The Importance of Being Earnest
Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Play Suggestions
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URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2959
Printed Date: 4/20/25 at 5:13pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: The Importance of Being Earnest
Posted By: ty.gab
Subject: The Importance of Being Earnest
Date Posted: 2/06/08 at 12:47pm
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i just got done prop designing and doing set decoration for my high school's production. it was definitely very design-y, as opposed to completely realistic. much of the design was based in the idea that, although what the characters say is not the truth, it is much prettier than the truth. what you saw on stage was not necessarily accurate, but it was prettier or more showy than what you would truly see. so, here are a few pics.
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Replies:
Posted By: stgdirector4
Date Posted: 2/06/08 at 4:11pm
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A very handsome, if conventional, design. I will be directing a production of LADY WINDERMERE'S FAN next season, another of Wilde's plays.
"In so vulgar an age as this we all need masks. |
Posted By: JoeMc
Date Posted: 2/07/08 at 4:30pm
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The sets seem to work well on the revolving stage.
How was the revolve operated by grunt power, motorised or rope/cable winch.
I couldnt pick up from the photos any outer cable tracks, so I asume it was either a grunt or motorised?
The other thing I was wondering about was the reason for sheer gauze, in the garden patio scene?
Otherwise the mise en scene works great!
------------- [western] Gondawandaland "Hear the light & see the sound! TOI TOI CHOOKAS {may you always play to a full house!} |
Posted By: ty.gab
Date Posted: 2/07/08 at 5:11pm
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The turntable was operated by pure grunt power. It only took one person to turn. We had it worked out so the person turning was never visible to the audience. Because one of the scene changes took place without a blackout as the actors continued to deliver lines it transfered from the garden to inside the adjoining room. The idea of the turntable was that A) it was practical and B) the characters of Jack and Algy are sending themselves in circles between the city and the country. The fabric "tent" was there the entire show although it's only visible in a few of the pictures. It actually encircled the entire upstage half of the turntable with a forty foot diameter. One of our director's design concepts was the idea of illusion and facade, almost a circus kind of atmosphere. Also, it served to enclose the characters in their own little world which they very much were.
It was lit differently in each scene.
The material behaved similar to a scrim. We were able to have it lit so it was transparent or opaque. It was much more visible than it appears in the pictures.
In the garden our lighting designer also projected cloud gobos on it to give it an airy feel. It came off very well.
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Posted By: JoeMc
Date Posted: 2/07/08 at 8:04pm
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The revovle must of cost a few Bob to make up?
The only other things I noticed, not trying to nit pick, but it may be something to consider or keep in mind.
With the candle sconces on the wall, thgey used to place a mirror behind each sconce, to reflect the candle light. Or have a back plate to protect the wallpaper from being scorched. Not that the punters would have noticed & the mirrors could create a lighting problem. Please take this in the spirit, not as crit, but being constructive!
Possibly the gauze may have been better to be weighted by a batten or whatever, which would have reduced or eliminated the wrinkles.
Other than that it was a fantastic setting, well executed.
I remember years ago, actualy getting paid extra/ performance. Because my backside could be seen from the balcony & the pidgeon holes. Every time house in Fiddler on the roof, was moved onto the revolve, When I was a Mechanist during the National Tour!
G'donya Ty & welcome to the forum!
------------- [western] Gondawandaland "Hear the light & see the sound! TOI TOI CHOOKAS {may you always play to a full house!} |
Posted By: ty.gab
Date Posted: 2/07/08 at 9:01pm
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Thank ya for the welcome!
Yea, our set designer's materials budget was $1000.
not too bad.
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Posted By: JoeMc
Date Posted: 2/08/08 at 8:55am
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They did very well for the money, with a decent sized working revolve to play with! ------------- [western] Gondawandaland "Hear the light & see the sound! TOI TOI CHOOKAS {may you always play to a full house!} |