Basic Stagecraft Class
Your syllabus will also be available on Blackboard via the Atlas, Valencia College website. Go to your class CRN# to view and download the syllabus. www.valenciacollege.com
Production Organization
Scene Design and Stage Lighting by Wolf and Block textbook paraphrasing, page 6-7.
Theatre Organization:
Specialist who are able to be cooperative and collaborative is vital to any organization.
The producing organization must always be efficient in - selecting a play, - casting and rehearsing the actors, designing the scenery, lights, costumes, sound, and projection, producing the physical production which incorporates construction, painting the sets, designing the costumes, lighting the production, and creating the sound and production and promoting the play to an audience. Depending on the organization, financial backing has to be considered and procured. Working with budgets, performance spaces, command of chains all play an important part in these organizations and should never be overlooked.
The main person in charge of the organization is the Board of Directors who are composed of the following:
Director, Producer, Artistic Director, Executives and others for example.
Theatre Organization:
Specialist who are able to be cooperative and collaborative is vital to any organization.
The producing organization must always be efficient in - selecting a play, - casting and rehearsing the actors, designing the scenery, lights, costumes, sound, and projection, producing the physical production which incorporates construction, painting the sets, designing the costumes, lighting the production, and creating the sound and production and promoting the play to an audience. Depending on the organization, financial backing has to be considered and procured. Working with budgets, performance spaces, command of chains all play an important part in these organizations and should never be overlooked.
The main person in charge of the organization is the Board of Directors who are composed of the following:
Director, Producer, Artistic Director, Executives and others for example.
Photo Credit: Production Organization Chart for Theatre by www.controlbooth.com
Photo Credit: ttps://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/33/6b/73/336b73d7292492d605a157ed351d8fca.jpg
Performance Spaces
Turn to pages 9-19 in the SD&SL textbook.
- Proscenium Theatre - one view, through the fourth wall or picture frame to view the performance.
- Thrust Theatre - 3 sides to view the performance
- Arena Theatre - all sides to view the performance
- Flexible Stage - Black Box Theatre
- Experimental Space - Theatre, Ballroom, Convention Hall, Parking Lot, Classroom or Store Front for example.
Each space the designer and director must think about the SIGHTLINES. Sightline is a line of sight from an audience seat to the point onstage. pg11
- Proscenium Theatre - one view, through the fourth wall or picture frame to view the performance.
- Thrust Theatre - 3 sides to view the performance
- Arena Theatre - all sides to view the performance
- Flexible Stage - Black Box Theatre
- Experimental Space - Theatre, Ballroom, Convention Hall, Parking Lot, Classroom or Store Front for example.
Each space the designer and director must think about the SIGHTLINES. Sightline is a line of sight from an audience seat to the point onstage. pg11
Stage Directions
Apron or Orchestra Pit - extended area of the stage in front of the proscenium arch
Downstage / Downstage Right / Down Center / Downstage Left
Centerstage / Center Right / Center / Center Left
Upstage / Upstage Right / Up Center / Upstage Left
Backstage - offstage area
Wings
Legs, Border and Show Portal pg 10-11
Downstage / Downstage Right / Down Center / Downstage Left
Centerstage / Center Right / Center / Center Left
Upstage / Upstage Right / Up Center / Upstage Left
Backstage - offstage area
Wings
Legs, Border and Show Portal pg 10-11
More detail Stage Directions Including CENTER STAGE, below:
Functions of Scenery
The purpose of Basic Stagecraft is to inform and provide you to know how to put on and begin constructing the scenic elements of a theatrical stage production. Keeping in mind this information lends to those areas of film, television and staging productions overall.
Scenery can be viewed in a specified unified image or concept of the drama or performance for a stage, film or televised production.
Emphasis of scenery contributes to the following:
1) mood (drama, comedy, tragedy or themed mood - sporting, bar mitzvah, wedding...)
2) functionalism
3) specifics of reality (location, time period, social economics)
4) decorative application
5) another design value
These values are sometimes labeled in general terms as styles of design, ranging from realism to more nonrealistic or presentational forms.
