etting the Stage: Set Design and Construction

One important technical area of the theater is set design and construction. This process begins with
the set designer reading the script and generating ideas. The set designer reads through the script
looking specifically for references to physical space, such as doors, stairs, and even windows. When
there are scenes that are set outdoors, the set designer will look for references to trees, rocks, and
other objects that may influence the set design. There is typically discussion with the production
design team as well to generate ideas, since most productions are a collaborative effort.

Set Design Example

Based on the ideas they generate, the designer will create a perspective sketch, which is a rough,
three-dimensional picture that indicates the general look and feel of the set. The sketch requires
some artistic skill, which is why sometimes they're done on a computer. The perspective sketch
helps the set designer consider the physical space available on the stage. These limitations include
issues like paying attention to the sight lines of the theater to assure that the edges of the stage are
visible to an audience, or considerations like the available height and width of the stage.
Once the general set design is approved, the physical construction of the set is turned over to the
production crew. The crew will be responsible for building any platforms, flats, and stairs that might
be needed as part of the play. Platforms are weight bearing structures typically built out of two by six
lumber and plywood. They allow for different heights to be achieved on the stage. Flats are
temporary walls for the stage. They are wall studs faced with either plywood or fabric, depending on
the set design, and often mounted on casters for easy movement. There may also be stairs to
access platforms as needed.

Dressing the Actors

Costumes are another important technical aspect of the theater. In a theatrical production,
the costume designer is in charge of designing, supervising production, and acquiring costumes. In
coordination with the director/producer, the costume designer will produce a series of sketches and
pictures of possible costumes that will need to be sewn or acquired for the performance. Those
designs need to be approved by the director and possibly even the show's producer before moving
forward.
The next step for the costume designer is to work with the seamsters and costume crew to assemble
the wardrobe for the actors in the production. Seamsters can take the actors' measurements, and
create patterns used to cut the actual costumes. Also, the fabric must be procured, and any fabric
choices need to be tested under the stage lights since the bright lights used in theater can make
fabrics appear different than they would in the store under normal lighting.

Costume Examples

Once costumes get under construction, the seamsters and costume designers will have multiple
fittings with the actors and even the dressers. In a production, there may be dressers who are
responsible for helping the actors in and out of the costumes, possibly multiple times during a
performance. Therefore regardless of the style of costume, the seamsters will want to work with the
dressers to assure that the costumes are as easy to get the actor in and out of as possible.

 “Idea” or “concept”: Do the set and lighting designs seem to work together to produce a
certain interpretation? Do costumes and other elements seem coordinated? How does this
affect the show?

Productions
For productions as a whole, some important elements to consider are:
  How has the lighting affected the play?

They created a visual world for the dramatic action comes in true to life.

Basic Elements of Theatrical Production

What are two important functions of scenery?

1. Create a visual world for the dramatic action
2. Provide an interes ting space actors and director to use in creating
action on stage

What Topics should you consider when thinking about scenery?

 Environmental Conditions
 Movement Potential
 Style
 Color, Texture, Line, and Rhythm
 Size and Scale
 Scene Changes
 Relationship To Audience

Actors
 actors bring the characters to life, investing them with movement, voice,
passion, intellect, and desire

What are an actors primary tools?
 Voice and body
What to consider when analyzing acting in a production?
 Voice
 Body
 Ensemble
 Style
 Costumes effect

Sound
 Sound effects and music generate meaning, create mood, and enhance
the atmosphere or feeling in a theatrical performance.

What things to consider when analyzing sound in a production?

 Environmental Conditions
 Style
 Mood
 Rhythm
 Volume
 Live or Recorded

1. Have you enjoyed the musical arrangement?

Songs/Music/Dance:

Thus, making me as the viewer clearly understand and appreciate what was the message being

presented in the play. Indeed, in this PETA's “William” A Rap Shakespeare Musical help the young

people to understand and appreciate this great playwright and his wonderful masterpieces.

“Huwag kang matakot, di kailangan sa kaniya ay mangamba, puwedeng maging kaibigan at kasama

mo sa tuwina. Tayo ang gumagawa ng sarili nating mga dula, sa entablado ng buhay tayo ang

lumilikha.”