Every so often you have to create arc and circles on stage. I'll explain it here but it's just as easy to follow this link and it will show you visually how easy it is.
To lay out an ellipse on stage or in your rehearsal room:
- Measure your ellipse from end to end where your ellipse is the longest.
- Draw a line along the center point from side to side on your ellipse.
- From the center point draw a line the bisects the ellipse from top to bottom (the short side of your ellipse)
- The length from center point to the edge of the long side is your measurement to find your focal points.
- The focal points can be found by using the length you measured in step 4. Take that length and measure from the top and bottom points in a straight line where it intersects the center line you drew in step 2.
- Have two assistants hold something solid on the two focal points.
- Take a string and wrap it in a loop from one focal point to the edge of the ellipse furthest away from that focal point.
- Make sure the loop includes the other focal point.
- Put a piece of chalk in the end of the loop where the edge of the ellipse meets the string.
- Holding the chalk trace the ellipse as the two focal points control the movement of the length of the loop.
Make sense? Probably not, best to just check the link above and it will all become clear! Happy ellipsing!
Tools you need! A piece of string that doesn't stretch and long enough to create your ellipse. If you're having trouble finding string that doesn't stretch, go to your local hardware store and find out where they have the plumb-bobs. The string that is with the bob's doesn't stretch. That's the string you want. You'll need a scale ruler, two things to make your focal points, a piece of chalk to do the outline, and of course the tape your using to lay down the floorplan.