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: