Set Design Software
Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Set Design and Construction
Forum Discription: Post your questions or suggestions about designing or building a set here.
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1754
Printed Date: 11/23/24 at 4:07pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Set Design Software
Posted By: mark_j
Subject: Set Design Software
Date Posted: 3/17/06 at 10:20am
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I know this was asked before, but I can't find it. What is your favorite CAD software for designing sets? I haven't found anything yet. I downloaded Blender and Open Stages, but haven't played with them enough to make them work. I'd like something cheap, simple, and useful. (Tall order, maybe.) Anyone have any favorites? mj |
Replies:
Posted By: 75director
Date Posted: 3/17/06 at 12:34pm
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Oooo, I'd like to know about that too! Same requirements, cheap and simple to use. I know there's got to be a better way to design than the by-hand method I'm using now. |
Posted By: Thespian_4_ever
Date Posted: 3/17/06 at 3:32pm
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openstage works really well... ------------- |
Posted By: 75director
Date Posted: 3/17/06 at 7:13pm
| Matt, who manufactures that program? |
Posted By: Chris Polo
Date Posted: 3/18/06 at 8:58am
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I use Punch Professional Home Design Suite Platinum.The price was definitely right -- I originally bought the Home Design Suite Professional at Sam's Club two or three years ago for 40 bucks, then upgraded to the new Platinum Suite last year for $20. The Platinum Suite online at their website retails at $99, which I wouldn't have paid, but you can find it on eBay for a LOT less. It's meant for designing houses, but works great for me for set design. I first built a model of our stage based on accurate measurements, and I use that as my base template every time. Then I add walls (i.e. flats), stairs, furniture, etc. The thing I like best about it is that it lets you do a 3D walkthrough of your design. That's really helpful in allowing you to see things like whether there will really be enough room between two pieces of furniture for an actor to walk through without being cramped. Our set builders really like the fact that I can provide them with both a plan that includes dimensions and an accurate 3D representation of what it's supposed to look like when built. Website is at http://www.punchsoftware.com - http://www.punchsoftware.com . ------------- Chris Polo Visit Community Theater Green Room Originals at www.cafepress.com/ctgr "The scenery in the play was beautiful, but the actors got in front of it." -- Alexander Woolcott |
Posted By: Gaafa
Date Posted: 3/19/06 at 3:01am
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I like that idea Chris! Much better than using ?Excel?, as I?m far too old to be bothering with Cad drawings! However on amdram.co.uk forum board. Dogsbody otherwise know as Graham, has developed a new set design software, which was developed & is being packaged through his CT Group. www.turbocad.co.uk, It looks like an ideal product designed for amateur applications, with ProAm in mind! It may be worth while to have a look! ------------- Joe Western Gondawandaland turn right @ Perth. Hear the light & see the sound. Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"} May you always play to a full house} |
Posted By: Thespian_4_ever
Date Posted: 5/30/06 at 10:25am
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Here is the openstage link... http://www.openstages.com - www.openstages.com
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Posted By: Gaafa
Date Posted: 5/30/06 at 8:17pm
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------------- Joe Western Gondawandaland turn right @ Perth. Hear the light & see the sound. Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"} May you always play to a full house} |
Posted By: bigtech
Date Posted: 8/21/06 at 11:16am
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I've gotten hooked on SketchUp. It's very simple to use, if you go through the video tutorial. More importantly, since Google bought the company it's now free-of-charge: http://sketchup.google.com/ ------------- The trouble with doing something right the first time is that nobody appreciates how difficult it was. |
Posted By: eagle100
Date Posted: 10/25/06 at 6:52am
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I agree that Google Sketchup is a good program. And it's free for a period of time I think. It's easy to learn and use as well. I used it to design large set pieces and was able to do so getting quite accurate measurements of the items as well. |
Posted By: brendan
Date Posted: 4/26/07 at 12:29am
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i use my own copy of autocad 2006
i use it primarily for theatre, and for all of my scene design work. I can create the ground plan, then the elevations, then plot them in scale, adhesive them to bristol, cut them out and place them and instantly make a model of my designs.
my school just licensed about 15 copies of the ld assistant 04 which combines with the 3d render tool to let you render the set, place lights anywhere, focus the lights, then you can pot a scale groundplan, with the light plot on ti as well, distinguishing labeled instruments even.
then again a full copy of AutoCAD costs around $1,000 so it might not be the best for someone working on more of a budget in a smaller venue.
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Posted By: tblan
Date Posted: 5/08/07 at 9:05pm
| I have been using MiniCad7, and while it is a bit old it still does everything I need it to for my set and lighting designs. The same program now exists as VectorWorks, and while it isn't quite as good as AutoCad, it certainly gets the job done well. |
Posted By: avcastner
Date Posted: 5/20/07 at 11:17am
I use Sketch-Up basic ALL THE TIME--and I'm hooked. The basic version is FREE. PERIOD. (not for a limited time). The professional version is around $400. ------------- |
Posted By: Stu-Art
Date Posted: 3/06/09 at 5:14am
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open stages is fantastic.
I use it all te time.
It is free!
Find me on face boook (Stu-Art James) and have a look at what can be achieved!  ------------- The Art of Life |