Theatre Design Syllabus for 2026-2027
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Instructor Information

Office Location

Music Building 302

Office Hours

*MR. NEWBURG’S ON-CAMPUS PRESENCE:


*PLEASE NOTE: Mr. Newburg maintains office hours for students in the EXPERIMENTAL THEATRE on the WASHINGTON STREET CAMPUS from 1:00-2:00PM Monday through Friday unless out-of-town, in a meeting, or otherwise engaged. If a student cannot find Mr. Newburg during the aforementioned availability, he is happy to have students request an appointment at different times via the email listed above.  Mr. Newburg checks that email regularly (sometimes several times a day) and usually responds within twenty-four (24) hours from his receipt of the email; that being said, Mr. Newburg generally does not check his email as much or at all at night or in the very early morning hours, so students will most likely see responses from him between 8:00AM and 5:00PM.  As he is not in his office frequently enough to check, phoning him is only the second-best way to contact him—email is preferred.  A student should allow twenty-four (24) hours for Mr. Newburg to respond before trying to contact him again. 

If a student is experiencing a technical difficulty with Blackboard or any other college-related online presence, he/she should contact AskAC by clicking here or by calling 806.371.5000 as quickly as possible—Mr. Newburg, unfortunately, is not as well versed with computer issues as the AskAC personnel, so a student should always try to contact them first to assist in getting online needs met.

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Statement on State-Authorized Courses at Amarillo College

For-credit academic and workforce education courses offered at Amarillo College are limited to the course options available in the statewide inventory for two-year public institutions. Courses in the state-authorized lower-division Academic Course Guide Manual and Workforce Education Course Manual have specific descriptions that prescribe course content and may include specific student learning outcomes. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) maintains and regularly updates these manuals. Amarillo College faculty and leaders ensure that these courses are aligned with THECB guidelines and evaluated based on student performance outcomes. Students enrolled in these courses are expected to engage with and learn course content. According to the AC Board of Regents Policy Manual, "faculty members are entitled to academic freedom in the conduct of research and teaching and are tasked with the associated responsibilities" (DGC). Students are entitled to academic freedom in the classroom, as well, and faculty "must not attempt to force on students a personal viewpoint and must at all times allow diversity of opinion" (Amarillo College Academic Affairs Manual).

Course

DRAM-2335-001 Theatre Design

Prerequisites

Course Description

Survey of principles and practices of theater design and its elements. The fundamentals of art and their application to major areas of theatrical design.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

Hours

(3 sem hrs 2 lec 2 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Fundamentals of Theatrical Design, Brewster, Karen and Shafer, Melissa, Allworth Press, New York, 2011.  ISBN 978-1-58115-849-6.

PLEASE NOTE: The Theatre Arts program owns twenty (20) copies of the textbook available for enrollees to check out for the semester.  The textbook MUST be returned during Finals week or grades will be withheld.

Supplies

Computer access for assignment/test submission is necessary.  Rudimentary sketching supplies such as blank paper and pencils are also needed.

Student Performance

Students must stay on task with the numerous assignments during the course of the semester.  Due dates are firm, so the responsibility for completion rests with the student.  

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Discussion forums are an integral part of the course, so while critical viewpoints are very much welcomed, students need to avoid condescending and/or derogatory comments--respect for the art and its artisans is paramount.

Grading Criteria

Components for Overall Average:
3 Tests = 20%
6 Assignments (lowest grade dropped) = 30%
6 Discussion/Evaluation Forums (lowest grade dropped) = 20%
1 Final Project File Submission = 30%

Reported Grading Schema:
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69% (may not transfer to university)
F = 0-59% (will not count towards a degree)

Attendance

As this course is tech-supported, daily attendance will be assessed by daily participation in the numerous assignments.

Calendar

AUGUST

24  Introduction to Class and Syllabus Review.  Chapter 1 assigned.

25  Read Witch (in Content and Assignments folder)

26  Visual Metaphor Prompt and Assignment.

27  Test assigned.

31  Visual Metaphor Assignment and Test 1 DUE by 9:00AM.  Chapter 2 assigned.

SEPTEMBER

01  Discussion Forum open to discuss and evaluate fellow students’ Visual Metaphors.

02  Discussion/Evaluations of metaphors DUE by 9:00AM.  Witch Objective Challenge to prepare for upcoming Production Concept assignment.  Rework metaphor, if needed, based on discussion forums in preparation for Finals.

03  Research Assignment.

07  Research DUE by 9:00AM.  Chapter 4 assigned.

08  Discussion Forum open to discuss and evaluate fellow students’ Research.

09  Discussion/Evaluations of research DUE by 9:00AM.  Production Concept Assignment.  Rework research, if needed, based on discussion forums in preparation for Finals.

10  Test assigned.

14  Production Concept Assignment and Test 2 DUE by 9:00AM.  Chapters 5 and 6 assigned.

15  Discussion Forum open to discuss and evaluate fellow students’ Production Concepts.

16  Discussion/Evaluations of concepts DUE by 9:00AM.  Design Elements.  Rework concepts, if needed, based on discussion forums in preparation for Finals.

17  Design Principles.  Test assigned.

21  Test 3 DUE by 9:00AM.  Chapter 7 assigned.  Keep reworking metaphor, research, and concept as Finals draw near.

22  Scenic Design Drawing Prompt.

23  Scenic Design sketch DUE by 9:00AM.  Discussion Forum open to discuss and evaluate fellow students’ sketches.

24  Discussion/Evaluations of sketches DUE by 9:00AM.  Rework sketch(es), if needed, based on discussion forums in preparation for Finals.

28  Chapter 8 assigned. 

29  Costume Design Drawing Prompt.

30  NO IN-CLASS MEETING. Costume Design sketch DUE by 9:00AM.  Discussion Forum open to discuss and evaluate fellow students’ sketches.

OCTOBER

01  NO IN-CLASS MEETING. Discussion/Evaluations of sketches DUE by 9:00AM. 

05  Rework sketch(es), if needed, based on discussion forums in preparation for Finals. Chapter 9 assigned.

06  Lighting Design Drawing Prompt.

07  Lighting Design sketch DUE by 9:00AM.  Discussion Forum open to discuss and evaluate fellow students’ sketches.

08  Discussion/Evaluations of sketches DUE by 9:00AM.  Rework sketch(es), if needed, based on discussion forums in preparation for Finals.

12  Workday.  In preparation of the Final Design Project submission, Mr. Newburg will be available in class to answer questions or give suggestions.

13  Workday.  In preparation of the Final Design Project submission, Mr. Newburg will be available in class to answer questions or give suggestions.

14  Final Project (Revised/Updated/Refined Witch Visual Metaphor, Research, Production Concept, Scenic Sketch(es), Costume Sketch(es), and Lighting Sketch(es)) condensed into one PDF file must be submitted into the Drop Box (located in the Content and Assignments folder) no later than 12:00PM.

Additional Information

The class will be working extensively with the play Witch by Jen Silverman which can be found in the Content and Assignments Folder.

Digital Theatre+ Access...
Username: student.amarillocollege
Password: instrument@1913

Syllabus Created on:

08/23/26 4:54 PM

Last Edited on:

08/23/26 5:01 PM