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.

Table of ContentsAcknowledgementsAbout the AuthorsIntroductionSection 1 - Building the SetChapter 1 - The Basic Scenic Building BlocksA. FlatsB. PlatformsC. Drops and BackingsChapter 2 - What are They Made of? - Scenic Construction MaterialsA. Wood: Shapes, Types, Advantages and DisadvantagesB. Metal: Shapes, Types, Advantages and DisadvantagesC. Cloth: Shapes, Types, Advantages and DisadvantagesD. Plastic: Shapes, Types, Advantages and DisadvantagesChapter 3 - What Tools Do I Use? - Scene Shop Tools and TechniquesA. The Hand Tools You'll Need in Your Tool BoxB. Power ToolsC. Portable Power ToolsD. Finishing ToolsChapter 4 - How Does It Go Together? - Construction Tips and TechniquesA. Building Flats and PlatformsB. Moving SceneryC. Connecting Different Types of SceneryD. Making Scenery ShiftSection 2 - Creating the EnvironmentChapter 5 - What Do I Need? - Interpreting the Script for its Basic Scenic NeedsA. Who, What, Where, and WhenB. Creating Breakdowns of Basic Scenic NeedsC. 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 IdeasA. Research or Don't Reinvent the WheelB. Sketches and DrawingsC. Floor Plans and Scale DrawingsD. Breakouts - Perspective SketchesE. Digital Images and CADChapter 7 - How Do I Get Them to Believe It? - Adding Realistic Details A. Paint TreatmentsB. Wall CoveringsChapter 8 - What Should it Look Like?A. Floor ChoicesB. Set Dressings and Props ChoicesSection 3 - Lighting the SetChapter 9 - The Basics of LightingA. Using Three Point LightingB. Types of Lighting Instruments and Their Intended UsesC. Using Diffusion, Gels, and CookiesD. Learning What To and What Not to LightChapter 10 - Special Effects LightingA. How to Create the Intended Effect with LightB. Achieving the Most with Very LittleC. The Latest Techniques and Equipment

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.