Stagecraft Fundamentals

Stagecraft Fundamentals

Released January 2009
Publisher(s): Focal Press
ISBN: 9781136084690

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Book description

Stagecraft Fundamentals Second Edition tackles every aspect of theatre production with Emmy Award-winning author Rita Kogler Carver's signature witty and engaging voice. The history of stagecraft, safety precautions, lighting, costumes, scenery, career planning tips, and more are discussed, illustrated by beautiful color examples that display step-by-step procedures and the finished product. This second edition offers even more in-demand information on stage management, drawing and drafting (both by hand and CAD), lighting fixtures, and special effects. Also new to this edition are current articles from Lighting and Sound America, brand new diagrams that illustrate hard-to-grasp concepts, and a plethora of information on European conversions, standards, and practices, making the skills you learn applicable to stage jobs on either side of the ocean!

The accompanying website, www.stagecraftfundamentals.com is bursting with additional material such as an instructor's manual, exercises and study questions that coincide with chapters from the book, CAD drawings, color theory, manufacturing information, and so much more to help you along the way as you learn all about the world of theatre production!

Praise for the Book:

Beautifully written! The author has succeeded in relaying technical theatre information without being too technical and putting the reader to sleep.  I read three sentences and instantly knew this book was for me and the way I teach.  When I think back on  the insufferable intro to tech theatre books I had to read, I feel cheated I didn't have this one as a student.  I will be using this text in my class! -- Rob Napoli, Designer and Technical Director at Penn State University, Berks Campus

This text has temped me to return to teaching with a textbook for the first time in seven years.  The language is both accessible and informal yet the text goes a long way in debunking some of the typical jargon that may alienate students just getting into the field, or trying it out for the first time.  The illustrations (the text is full of them) coupled with the stories reinforce the fundamental information being conveyed. -- John Paul Devlin, Associate Professor of Theatre at Saint Michael's College

What a great idea!  Thank heavens someone is doing this for students at that impressionable age.  That has been one of my mantras - education of teachers and students on the use of scenic materials.  The teachers don't have enough time in college to learn and do everything they have to teach.  Most get thrown into the theatre area by default and struggle with designing/building/painting the scenery. -- Jenny Knott, Rosco

Stagecraft Fundamentals is beautifully illustrated throughout, and the pofusion of color on every page gives this textbook the appearance of a coffee table book.  The writing is clear and personal, which should be very appealing to students.  Rita Carver covers all aspects of theatre production from scenery, to lighting, to an actor's makeup.  Her close ties to the New York theatre scene gives this book a special insight into the professional world, one that goes well beyond what is found in most college textbooks. -- John Holloway, Professor in the Theatre Department at the University of Kentucky and President of the International Association of Theatrical stage Employees (IATSE) Local 346.

I can't thank you enough for Stagecraft Fundamentals.  I have been teaching stagecraft since 1976 and you have saved me from the nightmare of writing a text to suit my class needs..After two semesters with your text, I have found that I had more time to develop the skills necessary within the classroom than before.   The humor that you have infused in the book has enticed my students to read on.  That alone makes this text invaluable.
--Meta Lasch, Assistant Professor, West Liberty University

