Ashland Center for Theatre Studies

Past Elective Course

VectorWorks for the Theatre

Ashland, Oregon

A weeklong three-credit graduate level course geared toward high school and community college theatre educators, introducing the basics of computer-aided design using the professional CAD package VectorWorks Spotlight 2010. In addition to being the entertainment industry's standard CAD platform, VW is also the only major CAD program available for both computer platforms, so no matter if your school is Mac or PC, there's a version of VW for you.

• Demystify computer-aided design with VectorWorks
• Create two-dimensional ground plans, elevations, and section views of scenic designs quickly and efficiently
• Produce 3-D virtual models easily from the two-dimensional work
• Generate lighting plots that interface with your hook-ups and other lighting paperwork
• Learn how to save time and keep better records of the design work for your productions
• Explore an additional free, downloadable software that you can teach your students
• Attend the Oregon Shakespeare Festival production of She Loves Me
  
• Come away with a ground plan and basic lighting plot of your school theatre venue on your own thumbdrive -- ready to make your next production more efficient!

Important Notes:
This is not a class for the computer novice. As pre-requisite, it is essential that you are fully versed in basic personal computing skills. Previous experience with other design programs (PhotoShop, Illustrator, Canvas, Freehand, etc) is not required but is certainly a plus.

You must also possess a basic understanding of traditional drafting terminology and methods. Once you are accepted, we will send you textbook information for study prior to beginning the course.

Here's what our students say:

• "Sean led us gently into the turbulent waters of a very complex system. He was invaluable."
• "The instruction booklet was fantastic – and of course learning enough of VectorWorks to take off!"
• "I feel confident I could go home and render a set."
• "Awesome techniques I will definitely use in the future!"

Faculty

Sean O'Skea, Scenic Design faculty at SOU

Daily Schedule

Evening Schedule 2010