Innovative Set/Scenery Ideas and Resources
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=5180
Printed Date: 11/23/24 at 3:34pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Innovative Set/Scenery Ideas and Resources
Posted By: rescueicarus
Subject: Innovative Set/Scenery Ideas and Resources
Date Posted: 10/12/11 at 12:37pm
I've scoured the web for a resource for innovative set and scenery ideas, especially those that don't require heavy machinery or involved riggings, but have come up absolutely resultless. One of the elements that I'm also trying to focus on is the transition from one scene/setting to another. This may be something most often or artistically done in a one-act or limited funding production, but is definitely on Broadway as well. (People tend to get really creative when they're on tight budgets! 
Examples of what I'd consider innovative in big production might be like the rotating stage ground creating the illusion of movement, travelling, and progress used in Les Mis. In a smaller play setting, a noteworthy design I've seen was a woman in rear center stage, serving as a goddess, that wore the set scenes around her waist as a dress. The scenes were large, but then again, so was she... She was standing on a 10 foot ladder underneath it all. The scenes opened from around her by ropelines on pulleys, each opening on cue by offstage pullers.
So... are there any resources compiled out there that have set ideas, or perhaps even awards given for this?
Also... What have you all seen, setwise, that made you smile, impressed, or even exclaim "Brilliant!" in your mind's voice?
All help and commentary appreciated!
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Replies:
Posted By: ZFix2000
Date Posted: 12/22/11 at 7:22am
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Hi! It all depends on the show and what you are trying to accomplish. I designed a set for a show called 'Mutiny' that went from a sitting room scene into a fully rigged ship in one scene change that went very quick and seamless. I have built set pieces that transform into other set pieces quickly. Like the steamer trunk in 'Mutiny' that packed like a trunk but then once on the ship it opened up to become low walls and table ( with a stool inside) for the captains cabin scene. I made a 3 tiered plant shelf that came out of a wall and the plants grew and shrank by using electric car antennas. Roll drops are always a great fast scene change tool. Easy to rig and can be utilized in almost any stage setting. I have made sets with rotating walls that the next scene is preset so when the walls turn, the scene is there. Again a simple fix, as long as your crew is quiet. If you have a specific show in mind let me know your space and I can come up with ideas. As I tell everyone I work with, Do not limit yourself. Think of what you would ideally like to happen and go from there. Never let your space determine your limits. Stan ------------- If You Can Dream It I Can Create It |