Table of contents

  1. Front Cover
  2. Praise for Stagecraft Fundamentals: A Guide and Reference for Theatrical Production
  3. Half Title
  4. Title Page
  5. Copyright
  6. Concise Contents
  7. Contents
  8. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
  9. INTRODUCTION
  10. PART ONE: HISTORY AND ART
    1. CHAPTER I Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going: A Brief History and Introduction
      1. Greek Theatre
      2. Roman Theatre
      3. The Middle Ages
      4. Commedia Del’Arte
      5. The Renaissance
      6. Japanese Theatre
        1. Noh
        2. Bunraku
        3. Kabuki
      7. Chinese Theatre
      8. The Twentieth Century
        1. Proscenium Theatre
        2. Thrust Stage
        3. Arena Stage
        4. Black Box
        5. Environmental Theatre
        6. Theatre Venues
    2. CHAPTER II It’s All About Collaboration: Design for Theatre
      1. Production Team Collaboration
      2. Design Process
        1. Reading the Script
        2. Meeting with the Director
        3. Script Breakdown
        4. Research
          1. Styles of Architecture
          2. Orders of Architecture
        5. Design Meeting
        6. Designers Draw, Render, and Draft
    3. CHAPTER III Making It Visual: Composition
      1. Rules of Thirds
      2. Putting the Composition Together
        1. Line and Direction
        2. Shape
        3. Texture
      3. Line Weight
        1. Balance and Proportion
        2. Pattern
      4. Scale
    4. CHAPTER IV Black and White Are Colors TOO!: Color Theory
      1. Pigment and Light
      2. Tints, Shades, and Tones
      3. Interpreting Color
      4. Black and White
    5. CHAPTER V Creating the Stage Picture: Drawing, Rendering, and Drafting
      1. What Are the Differences?
      2. Sal’s Test
      3. Putting It in Proportion
      4. Various Supplies and Tools
        1. Dry Stuff
          1. Pencils
          2. Pastels and Crayons
        2. Wet Stuff
          1. Pens and Markers
          2. Paint
        3. Fixing the Oops
        4. Paper
        5. Tools
        6. Computers
        7. Perspective Drawing
        8. Rendering
        9. Drafting
  11. PART TWO: SAFETY AND SCENERY
    1. CHAPTER VI Safety First!: Safety
      1. Personal Safety
      2. Fire Safety
      3. Material Safety Data Sheets
      4. Examples of Panic
    2. CHAPTER VII Setting It All Up: Scenic Tools and Materials
      1. Tools
        1. Measuring and Marking
        2. Cutting and Shaping
          1. Wood-Cutting Tools and Saws
          2. Metal-Cutting Saws
          3. Powered Hand Tools
          4. Powered Stationary Tools
        3. Assembly
          1. Hand Tools
          2. Powered Hand Tools
          3. Pneumatic Tools
          4. Welding Tools
        4. Cleaning Up
      2. Supplies
        1. Wood
          1. Dimensional Lumber
          2. Sheet Lumber
        2. Molding
        3. Metal
        4. Fabric
          1. Velour
          2. Duvetyn
          3. Muslin
          4. Scrim
        5. Foams and Plastics
          1. Foams
          2. Plastics
        6. Hardware
          1. Nails
          2. Screws and Bolts
          3. Washers and Nuts
          4. Staples
          5. Adhesives
          6. Hinges
          7. Casters
    3. CHAPTER VIII How to Get It Done: Scenery Standard Techniques and Practices
      1. Scenic Techniques Develop Through History
      2. Scenic Design Process
      3. Building Techniques
    4. CHAPTER IX A Little Dab Will Do Ya: Paint
      1. Overview
      2. Safety
      3. Tools and Supplies
      4. Paints and Glazes
      5. Texturing
      6. Step-by-Step Techniques
        1. Marble
        2. Brick
        3. Wood Grain
  12. PART THREE: RIGGING AND LIGHTING
    1. CHAPTER X Hanging by a Thread: Rigging
      1. Ropes
      2. Knots
      3. Rigging Systems
        1. Hemp House
        2. Single Purchase
        3. Double Purchase
        4. Truss
    2. CHAPTER XI House to Half … Lighting
      1. Electricity
      2. Fixtures
      3. Dimmers
      4. Control
      5. Perishables
      6. Accessories
  13. PART FOUR: COSTUMES AND MAKEUP
    1. CHAPTER XII All Dressed Up with Someplace to Go: Costumes
      1. Fabrics
      2. Tools and Accessories
      3. Measurements
        1. Women’s Measurement Instructions
        2. Men’s Measurement Instructions
      4. Sewing
      5. Software
    2. CHAPTER XIII Put On a Happy Face: Makeup
      1. Facial Shapes
      2. Makeup and Tools
      3. Makeup Application
  14. PART FIVE: SOUND AND SPECIAL EFFECTS
    1. CHAPTER XIV Is This Thing On?: Sound
      1. Sound Basics
      2. Sound Systems
        1. Microphones
        2. Mixing Consules
        3. Signal Processing
        4. Speakers
        5. Connectors and Cables
        6. Headsets
        7. Assisted-Hearing Devices
    2. CHAPTER XV The Magic Behind the Curtain: Special Effects
      1. Vintage Effects
        1. Nature
        2. Fire
        3. Projections
      2. Modern Effects
        1. Nature
        2. Fire
        3. Fog and Haze
        4. Projections
        5. Software
  15. PART SIX: STAGE MANAGEMENT AND CAREERS
    1. CHAPTER XVI Warning, Standby, GO!: Stage Management
      1. Stage Manager Kit
      2. Auditions
      3. Rehearsals
      4. Technical Rehearsals and Performances
    2. CHAPTER XVII What’s Next?: Career Choices
      1. Theatre Careers
        1. Box Office Manager
        2. Company Manager
        3. Costume Designer
        4. Director
        5. House Manager
        6. Lighting Designer
        7. Producer
        8. Production Manager
        9. Project Manager
        10. Rigger
        11. Scenic Artist
        12. Scenic Designer
        13. Sound Designer
        14. Stage Management
        15. Technical Director
      2. Interviews
        1. Grace Brandt Interview
        2. Anne Johnson Interview
        3. Michael Rizzo Interview
    3. CHAPTER XVIII Still Confused?: Glossary and Lots More!
      1. Appendix A: Glossary
      2. Appendix B: Quotes
      3. Appendix C: Useless Factoids
      4. Appendix D: Image Credits
      5. Appendix E: Corporate Help
  16. INDEX

Product information

  • Title: Stagecraft Fundamentals
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: January 2009
  • Publisher(s): Focal Press
  • ISBN: 9781136084690