Draftings/Plans

Students in both Stagecraft classes and Scenic Design will need to develop an understanding of standard draftings and plans. Designer will have to communicate conceptual scenery, therefore must understand the standard symbols, line types and weights of standard draftings. Stagecraft classes will begin to convert design Elevations into construction drawings. All must first learn how to read a Scale Ruler

For Scenic Design we will approach exercises to gain familiarity with mechanical draftings: hand drawn plans using velum, lead holders, triangles and other drafting tools.

As students approach their own designs, we will generate a mechanically drafted ground plan.

Students will then model their designs using Sketchup 3D modeling software as and introduction to CAD; computer aided design and drafting.

From these computer models we can create the necessary drafting images that a designer would need to convey the proper information. When opening Sketchup it will ask to choose a template. "Interior Production and Design" is preferred as it had white background and be sure to use Feet and Inches rather than Millimeters.

By arranging the camera view to look at models in the proper manner, one can then send their design to Layout where images can be arranged and text blocks added to convey the proper information that would be found in a standard Title Block . ( A reminder of information found in title block can be found below)

Regardless of the current camera view of a model, when a Sketchup file is sent to Layout, it reverts the the view of the last saved file, so be sure to save once navigating to the desired view! Students will be asked to create PDFs that can be either printed or added to a google folder. Students should create the following:

Perspective view

• Go to Camera ► standard view ► front. (or hit ⌘3)
• Make sure it is in Perspective view.
• Back away to see the stage as an audience member would see it, including proscenium arch, save (⌘ S) and send to layout.

Ground Plan

• Conventional draftings are black and white. Additional color, texture and even the optional shadows in Sketchup, or the grey that will show up on an object while creating it will make a design harder to interpret. For Plan and Section views, please select the entire stage and paint it white.
• While still in perspective view; Under Tools: select "section plane" or hit (⌘ Y) to slice the model at approximately head height or whatever best shows details. As one moves the cursor around, it will snap to different surfaces of the model. The orientation will change to reflect that surface. To align your section plane with the blue axis, bring you cursor to the stage floor. Hold the Shift button to lock the plane in this orientation. Bring your cursor up to raise the elevation of the plane to desired height.
• Once you section is cut; go to Camera ► standard view ► top. (or hit ⌘1)
• Switch from Perspective to Parallel view.
• Center your design in your window and save. (⌘ S) and send to Layout

Section

• To remove the section cutting plane used for the ground plan view, select the plane by clicking on any of the arrows. It will become highlighted and then can be deleted.
• Use a new section plane (⌘ Y) and bring the cursor to the stage left proscenium edge. Hold the Shift key and bring your cursor to the center line of the stage. (green axis)
• Once you section is cut; go to Camera ► standard view ► left. (or hit ⌘5) You should still be using Parallel projection.
• Align your model, save, and send to Layout.

Elevations can be created to gain exemplary credit level. Those wishing to approach creating these can inquire about strategies.