1st Edition
Scenic Design and Lighting Techniques A Basic Guide for Theatre
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.
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.