Recognizing that scenery has a function, it is helpful for the technician/carpenter to be aware of how it serves the total production. Scenery serves in a variety of ways, varying considerably by culture and historic time. The setting should HIGHLIGHT the scene, drama, or shot, this heightens the audience's awareness and response to what may be going on in front of, on, or around the scenery.
Scenery provides 4 contributions:
1) It "aids the performers" - it emphasizes the performer through elevation, color, appropriate framing, and clarity of visibility. It provides a physical space for the physical action of the actors, which contributes to a more effective display of this theatrical and film art.
2) It "intensifies the mood" - a stage production or film piece always has a set mood it wants to accomplish by the vision of its director(s).
3) "Reinforces the style" - of a production, the special manner of expression that orients and unifies the audience to the point of view of the dramatic action.
Finally, scenery must often do the fourth aspect.
4) "Convey informaton" - vital for the understanding of the unfolding story by visually or spatially providing this information. The information includes facts about the time and place of the action, the circumstances of the occasion, the characters and the characters relationships to one another.
Lastly, the scenery must be faithful to the set designer's plan and must function in performance as conceived. It must be strong, practical depending on usage, durable, sometimes storable, easy to handle, and transportable if its on the road.
Basic Hand Drafting
Drafting for the stage incorporates a preliminary sketch, sketches and ground plan schematics...
We will be covering the different scales, scale sharing, using a basic #2 pencil to begin the process of learning and reviewing the Architect Scale Ruler and how to read a ground plan using that ruler.
Advance site by University of Minnesota for Interior Design dha.cdes.umn.edu/programs/interior/documents/BasicDraftingStandards.pdf
Tools and Tool bag / Tool belt / Tool Box
TOOLS: Tools requirement for Basic Stagecraft TPA1200C - 25' steel tape measure, Safety goggles rated Z87 or Z87.1+ same thing- for impact, an Architect Scale Ruler, Hair tie for long hair, Ear Plugs, #2 pencils, black sharpie marker and optional are Multitool (Gerber or Leatherman brand) and Gloves that fit and your fingers have a good grip. If you are in Introduction to Stage Lighting, get an 8" adjustable crescent wrench for your tools as well. These tools are due the 3rd week of class and should be with you every time you come to class.
These tools are used in Basic Stagecraft, Introduction to Stage Lighting, and Technical Theatre Production. You will continue to use these tools in the industry as a technician for both theatre and film.
NOTE: Buy tools and items that are going to last you, cheap tools breaks easy and ends up costing you more money in the long run. Once you have your tools please put your name on them with a black sharpie pen. Everything, must have your name written on them, including your tool box or tool bag in a sharpie!
LOCKERS: You will need a lock and then you can take a locker in the hall way that is available for use. I recommend that student's without a vehicle (drop off and bus commuter's) to use these lockers for your convenience.
These tools are used in Basic Stagecraft, Introduction to Stage Lighting, and Technical Theatre Production. You will continue to use these tools in the industry as a technician for both theatre and film.
NOTE: Buy tools and items that are going to last you, cheap tools breaks easy and ends up costing you more money in the long run. Once you have your tools please put your name on them with a black sharpie pen. Everything, must have your name written on them, including your tool box or tool bag in a sharpie!
LOCKERS: You will need a lock and then you can take a locker in the hall way that is available for use. I recommend that student's without a vehicle (drop off and bus commuter's) to use these lockers for your convenience.
Theatrical Flat, Hollywood/TV/Studio Flat and Archway's
You will learn how to build a theatrical flat and arch way individually and a group project for building a Hollywood flat.
This photos are just for VISUAL EXAMPLES ONLY, in class discussion and handouts will apply to actual build and size.
This photos are just for VISUAL EXAMPLES ONLY, in class discussion and handouts will apply to actual build and size.
Shop Safety and Health.
