Play production cycle

Every play production has a beginning. In the theatre the production cycle begins with the selection of the play. Often this is done by a committee. after the play is selected a head director is selected. sometimes the head director is chosen from a pool of volunteers other times they are hired. The director will read and analyze the script and come up with an artistic version. this vision is than shared with the other directors. Some head directors prefer assembling there own team. Some theatre's have production teams permanently on staff. There are many steps to the PPC.

Steps

1 * Read the script scene by scene taking notes to each aspect.

2 * create a sketch of the scene design you would share with the Scene Designer. Include both a scene design and an elevation of your vision. include notes on color, space and feel.

3 * Settle on look for the costuming, weather period accurate or fanciful, to share withe the costume designer.

4 * settle on a lighting feel, color and intensity is important.

5 * Decide on the feel of makeup. Strong, realistic, exaggerated etc.

6 * Select musical genre and feel.

Step 1 (Worksheet)

You are the head director. You will read "All's Faire". You will compile an artistic vision of the play. You must consider the colors, sounds, setting, feel, lighting, makeup and costuming of the production as a whole.

Take notes on any aspect of the play that will become a part of your vision.

Make special note of page numbers containing lots of scenic information.

In words describe you idea for the scene design.

List characters and describe each: Describe their costuming.

In words describe the music you would like.

In words describe the lighting that should be used.

these descriptions should hold lots of adjectives that refer to the play as a whole.

Step 2 (Worksheet)

Sketch the floor plan of you show on a standard sheet of paper. Be sure to include all necessary entrances and exits, furniture and other properties. Be sure to include notes on color and feel.

Sketch a front perspective of the show to present to the set designer to help guid him to your desired set. Be sure to make notes on colors throught the space including woods, walls, wallpapers and cloth goods.

Finally apply scale and fit your design onto the stage in a final draft of the floor plan. The drawing will be in 1/8" scale. It will be turned in both physically and electronically.

Step 3 (Worksheet)

Costuming is often considered the most important part of character creation. it is a defining visual cue to the audience of a characters self identity. You will make a collage of pictures correct to a time period and region for one Characters of each gender in the play. You must have a minimum of Twenty pictures in Each set. you will sketch and color a complete costume for each character.

Step 4

Without lights the show * settle on a lighting feel, color and intensity is important.

Step 5 * Decide on the feel of makeup. Strong, realistic, exaggerated etc.

Step 6

Music must be selected for the show. the music must be Royalty free and available. All selections should be appropriate for the play in theme, mood, period and feel. you will be selecting opening music as well as any random music in the script. These will be timed and all start and stop cues must be noted.