CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

INTRODUCTION

PART ONE: HISTORY AND ART

CHAPTER I
Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going: A Brief History and Introduction

Greek Theatre

Roman Theatre

The Middle Ages

Commedia Del’Arte

The Renaissance

Japanese Theatre

Noh

Bunraku

Kabuki

Chinese Theatre

The Twentieth Century

Proscenium Theatre

Thrust Stage

Arena Stage

Black Box

Environmental Theatre

Theatre Venues

CHAPTER II
It’s All About Collaboration: Design for Theatre

Production Team Collaboration

Design Process

Reading the Script

Meeting with the Director

Script Breakdown

Research

Styles of Architecture

Orders of Architecture

Design Meeting

Designers Draw, Render, and Draft

CHAPTER III
Making It Visual: Composition

Rules of Thirds

Putting the Composition Together

Line and Direction

Shape

Texture

Line Weight

Balance and Proportion

Pattern

Scale

CHAPTER IV
Black and White Are Colors TOO!: Color Theory

Pigment and Light

Tints, Shades, and Tones

Interpreting Color

Black and White

CHAPTER V
Creating the Stage Picture: Drawing, Rendering, and Drafting

What Are the Differences?

Sal’s Test

Putting It in Proportion

Various Supplies and Tools

Dry Stuff

Pencils

Pastels and Crayons

Wet Stuff

Pens and Markers

Paint

Fixing the Oops

Paper

Tools

Computers

Perspective Drawing

Rendering

Drafting

PART TWO: SAFETY AND SCENERY

CHAPTER VI
Safety First!: Safety

Personal Safety

Fire Safety

Material Safety Data Sheets

Examples of Panic

CHAPTER VII
Setting It All Up: Scenic Tools and Materials

Tools

Measuring and Marking

Cutting and Shaping

Wood-Cutting Tools and Saws

Metal-Cutting Saws

Powered Hand Tools

Powered Stationary Tools

Assembly

Hand Tools

Powered Hand Tools

Pneumatic Tools

Welding Tools

Cleaning Up

Supplies

Wood

Dimensional Lumber

Sheet Lumber

Molding

Metal

Fabric

Velour

Duvetyn

Muslin

Scrim

Foams and Plastics

Foams

Plastics

Hardware

Nails

Screws and Bolts

Washers and Nuts

Staples

Adhesives

Hinges

Casters

CHAPTER VIII
How to Get It Done: Scenery Standard Techniques and Practices

Scenic Techniques Develop Through History

Scenic Design Process

Building Techniques

CHAPTER IX
A Little Dab Will Do Ya: Paint

Overview

Safety

Tools and Supplies

Paints and Glazes

Texturing

Step-by-Step Techniques

Marble

Brick

Wood Grain

PART THREE: RIGGING AND LIGHTING

CHAPTER X
Hanging by a Thread: Rigging

Ropes

Knots

Rigging Systems

Hemp House

Single Purchase

Double Purchase

Truss

CHAPTER XI
House to Half … Lighting

Electricity

Fixtures

Dimmers

Control

Perishables

Accessories

PART FOUR: COSTUMES AND MAKEUP

CHAPTER XII
All Dressed Up with Someplace to Go: Costumes

Fabrics

Tools and Accessories

Measurements

Women’s Measurement Instructions

Men’s Measurement Instructions

Sewing

Software

CHAPTER XIII
Put On a Happy Face: Makeup

Facial Shapes

Makeup and Tools

Makeup Application

PART FIVE: SOUND AND SPECIAL EFFECTS

CHAPTER XIV
Is This Thing On?: Sound

Sound Basics

Sound Systems

Microphones

Mixing Consules

Signal Processing

Speakers

Connectors and Cables

Headsets

Assisted-Hearing Devices

CHAPTER XV
The Magic Behind the Curtain: Special Effects

Vintage Effects

Nature

Fire

Projections

Modern Effects

Nature

Fire

Fog and Haze

Projections

Software

PART SIX: STAGE MANAGEMENT AND CAREERS

CHAPTER XVI
Warning, Standby, GO!: Stage Management

Stage Manager Kit

Auditions

Rehearsals

Technical Rehearsals and Performances

CHAPTER XVII
What’s Next?: Career Choices

Theatre Careers

Box Office Manager

Company Manager

Costume Designer

Director

House Manager

Lighting Designer

Producer

Production Manager

Project Manager

Rigger

Scenic Artist

Scenic Designer

Sound Designer

Stage Management

Technical Director

Interviews

Grace Brandt Interview

Anne Johnson Interview

Michael Rizzo Interview

CHAPTER XVIII
Still Confused?: Glossary and Lots More!

Appendix A: Glossary

Appendix B: Quotes

Appendix C: Useless Factoids

Appendix D: Image Credits

Appendix E: Corporate Help

INDEX