Set Design and Construction: Teaching Tech Theater Workshop

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Teaching Tech Theater Workshop

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=4712
Printed Date: 11/24/24 at 3:55am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Teaching Tech Theater Workshop

Posted By: tech_director
Subject: Teaching Tech Theater Workshop
Date Posted: 7/13/10 at 10:47pm

I've been asked to teach a tech theater workshop for several groups of summer camp kids. I have about an hour with each group, and the groups range in ages 7 to 13. Each group has approx. 18 kids. I'm looking for some ideas on what others may have done before. I've thought of most of the obvious things (showing models, light board, spotlights, gels, gobos, etc.) but I'm asking to see if anyone has any really creative ideas.

Replies:

Posted By: JoeMc
Date Posted: 7/14/10 at 12:31am

When I ran tachie workshops for the Stagecraft Guild, which I started in a previous life. I found going back to basic lotech aspects was always a winner, such as basic knots, how to hand roll cables boxing a stage area.
I'd split them into 3 or more groups & give each group [crew] about 15 minutes on one of the aspects in turn, on a rotary bases.
Also0 I would save time at the start by quickly going thru each of the subjects & then of course allow time at the end for an open Q&A session Or something simpler like how to make 'Thwakers' using an old used car tyre innertube & dowels. Which we reuse extensivly here in theatre.

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[western] Gondawandaland
"Hear the light & see the sound!
TOI TOI CHOOKAS
{may you always play to a full house!}

Posted By: MercyTech
Date Posted: 7/14/10 at 3:26am

If you have the materials and tools, you can design and build a small simple set. For example, a doorway flat, window, platform and steps, and have them build it a bit at a time each class. I did this for a summer program, and the school incorporated the set into thier play at the end of the session.

Posted By: vickifrank
Date Posted: 7/14/10 at 12:06pm

Set up a small puppet theater. Have them read through a 5 minute play, then divide the group. One designs costumes. One designs the set. Others act & direct, build set, run lights (flashlights).

A very small puppet theater can be made out of cardboard folded in a trifold. Cut the proscenium arch as a rectangle out of the top part of the cardboard. The theater ought to be big enough to accomodate 3 kid actors. Lighting guys can hold flashlights--gelled and gobo'd even-- on the side. Sets can be cutouts.

Kids can decorate the theater with crayons and poster paint.

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http://www.studio-productions-inc.com
1-800-359-2964

The theater scrim people

Posted By: FFootlighters
Date Posted: 7/14/10 at 2:43pm

Design a backdrop. Grab a roll of butcher paper and roll out about 9-12 feet. Have the kids take a section and color/marker/paint create their own "backdrop."

I've also used butcher paper for quick costume activities. Each child lays on the paper and is outlined in black magic marker, then they have a life-size model of themselves to create a costume.

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Fairfield Footlighters
Fairfield, OH
http://www.fairfield-footlighters.org