1. EXPLORATION: TECHNICAL THEATRE
From
Theatre: Art in Action

2. THE STAGE CREW Set construction Props Lighting Sound Costumes Makeup
His Majesty’s Theatre

3. SET CONSTRUCTION CREW
Creates the set: the onstage physical space and its structures – the actors perform here
Set Designer: conceives the set the construction crew then builds
Shifting Crew: the crew which changes sets from scene to scene during the show – often the set construction crew

4. PROPERTIES (PROP) CREW
Wicked’s Dragon Prop
Responsible for gathering and organizing props: anything actors handle onstage as well as furniture and other items used to enhance the set
Props may be rented, purchased, built or borrowed
Prop Master: manages the prop crew

5. LIGHTING CREW
Lighting: any illumination of the set and actors during a performance
Necessary to make actors visible
Can communicate a play’s time, place or mood
Lighting Designer decides what kinds of lights are needed, where to focus them, and when to turn them on
Lighting crew places lights and runs them during the show

6. SOUND
Sound Designer decides what kinds of music and sound effects are needed and whether they should be live or recorded
Sound crew collects, prepares and runs the sound during a performance
Sound (audio) during a performance may include amplification of actors’ voices

7. COSTUMES
Costume: any clothing an actor wears onstage for a performance
Costume Designer: chooses or designs costumes
Costumes may be rented, bought, borrowed or made
Costume crew keeps costumes in good repair and clean from one performance to the next

8. MAKEUP
Makeup: cosmetics and hairstyling, including false hairpieces and false features
Emphasizes facial features so actors stand out onstage
Add age or special qualities

9. SET CONSTRUCTION AND PROP CREWS
Scene Shop: stage crew’s center of operation; primary workspace for set construction and prop crews
Some large theatres have separate prop shops
Most shops have high ceilings to accommodate tall set pieces and a basic collection of tools
Shops have lots of storage space and many work areas for different needs
Prop shop must be well organized

11. SET CONSTRUCTION BASICS: FLATS
Lightweight frame covered with canvas, muslin or wood
Most are 2-4 feet wide and 8-12 feet tall
Painted and positioned vertically next to each other to form walls

12. SET CONSTRUCTION BASICS: PLATFORMS
Set piece with a solid top and braced legs made to support the weight of actors, furniture, sets and props

13. SET CONSTRUCTION BASICS: BACKDROPS (DROPS)
Large canvas or muslin curtain that hangs at the back of the stage setting
Can be lighted or painted for special effects

14. LIGHTING AND SOUND CREWS
ON THE STAGE
Lights and microphones are hung and positioned
IN THE SCENE SHOP (STORAGE)
Lighting instruments
Electrical cable
Other equipment storage

15. LIGHTING BASICS
4 basic types of lighting instruments: spotlights, floodlights (scoops), followspots and strip lights – affects the throw (distance) the light can be cast
Lights are controlled from the lighting control board, attached to a dimmer

16. YOUR
ASSIGNMENT

17. SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT IT…

18. (and you do)

19. …is to conduct a Lighting Survey of your own!

20. Name:______________________________
Consider the lighting effects in various places around school, home, and your community. Think about the colors, intensity (brightness), and angle of lights, as well as various light sources – the sun, lamps, candles, fluorescent lights, etc. Then answer the following questions and turn the assignment in. Your answers should be thoughtful and express complete ideas.
What three places are you referring to?
1.____________________ 2.____________________ 3.____________________
How does the lighting in different places affect your mood? Be specific!
Place #1:
Place #2:
Place #3:
What mood (if any) is the lighting trying to establish in these places?