Workshops
A series of workshops are offered each year by Undergraduate Production. The workshops are presented by UP staff, guest artists, and Peer Mentors. Topics vary by semester, and often include recommended training for specific roles. All of these workshops are open to any student interested in participating. Please register for the UP newsletter UPWords to stay informed regarding these and other exciting opportunities.
Introductory Workshops
UPstart – This program introduces basic skills required of all students involved in Yale theater activities including ladder use, lighting, and general theater safety. This workshop is a prerequisite for any production work. (Offered at the beginning of the fall semester)
Introduction to Lighting Design - This workshop goes beyond the basic introduction to lighting that is provided in UPstart. Learn how to develop and hang a lighting plot, how to prepare the lighting console, and how to create and execute lighting cues. This workshop is recommended for any first-time lighting designer. (Early fall, typically in conjunction with UPstart)
Introduction to Sound Design - This workshop explores the basic concepts of sound design including the use of Qlab, sound engineering, playback, creating sound cues and other topics in sound design. This workshop is recommended for any first-time sound designer. (Intermittently)
Producer Workshop – This session covers all the requirements and practical aspects of mounting a production at Yale, both “What To Do” and “How To Do It.” This workshop is recommended for any first-time producer. (Offered at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters, typically in conjunction with the CPA application cycle)
Special Topic Workshops/Training
ETC ION/Element – This is an introductory training session on the ETC lighting consoles. This session covers the basics of powering up/down, save/load, patching, setting looks, recording cues, as well as using palettes and programming intelligent fixtures, and playback. (As needed)
Q Lab - This workshop provides an introduction to QLab, Macintosh software designed to make it simple to create rich multimedia designs for live performances and installations, and to control of audio, video, and MIDI from a single workspace. This workshop is recommended for anyone wishing to borrow related equipment from Undergraduate Production. (As needed)
Introduction to Intimacy and Performance -Taught by industry professionals this workshop is an introduction to staging intimacy from the perspective of the actor. It offers students the tools to approach basic intimacy practice including consensual based working, creating and containing chemistry, communication, and choreography. The workshop will be useful for performers, directors, stage managers, and designers.
Anti-Racist Theater - UP has regularly hosted industry leaders, guests, professionals and educators to lead workshops focused on undoing racism and creating anti-racist practices in theater.
Dramat Production Workshops
These workshops address general production topics, especially as they relate to Dramat productions. Many topics covered are applicable for productions in all venues. They are required for certain Dramat production staff members and are open to all.
Scene Shop Orientation – This workshop covers the basic safety information necessary to work in and be allowed access to the Dramat scene shop. (Early Fall and prior to each Dramat production)
Power Tool Basics – This workshop covers the correct uses and safe operation of drills, and the compound miter saw. (Early Fall and prior to each Dramat production)
Basic Rigging – This introduction to rigging includes an overview of the basic principles, tools, equipment, and hardware involved in lifting scenic elements. (Per production as needed)
Fly System Orientation – This workshop covers the basic elements of a counter weighted fly system and how they work together. Students will then learn how to apply that system to the rigging and flying of scenic elements. (Per production as needed)