1st Edition

Scenic Design and Lighting Techniques A Basic Guide for Theatre

By Rob Napoli, Chuck Gloman Copyright 2007
    414 Pages
    by Routledge

    414 Pages
    by Routledge

    Basic. This is the key word in Scenic Design and Lighting Tecniques: A Basic Guide for Theatre, written by two seasoned professionals with over twenty years of experience. This book is designed to show you how to turn a bare stage into a basic set design, without using heavy language that would bog you down. From materials and construction to basic props and lighting, this book explains all you will need to know to build your set and light it.

    Table of Contents

    Acknowledgements
    About the Authors
    Introduction

    Section 1 - Building the Set
    Chapter 1 - The Basic Scenic Building Blocks
    A. Flats
    B. Platforms
    C. Drops and Backings

    Chapter 2 - What are They Made of? - Scenic Construction Materials
    A. Wood: Shapes, Types, Advantages and Disadvantages
    B. Metal: Shapes, Types, Advantages and Disadvantages
    C. Cloth: Shapes, Types, Advantages and Disadvantages
    D. Plastic: Shapes, Types, Advantages and Disadvantages

    Chapter 3 - What Tools Do I Use? - Scene Shop Tools and Techniques
    A. The Hand Tools You'll Need in Your Tool Box
    B. Power Tools
    C. Portable Power Tools
    D. Finishing Tools

    Chapter 4 - How Does It Go Together? - Construction Tips and Techniques
    A. Building Flats and Platforms
    B. Moving Scenery
    C. Connecting Different Types of Scenery
    D. Making Scenery Shift

    Section 2 - Creating the Environment
    Chapter 5 - What Do I Need? - Interpreting the Script for its Basic Scenic Needs
    A. Who, What, Where, and When
    B. Creating Breakdowns of Basic Scenic Needs
    C. What is a Prop and When is it a Set Dressing?
    D. What Does the Director Want?
    E. What Does it Feel Like to You?



    Chapter 6 - How Do I Get Them to Build It? - Communicating Your Ideas
    A. Research or Don't Reinvent the Wheel
    B. Sketches and Drawings
    C. Floor Plans and Scale Drawings
    D. Breakouts - Perspective Sketches
    E. Digital Images and CAD

    Chapter 7 - How Do I Get Them to Believe It? - Adding Realistic Details
    A. Paint Treatments
    B. Wall Coverings

    Chapter 8 - What Should it Look Like?
    A. Floor Choices
    B. Set Dressings and Props Choices

    Section 3 - Lighting the Set
    Chapter 9 - The Basics of Lighting
    A. Using Three Point Lighting
    B. Types of Lighting Instruments and Their Intended Uses
    C. Using Diffusion, Gels, and Cookies
    D. Learning What To and What Not to Light

    Chapter 10 - Special Effects Lighting
    A. How to Create the Intended Effect with Light
    B. Achieving the Most with Very Little
    C. The Latest Techniques and Equipment

    Biography

    Rob Napoli has worked in the field of technical theatre for over 20 years as a professional freelance carpenter, prop master, technical director, production manager, and designer. He holds an MFA in Theatre from Catholic University and a BA in Theatre from St. Vincent College and has been an adjunct professor at the Department of Performing and Fine Arts at DeSales University in Pennsylvania. Currently, he is the Designer and Technical Director at Penn State Berks.
    An independent producer, videographer/director of videography, and editor with experience in all areas of video, from corporate training to television commercials. His articles appear regularly in Videography, Television Broadcast, TV Technology, Mix, and Government Video. He is a member of the Television/Film faculty at DeSales University in Pennsylvania.