Check with the OUP each semester for a specific workshop schedule.
Light Crew: Ladder/Scaffold & Safety Workshop is required of all light crew members. The Basic Lighting & Electrical Safety Workshop is recommended for all students working on lighting crews.
Master Electrician/LX Designer: Ladder/Scaffold & Safety Workshop and the Basic Lighting & Electrical Safety Workshop are required for all ME’sand LX Designers. For some production spaces the Basic Rigging Workshop may be required.
Set Build Crew: Basic Skills Workshop is required of all set crew members. For certain productions/spaces the Ladder/Scaffold & Safety Workshop and/or the Basic Rigging Workshop may also be required.
Technical Director: Basic Skills Workshop and the Basic Construction Techniques Workshop are required. For certain productions/spaces the Ladder/Scaffold & Safety Workshop and/or the Basic Rigging Workshop may be required.
Yale Dramatic Association Workshops
A regular series of workshops will be offered on a rotating basis each semester. Some are offered by the OUP to all students and others are sponsored by and geared specifically to Dramat technical staff. The Technical Advisor will develop a specific schedule with the Production Officer and Shop Mgr., based on an evaluation of the skills of the available student crews for the semester as well as the demands of the production schedule. While workshops in the areas of power tool use, flat and platform construction, fly system operation, rigging, lighting, and sound will be held on a regular schedule with the intent of systematically developing skills, workshops will on occasion need to be offered to meet the specific demands of an upcoming production. The following workshops are required of Dramat Tech Staff.
Technical Orientation (not a workshop, but a separate required introduction): Orientations for those students interested in scenic construction, lighting, rigging, fly system operation, and sound will be held during each fall semester in a setting appropriate to each subject. Each orientation will expose the student to a general overview of the tasks/tools/equipment that he/she would encounter in their area of interest as well as an evaluation of their skills/background. A written record of skill proficiency will be initiated here. (Fall)
Stationary Shop Tools: This workshop will give the student the skills necessary to safely execute basic operations on stationary tools available for their use. We will begin with the table saw, radial arm saw, panel saw, and power miter box, which are the main workhorses of the Dramat shop. We will then cover the use of the drill press. This will expand as the Dramat acquires additional tools. (Fall)
Power Hand Tool Basics: This may need to be broken into two sessions depending on the number of students due to the number of tools that should be covered. We will learn the correct uses and safe operation of the circular saw, jigsaw, sawzall, router, biscuit joiner, drill, belt sander, & palm sander. (Fall)
Air Tools: The basic operation and safety rules for the use of various fastening tools utilizing compressed air will be covered. How to choose the correct tool for the job will also be discussed. (Discretion)
Basic Deck and Flat Construction: Materials and methods for the construction of both standard and Hollywood style scenic flats, window and door units will be covered. We will also be looking at methods of moving, handling, joining and installation. We will also cover construction of standard rectangular decks. We will look at three basic methods: the basic platform, stud wall and plywood construction, as well as a basic triscuit system. (Fall)
Fly System Basics: We will come to understand the basic elements of a counter weighted fly system and how they work together. We will then learn how to apply that system to the rigging and flying of scenic elements. (Fall AND Spring)
Ladder/Scaffold Safety Workshop: The OUP, in cooperation with the OEHS will be making a presentation on ladder and scaffold safety. An Inspector with the YFM will address the issue of fire response and the proper use of fire extinguishers.
** Required for anyone involved in production work.
Essential Skills/Basic Construction: This workshop will be lead by James Brewczynski and Rorie Fitzsimons of the OUP and will address correct application of flame retardants as well as the standard construction techniques required by the OUP for the construction of basic flats and platforms.
**Required of anyone involved as TD or set crew.
Basic Lighting & Electrical Safety: This workshop will be lead by James Brewczynski and Rorie Fitzsimons of the OUP and will address the characteristics and capabilities of the basic lighting instruments used in theatrical production, as well as basic knots and rigging techniques.
**Required for anyone interested in working as Lighting Designer, Master Electrician, and lx crew.
Basic Rigging: An introduction to rigging will include a basic understanding of various types of rope- its handling and care, relative strengths, common knots and their use and application, as well as the use of wire rope. We will also gain an understanding of the principles involved in lifting scenic elements. (Fall)
Advanced Deck and Flat Construction: Building on the skills acquired in the basic class, students will learn to layout and build odd shaped units as well as special purpose units and flying elements. Also, the special problems in decking such as irregular shapes, cantilevers, and extended end-supported spans will be addressed. (Spring/Discretion)
Some of these workshops (all tool use, basic construction, rigging and fly systems) are necessary for freshman. These should not be held at the exclusion of more advanced workshops, designed to further existing skills and promote continual staff skill-level development, which will by necessity be geared toward a smaller, more advanced, audience.
