http://www.communitytheater.org/forum This is an XML content feed of; Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board : Set Design and Construction : Last 10 Posts Copyright (c) 2006 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 20 May 2026 12:57:22 +0000 Sat, 31 Aug 2019 14:23:36 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 8.05 30 www.communitytheater.org/forum/RSS_topic_feed.asp?FID=1 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_images/CTGRlogo.gif http://www.communitytheater.org/forum http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5641&PID=29169#29169 Author: Lane Class
Subject: Need book on how to construct scenery today
Posted: 8/31/19 at 2:23pm

In our community theatre we often have people willing to work on. set construction, but they often build something that is too big, overweight and overbuilt and with no attention to the design graphs or knowledge of how to construct stage sets.

We want to buy one or two of the best and most comprehensive set construction books that are up-to-date--now, not how it was done 75 years ago(no soaking muslin in glue, or styrofoam trees, etc.). We also do not want to spend a bundle. Will someone make us a couple of good suggestions. There are so many available, but if one hasn't used a particular one, it is hard to judge the value. Is there a set construction "bible?"

]]> Sat, 31 Aug 2019 14:23:36 +0000 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5641&PID=29169#29169 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5625&PID=29136#29136 Author: cjeszeck
Subject: RENTING OUT EQUIPMENT
Posted: 3/24/17 at 3:38pm

Our community theater (actually my husband!)has constructed a beautiful baby grand piano shell, which houses an electronic keyboard, for our current production of Glorious by Peter Quilter. I was thinking if we could rent it out for weddings, parties, etc, it would be a great way to recoup some costs and raise money for our group. Does anyone here know if there are any legal issues we should be aware of before putting it out there?]]> Fri, 24 Mar 2017 15:38:41 +0000 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5625&PID=29136#29136 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5607&PID=29133#29133 Author: Spectrum
Subject: Tevye's Cart
Posted: 3/04/17 at 2:03am

I realize this is an old question, but for anybody presently looking for a solution, here's my suggestion. I don't have plans for Tevye's milk cart, but I do have 35 years of theatre experience (both sides of the lights), so my suggestion for you is to either build a small box, open at the top, or if you already have a 3'W X 4'L X 1'H platform built, turn it upside down. Build a simple frame under that box and along the edges out of 2X3 inch lumber with the handles extended forward enough for your Tevye to hold them and walk in front of the inverted box. Now bore holes for a single axle through that "under frame" made from 2X3 inch boards (drill them stacked together, before assembling the frame for easy axle alignment) and put a wooden axle (1 inch dowel rod) through the holes that extends far enough past the sides of the box to attach the wheels. Purchase a couple of 36 inch wooden wheels made for landscaping accents (they're relatively cheap and usually found at landscaping stores and maybe even Harbor Freight Tools). I bought six of them there a while ago for $15 each. In any event, a quick "Google search" should give you ideas where to look. Slide those wheels onto the axles and pin them to prevent them coming off (but still able to turn freely), and then add a simple structure to the top side of that wagon box (a board across the top, front for seating and possibly a rack across the back for tools or bags, etc.) to make it look like the milk cart you want, paint it to look weathered and old, and you're in business.

Edited by Spectrum - 3/04/17 at 2:07am]]> Sat, 04 Mar 2017 02:03:29 +0000 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5607&PID=29133#29133 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5607&PID=29087#29087 Author: Tammy Breitman
Subject: Tevye's Cart
Posted: 10/01/15 at 2:26pm

Does anyone have plans/ideas for constructing Tevye's cart for "Fiddler on the Roof"?
Thanks!]]> Thu, 01 Oct 2015 14:26:46 +0000 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5607&PID=29087#29087 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5600&PID=29071#29071 Author: bmiller025
Subject: Styrofoam Board
Posted: 7/03/15 at 4:26pm

There are coating materials available out there that can fireproof styrofoam. It is a thick paint that separates the foam from the flames sufficiently to make the barrier "fireproof." Once it is coated, you can paint the surface as normal. I have only seen it used once on a show I lit, so I didn't have anything to do with its application, but it passed muster.

There is a product made by Rosco called FlexCoat that is intended for this purpose.
]]> Fri, 03 Jul 2015 16:26:47 +0000 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5600&PID=29071#29071 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5600&PID=29065#29065 Author: ncstorrs
Subject: Styrofoam Board
Posted: 6/15/15 at 5:45pm

Hi - We're doing large castle, and plan to construct the castle towers, walls of 2x4 and 2x6 framing, with styrofoam carved to look like stone.

We have a fire inspector who is EXTREMELY stringent with use of various materials. Any suggestions of what we can/should do in order to use the material of choice - and still remain compliant.

Anyone have similar experience? Suggestions for how to make fire inspector happy if we do this?]]> Mon, 15 Jun 2015 17:45:16 +0000 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5600&PID=29065#29065 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5596&PID=29056#29056 Author: edh915
Subject: Web based Set Design program
Posted: 5/20/15 at 1:15pm

I don't have a Mac, and the SketchUp I originally downloaded was SketchUp 8. I'll tell you what it gave me to work with, and we'll see if we're talking similar programs.

The primary screen has a human figure standing at the intersection of multiple vertices.

Initially, using the measuring tape tool, I laid out the floor plan of my stage, following the red axis and green axis. Then, using the pencil tool, I connected the dots. As soon as the four corners met and were connected, the floor space turned solid. I measured out the walls the same way. Then I had a template for my stage which I saved and now use as the basis of any set I work on.

One of the tools is called the Orbit tool. It allows you to change your vantage point and look at the stage from the left, or right, or even from straight above (which is what I use when drawing out my flat arrangement).

I draw flats and place them where I need, always starting at floor level, then adding height, then connecting at the top. The walls (flats) become solid as soon as the four corners are connected.

Theoretically, you can draw furniture, too, but that's always been more trouble than it's worth for me.

I have a very, very small space to work with, with a couple of architectural oddities, so being able to "see" things really helps me. I'm not going to win any design awards, but being able to visualize my set within the limitations of my space helps me maximize the effectiveness of my staging. (At least, I believe it does.)

I hope this makes sense. I really don't understand the absence of the push/pull on your screen.

I can email you a couple of screen shots if you think they would be of any help.]]> Wed, 20 May 2015 13:15:31 +0000 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5596&PID=29056#29056 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5596&PID=29053#29053 Author: kmdded
Subject: Web based Set Design program
Posted: 5/07/15 at 8:26am

I downloaded the Sketchup Make but it is really simplifiied and there is no Push-Pull tab to create depth. Am I doing something wrong? I am using Safari as my browser and I have a MAC.]]> Thu, 07 May 2015 08:26:53 +0000 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5596&PID=29053#29053 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5596&PID=29052#29052 Author: edh915
Subject: Web based Set Design program
Posted: 5/06/15 at 8:38pm

I use SketchUp. It's not as versatile as I'd like, but it at least gives me walls, doors and windows within a fixed space, multiple levels, and the ability to compare different color palates. Not perfect by a long shot, but way, way better than nothing.]]> Wed, 06 May 2015 20:38:06 +0000 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5596&PID=29052#29052 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5596&PID=29051#29051 Author: kmdded
Subject: Web based Set Design program
Posted: 5/05/15 at 7:50pm

Does anyone know of an easy to use web based set design program?]]> Tue, 05 May 2015 19:50:46 +0000 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5596&PID=29051#29051