Theatre Arts
Technical Theatre Unit
Stock Scenery
Anything built by a theatre company that can be used in multiple productions
After strike the stock scenery is put in storage to be pulled out for future productions
Three types to know. . .PlatformStair unitFlat
Platform
FlatWalls in the theatre
2 kinds depending on the type of face 1) Hard or “Hollywood” flats mean the face is wood (luan). This is the kind South High uses
2) Soft flats mean the face is cloth (muslin). We do not use this kind at South but many touring companies do.
Stair Unit
Set Design
Scenic designer works with the director and technical director to develop the set
Long process involving sketches, scale models, renderings, paint elevations, and scale construction drawings
Set is the first thing the audience sees and it needs to give the audience information about the setting, mood, and tone of the production
Set Design
Scenic Designer must keep a few ideas in mind:Director’s artistic visionNeeds/wants of the director and the scriptPhysical spaceBudgetCostumes
Set Personnel Scenic Designer – develops the design
for the set Master Carpenter – builds the set and
supervises the crew members helping build
Paint Charge – paints the set and supervises crew members assisting
Running Crew – crew members that change different aspects of the scenery during the run of a show
Set Design
The Purpose of Scenic Design Helps the audience to understand the world
of the playReinforces the production visuallyAids the actor in completing actions
Realism Design is meant to make the characters and
situations seem “real”, a “slice of life”.
Simplified Realism• This is one step removed from realistic style. The setting is
basically realistic in concept, but the designer has been more selective in choosing the elements for the setting, eliminating all items not having a direct bearing on the play.
Formalism This term is usually considered to define a rather neutral form
of setting composed primarily of steps, levels, platforms, columns, and other architectural forms. Used primarily in presentational style productions and classical plays.
Stylism All-inclusive term which can be used to refer to any scenery
that makes no attempt to be realistic but exaggerates, simplifies, or distorts realistic forms in order to enhance the presentation of the play. Usually used in fantasies, musical comedy, expressionistic plays, and farce.
Stylism at South
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Types of Make-up
Cream make-up •Used when colors need to be bright and/or when colors need to be blended•Stays good for about 6-9 months
Liquid make-up•Used when precision is necessary
• Example: sharp lines or wrinkles
•Very easily contaminated• Usable for about 2-3 months
Types of Make-up Powder Make-up• Used when large
areas need to be covered or when blending is necessary
• Lasts the longest – about 9-12 months
Make-up Vocabulary
Foundation• Base for the actor’s skin• Covers or “removes” imperfections• Generally needs to match the actor’s skin tone
Translucent Powder• “Sets” the makeup after application
Make-up Vocabulary
Color Wheel• Device used by make-up artists • Multiple colors in one container – keeps make-up artists from having to buy a ton of individual colors
Spirit Gum• “Glue” for make-up• Allows make-up artist to “stick” things to the actor’s face
• Examples: fake beard or prosthetics
Make-up Vocabulary
Nose and Scar Wax• Allows make-up artist to “build” a special effect• Often used to create a fake nose or scar but could be used for other things (example: warts, bump on the head, et cetera)
Make-up Applicators • Stipple Sponge – places small dots of make-up over an area; creates 5 o’clock shadow• Powder Puff – applies powder• Brushes – used for various types of make-up applications•Make-up Sponge – used to apply foundations and creams
Make-up Cleansers
Brush – cleans make-up brushes
Hydra – deep cleans skin
Quick – used to wipe off make-up quickly
Stage Blood• Used to create fake, blood effects on stage• 3 types
• “Fresh Scab”• Liquid• Thick
SealersAlso known as
LiquiSet“Sets” the make-up
for actors that sweat heavily
Prosthetics Fake body parts
and/or effects “glued” to an actor using Spirit Gum
Examples: bald cap, fake nose, bullet wounds, et cetera
Styles of Make-up Design Moulage/SFX – “gore” make-up Casualty simulation Examples:
Styles of Make-up Design Stylized/SFX – Commonly used in
fantasy designs and/or when an actor needs to look like an animal or non-human object
Shows: CATS or Beauty and the Beast Examples:
Styles of Make-up Design Period – make-up used to help re-create
a specific time period Used to show the 1920’s, 1960’s, or the
Restoration period Examples:
Styles of Make-up Design Old Age – used when actors need to
look older Examples:
Styles of Make-up Design Corrective – make-up used to correct an
actor’s natural features Most common Why? – resize a nose, make eyes
appear bigger, et cetera Example:
Make-up Personnel Make-up Designer – create make-up
design for each character; works with director to ensure artistic vision is fulfilled
Make-up Manager– create the make-up designs for each actor; apply make-up themselves OR teach actors how to do it; oversees the make-up artists
Make-up Artists – assist the make-up manager
Hairstylists – usually only used when special hair designs are necessary; create hair styles for actors
Make-up Application Steps Wash your face and hands Apply foundation Apply “style” of make-up Apply translucent powder Perform Use cleanser
Make-up and Hair Design Make-up Designer needs to work with
director and costume mistress to ensure the designs reflect the artistic vision of the show
Use drawings to show ideas Things to keep in mind:
Director’s artistic visionCostume designsBudgetTime period
Costume Vocabulary
Fitting• Costume pieces are placed on each actor and then adjusted to find the proper fit• Pins are put in place so the crew members can make alterations later
Parade• All actors go on stage together and show the director their costumes under stage light
Rendering – drawing of the proposed costume (full color) Swatch – small piece of fabric attached to a rendering
Costume Vocabulary
Costume Personnel Costume Designer – works with the director
and make-up designer to ensure the artistic vision is fulfilled; designs all costumes for each actor
Seamstress – sews or stitches fabric Draper/Cutter – creates patterns and cuts
material Millinery – makes hats Wardrobe Mistress – maintains costumes
during a production; oversees costume crew Dresser – member of costume crew; assists
actors with costume changes
Costume Terms
Wardrobe Plot – chart that tells actors what costumes to wear and when to wear them; posted backstage for all actors to see
Accessories – help complete an outfitExamples: jewelry, hats, et cetera
Distress – the process of making new clothing look older
Costume Types
Unique – costumes that show an occupation or “type” of character
Examples: policeman, cheerleader, and wedding dress
Costume Types
Period – used when a specific time period is being conveyed
Examples:
Costume Types
Stylized – used in fantasy or when an actor needs to look like an animal or a non-human object
Examples: