Scenic Design and Lighting Techniques: A Basic Guide for Theatre

414 Pages·2006·50.33 MB·English

by  Rob Napoli, Chuck Gloman

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Scenic Design and Lighting
Techniques
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Scenic Design and Lighting
Techniques
A Basic Guide for Theatre
Chuck Gloman
Rob Napoli
AMSTERDAM • BOSTON • HEIDELBERG • LONDON
NEW YORK • OXFORD • PARIS • SAN DIEGO
SAN FRANCISCO • SINGAPORE • SYDNEY • TOKYO
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Contents
About the Authors ix
Acknowledgments xi
Introduction xiii
Section 1: Building the Set 1
Chapter 1: The Basic Scenic Building Blocks 3
Flats 3
Platforms 17
Drops and Backings 34
Chapter 2: What Are They Made Of?—Scenic Construction Materials 55
Wood 55
Metal 64
Plastic 71
Cloth 79
Chapter 3: What Tools Do I Use?—Scene Shop Tools and Techniques 83
Hand Tools 83
Power Tools 110
Portable Power Tools 138
Finishing Tools 152
Chapter 4: How Does It Go Together?—Construction Tips and Techniques 157
Designer Plates 157
Building Flats and Platforms 163
Moving Scenery 194
Connecting Different Types of Scenery 198
Shifting Scenery 209
v
Contents
Section 2: Creating the Environment 249
Chapter 5: What Do I Need?—Interpreting the Script for Its Basic
Scenic Needs 251
Words, Words, Words: Reading the Script 251
Play Scene Investigations: Who, What, Where, and When 252
Creating Breakdowns of Basic Scenic Needs 253
What Is a Prop and When Is It a Set Dressing? 253
Questions for the Director: The First Concept Meeting 259
Chapter 6: How Do I Get Them to Build It?—Communicating Your Ideas 263
Who, Where, and When Research, or Don’t Reinvent the Wheel 263
Sketches and Drawings 265
Floor Plans and Scale Drawings 267
Perspective Sketches 269
Digital Images and CAD 271
Chapter 7: How Do I Get Them to Believe It?—Adding Realistic Details 279
Paint Treatments 279
Wall Coverings 302
Chapter 8: What Should It Look Like?—Choosing Props, Dressings,
and Floor Treatments 305
Set Dressings and Props 305
Floors 314
Section 3: Lighting the Set 319
Chapter 9: The Basics of Lighting 321
Three-Point Lighting 322
Types of Lighting Instruments and Their Intended Purposes 331
Diffusion, Gels, and Cookies 343
Learning What to Light and What Not to Light 357
vi
Contents
Chapter 10: Special Effects Lighting 363
How to Create the Intended Effects with Light 363
Achieving the Most with Very Little 372
The Latest Techniques and Equipment 378
Concluding Remarks—Finally! 384
Index 385
vii
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