Stagecraft

Presented by :
Doris
Vanessa
Haziq
Josman
 What is Stagecraft?
Stagecraft is a generic term referring to the technical aspects of a
theatrical performance.

Sub-disciplines

Lighting: Lighting design , which involves the process of

determining the focus, intensity, shape, and colour of light for a
given scene.

Show Control : Hanging, focusing, procurement and

maintenance of lighting and special effects equipment.

 Mechanics: Design, engineering and operation of a flying of

performance and mechanised scenic elements and special effects.
 Production : comprising stage management, production
management, show control, house management and
company management.

Scenery : includes set construction, scenic painting, soft

goods (drapes and stage curtains), and special effects.
Sound: includes musical underscoring, vocal and
instrument mixing, as well as theatrical sound effects.
Wardrobe : costume design, construction and maintenance

Make-up : The application of make-up (including wigs) to

accentuate an actor's features
Video (or Projection) : a relatively recent field of
stagecraft which is gaining recognition. Its role may also be
taken on by the Lighting or Scenery disciplines.

Theatrical property / Props :

- includes furnishings, set dressings, and all items large and
small which cannot be classified as scenery, electrics or
wardrobe (some crossover may apply).
- Props handled by actors are known as hand props, and
props which are kept in an actor's costume are known as
personal props.
 Stagecraft
– An Art of the Past & the Future
 History
Greek theatres – to allow Gods to appear on the roof of certain set
pieces

1. Mechane
- a crane that was operated by the use of counterweights.

2. Ekkykahma
- a rolling device that was most frequently used to roll out actors
killed off stage.

3. Skene
- used to provide a backdrop
- also for the actors to hide and change their mask and clothes
United States - the set was looked at as something that
should follow the story and be consistent with the plot.

1. Lighting
 the ability to use electricity for lights
 allowed the set to be seen in greater detail

2. Painting the set

 different types of techniques are used to create different
moods
 uses muslin and masking tape
 Turning Ideas from the Script to
Rough Draft Drawing
The process of transforming set ideas from the script onto
the stage
 Involves reading and studying the script
 Purpose : to make rough draft sketches and ideas of what
the set is going to look like
 Important to add original ideas because this is what makes
productions unique from one another
 The set is there to create an atmosphere for the audience
- important to make it appealing and fit the play
Dimensions of the Stage You Are Working With

Important to know the dimensions of your stage

- keep them in mind at all times
Keeping a diagram close by that includes the stage's
width length and height is very helpful
You should also know how much wing space there is
because many props are stored there when not being
used
Your set should be well proportioned with the stage;
a small set on a huge stage will look awkward
 Materials List
Budget

Durability

E.g. painting supplies, sand paper, nails, screws, and building

materials, wood, etc.

i) Screws
- stronger and easier to take out than nails; therefore the set is
"broken down" easier

ii) Painting
- rollers, rolling pans, drop cloths, paint thinner, brushes, and
paints
- selection of colour is important – consider the play’s atmosphere
 Construction of the Set
Technical director – in charge of set construction

Purpose:
- provide scenery/ background for the actors
 creates a mood and an atmosphere

Steps:
1. measure the stage
2. check on prices of lumber and equipment
3. divide your crew into teams, each with certain
responsibilities (delegation of tasks)
4. build the bigger pieces first
5. add details
 The Technical Run-Through
Purpose : to make sure that all lighting, sound, and
set equipment functions properly for the performance
3 stages in a technical run through:

1. First stage - dry technical run through

- done without actors
 the lighting, sound, and stage crews go through the play as
if it were being performed
 the process is continued until everyone is sure of what they
are doing
2. Second stage - wet technical run through
 the same process as the dry tech, but the actors go
from cue to cue to give the crew a sense of what they
need to do in the actual production

3. Third stage - dress rehearsal

 includes the actors, sound crews, lighting crews, and
the running crews
 actors are in their costumes and in full make-up
 exactly like the performance, but without the full-
house audience (selected audience)
 Opening Night
The night that the play is first viewed by the public

It is now up to the actors and the technical crew to

execute everything as it has been rehearsed

Opening night can make or break a performance

 Breaking the Set
The process of taking down the set in pieces so that
the materials can be reused in other productions.
The crew may begin to break the set immediately after
the last production or wait until the next day.
Safety Aspect
 An example of a hazardous situation - protruding nails
 Many crew choose to divide into teams with team leaders
and assign specific tasks to each individual.
 It is easier to supervise everyone's safety in smaller groups.
Because standard cuts of wood and plywood can be
very expensive, many theatres choose to save these
items.
When taking apart the set, the crew must be very
careful with all props (handle the props with care)
The props should be put away neatly in the
appropriate places.
Thank You…!