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The stage space
The stage space
Types of stages
Types of stages
stage types.pptxStage curtains
Stage curtains
Masking a stage means hanging curtains or putting up solid panels so the audience cannot see the workings of the event (such as the wings, the fly system, or under the stage).
Masking curtains are used to ‘mask’ the stage.
They can include:
borders
legs
travellers (mid and rear).
The video 'Theatre masking' explains this in more detail.
Theatre masking
Duration: 01:17Staging elements used in productions:
Staging elements used in productions:
flats
furniture
set items
props
scenery (framed, non-weight bearing, soft, weight bearing)
scenic art
sets
trucks (stage platforms on wheels)
backdrops
visual display screens.
Watch the video 'Wicked scenery: Design concept' to see the process of how the designer's concept is put on stage.
Wicked scenery: Design concept
Duration: 03:59Flats
Flats
A flat is one of the most common pieces of set used in theatre. they can be used to mask walls, windows, doors and profiles. Framed flats are usually constructed from timber. A framed flat has a greater variety of uses compared to unframed scenery.
The video 'How to build theatre masking flats' demonstrates how to make flats.
How to build theatre masking flats
Duration: 04:20
Connecting flats is required for many reasons in productions and can be done through the use of:
battens
lashing
nails or screws
hinges (loose or fixed pin).
Use caster wheels for easy movement of flats or they can be flown if the theatre has a fly tower.
Props
Props
A prop or property, is defined as any object used on stage by actors during a performance that is movable or portable on the stage or a set.
The video 'Prop manager' explores the process of properties in a stage production from a professional props manager.
Prop manager
Duration: 07:11Props - (Properties) Furnishings, set dressings, and all items large and small which cannot be classified as scenery, electrics or wardrobe. Props handled by actors are known as hand props, props which are kept in an actors costume are known as personal props.
Props table - Table in convenient offstage area on which properties are prepared prior to a performance and to which they should be returned after use.
Props inventory – A detailed list of props required for a production, their location and condition before and after use in the production. This is often prepared by a Deputy Stage Manager or Properties Manger.
Props table
The main types of scenery used in live performances and events are:
Backdrops are meant as scenic elements on stage. They can be painted or printed to become part of the scenery. Most drops are made of muslin or canvas depending on their purpose. Many backdrops in modern theatre today are used as projection screens rather than painted cloths.
Cycloramas are often used in the rear of the stage, primarily for lighting and projection purposes. They can hang from a pipe batten or travel on a curved track.
Scrims are a finely woven fabric, which can appear translucent or opaque when lit from different angles. When lit from the front it is opaque, when lit from the rear it is translucent. This quality allows for a wonderful bleed through effect revealing or concealing other backdrops, scenery or actors by shifting the lighting gradually from rear to front and vice versa.
Technology continues to enhance how designers use the combination of these scenery elements together with the set in live performance.
The video 'Projection use for the stage' with David Torpey discusses how he incorporates technology to his theatre design.
Projection use for the stage
Duration: 05:53
Scenery backdrop
Cyclorama
Scrim
Basic staging operation guide
Basic staging operation guide
Stage geography
Stage geography
The video 'Basic theater boot camp' gives you an overview of the different areas of the stage, known as stage geography.
When directing students around the stage using the correct terminology is important. This is also useful when designing and creating stage plans for events.
Basic theater boot camp
Duration: 01:52Assembling, positioning and/or laying different set pieces and floor types
Assembling, positioning and/or laying different set pieces and floor types
You may be required to install a stage floor, including any traps, revolves and tracks shown on the stage plan.
After the floor has been installed, it is laid up. This means covering it in the material chosen by the set designer, and specified on the stage plan.
These are various examples of coverings used:
Floor cloths - padded material (usually canvas) which is often painted as a part of the scenery.
Tarkett - a linoleum-type surface used for dancing.
Carpet rolls or tiles - a simple cost effective option to lay up the floor.
Masonite - engineered wood and can be used to resurface the stage floor and can be painted.
Vinyl - PVC floor covering can be used to create various set floor designs.
Schools Spectacular tarkett floor
Photo credit: Anna Warr
Marking out a stage
Marking out a stage
The stage manager (SM) or member of the stage crew uses ‘mark up’ tape to mark out the boundaries of the stage area and where each set element will be placed. The SM will use the scale floor plan provided by the set designer to accurately mark out the stage area and where each set piece will be located.
Marks on the floor are often called 'deads'. They mark where all the sets, props and performers go. They mark exact positions for:
Where the flats will be lowered and raised for each scene.
The placing of the scenery that is pushed on and off on trolleys or castors during the performance.
The placements of the performers.
VET student crew mark up the floor at Schools Spectacular
The video 'Stage management' explores how the marking out process occurs.
Stage Management
Duration: 07:07Third-party content attributions
Third-party content attributions
Anna Warr or other TAU photographer
Schools Spectacular images 1-4, photographer: Anna Warr.
Art Express, Operation Art etc
[Title of the artwork], © [Name of student], [Year published], reproduced and communicated with permission.
The Shark, © Sue Dawson, 2016, reproduced and communicated with permission.
Creative commons or other images that need attribution - use Open Attribution Builder
"Mr. Mouse" by Birdies100 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Our images
Visual arts activity 1 images, Photographer: Sue Dawson.
Our Kids
Girl in Garden 1-4, © Sue Dawson, 2020, reproduced and communicated with permission. Provided all acknowledgements are retained, these images may be reproduced free of charge for non-commercial educational purposes within Australia only.
Content from artists already licensed with TAU
[Title of work with source link if possible], © [Copyright owner], [Year published], reproduced and communicated with permission.
Lord of the Flies II, © James Powditch, 2007, reproduced and communicated with permission.
section 113P
[Title of work with source link if possible], [Creator], © [Copyright owner], [Year published], copied under s113P, accessed [dd mmm yyyy].
Butterfly Effects, © James Powditch, 2007, copied under s113P, accessed 24 May 2020.
Over the Rainbow, songwriters: E.Y. Harburg / Harold Arlen, lyrics: © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Conexion Media Group, Inc, copied under s113P, accessed 21 September 2019.
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