Safety is Key in our facilities at Valencia, at all times.
shop_safety_and_health.pdf | |
File Size: | 132 kb |
File Type: |
Stair Case Unit or Step Unit
How to Build a Staircase
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iALK0-n-81c
Building Stairs: How to Cut Steps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxz6MgHXx7g
How to Build Stair Stringers (Carriages)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2uHj2mJkvc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iALK0-n-81c
Building Stairs: How to Cut Steps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxz6MgHXx7g
How to Build Stair Stringers (Carriages)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2uHj2mJkvc
Painting Techniques Project
Painting projects incorporate active learning and engages the students to learn how to use paint, color mixing, painting techniques utilizing brushes, sponges and other items
A director wants to film a short 'hobbit scene' and your group has to create a false facade to set the location. It is up to your group to create the directors vision.
On your 4’x8’ luan lumber sheet, each group will create their own interpretation of a ‘Hobbit Scene’ by using the following:
1. Circular door or Archway door (YOU PICK).The door must be a WOODEN door with planks and a handle to enter (use the trammel or other to make the circle and or arch).
2. The door must have a trim all the way around it with BRICKS (spattering, highlights and shadows)!
3. Then a beautiful STONE WALL (scumbling, cartooning, sponging, highlight and shadows) surrounds the brick and door.
On your 4’x8’ luan lumber sheet, each group will create their own interpretation of a ‘Hobbit Scene’ by using the following:
1. Circular door or Archway door (YOU PICK).The door must be a WOODEN door with planks and a handle to enter (use the trammel or other to make the circle and or arch).
2. The door must have a trim all the way around it with BRICKS (spattering, highlights and shadows)!
3. Then a beautiful STONE WALL (scumbling, cartooning, sponging, highlight and shadows) surrounds the brick and door.
Properties Project (for stage, film, themed events and video games).
4 Groups properties project: Pick your group. Pick your prop for research and begin research due on March 22, 2017 for construction approval. 750-1000 words, dimensions, materials and what tools do you plan on using to create your prop.
Prop will be due and presented on April 19th at 7:20pm.
Must clean up at 6:50pm
Prop list for Spring 2017 class:
Ghostbusters - Ghost trap
Audrey 2 - Little Shop of Horrors
1930's Radio - Brighton Beach Memoirs
Ray Gun - The Rocky Horror Show
Chest of Jewels - Crucifer of Blood
Swords - Camelot (each person must build Excaliber)
Prop will be due and presented on April 19th at 7:20pm.
Must clean up at 6:50pm
Prop list for Spring 2017 class:
Ghostbusters - Ghost trap
Audrey 2 - Little Shop of Horrors
1930's Radio - Brighton Beach Memoirs
Ray Gun - The Rocky Horror Show
Chest of Jewels - Crucifer of Blood
Swords - Camelot (each person must build Excaliber)
Basic Stagecraft Prop Project.
Students build props, after they do research on the script, project or theme. They find out who uses the prop and why it is important to the character, set, theme event, production or game.
Then students document drafts that has scale (1/2"= 1'-0") measurements of the prop, including side evaluations, top view and any special details.
The student has one month to work on this project, from start to completion, from choosing a prop, researching, scale drafts and constructing it.
All props must be approved if it is not on the Prop List handed out in class. No exceptions!
All research and paperwork must be in a folder that is turned in to the professor.
Students build props, after they do research on the script, project or theme. They find out who uses the prop and why it is important to the character, set, theme event, production or game.
Then students document drafts that has scale (1/2"= 1'-0") measurements of the prop, including side evaluations, top view and any special details.
The student has one month to work on this project, from start to completion, from choosing a prop, researching, scale drafts and constructing it.
All props must be approved if it is not on the Prop List handed out in class. No exceptions!
All research and paperwork must be in a folder that is turned in to the professor.
Continuation of students with there Prop Project for the Basic Stagecraft final project which is presented to the class week 14-15 of the semester.
Students have access to use any scrap lumber, shop materials, including paints and adhesives. The project is meant to engage the student in hands on learning, and gives them the opportunity to tie in all the skills they have acquired through the semester. The projects are graded based on a rubric.
Photos are from Fall 2015 semester. Taught by yours truly Sonia.
Students have access to use any scrap lumber, shop materials, including paints and adhesives. The project is meant to engage the student in hands on learning, and gives them the opportunity to tie in all the skills they have acquired through the semester. The projects are graded based on a rubric.
Photos are from Fall 2015 semester. Taught by yours truly Sonia.