Vectorworks, Building an Octagon Truss & Editing Truss hinge
I've created a video showing how to build an octagon and edit hinged truss to 45°. Plus adding Braceworks settings to allow easy snapping.
HSTech Stage Design & Technology
What is DMX? Part One
A terrific set of videos eplaining the basics of what DMX is and how it works.
Laying a Masonite Deck
This article is by G. Patrick McCreary. He was my TD at Bennington over 30 years ago. Patrick wrote this while TD at Indiana University of PA in 2013.
It has been my experience over the past 25 years or so that "DURON", a product of The Masonite Corporation, makes an excellent surface for working stage floors. Here at Indiana University of PA, we use a Duron surface for our main venue, and use the same material on most of our stage decks, usually on top of a layer of ½" Homasote . Duron, however, is no longer available as a product name – the best you can do is ask for 1/4” double-tempered hardboard. I would want to see a sample before I placed my order.
Our Mainspace floor, roughly 50' X 75', is heavily built on, often re-configured, and abused at least four times a year - we replaced the entire top layer three years ago, after 11 years.
Backstage view of set change at Royal Opera House
A timelapse backstage showing just what goes on behind-the-scenes to change the set from the afternoon rehearsals of Romeo and Juliet to the evening performance of La bohème.
Scale Ruler on a Light Plot
How to use a scale ruler to add dimensions to a light plot.
Here's the worksheet I created for the exercise.
Here's the paper version of the Scale Rulers. When you print these out, be sure you have the print output set to No Scaling. The pdf needs to print full size to be in the proper scale. I suggest you still check it with an actual ruler. Also, if you make copies, double check those as well. I've had copiers enlarge/reduce by just 1-3% and it knocks everything off.
Thanks for visiting.
Lighting “Design” Software
While paper and pencil were the preferred method of many designers even ten years ago, today, designers are expected to use computer-based programs to support their design work. Current lighting technology has also increased the need for a diverse body of computer software applications.
Download the entire article originally printed in Dramatics Magazine.
Dimensioning Lights
I use this worksheet to help my students learn how to add dimensions between lighting units on a sample light plot. Adding dimensions while drafting a light plot saves an immense amount of time and during the lighting crew calls when the lights are being found in the theatre.
Times Lapse Video: Behind the Scenes at the Metropolitan Opera | The New York Times
Behind the curtain at the Metropolitan Opera. In order of appearance: set up for "La Rondine," set assembly for "L'Elisir d'Amore," stage rehearsal of "Rigoletto" and set up for "Le Comte Ory."
Super Simple how-to draw 2 point perspective boxes
I've created a short totorial on making rough-sketched collection of 2 point perspective boxes. This was for my drafting and draing for theatre class at CSU.
Scale Ruler Worksheet
A quick how-to on using an architects' scale ruler and completing a Scale Ruler worksheet for my Drafting & Drawing and my Fundamentals class at CSU.
Reading and/or measuring with a scale ruler is a basic skill required for many involved with design and/or technical theater.
A copy of the worksheet and the paper version of the scale rulers are posted here.
How to Make Your Resume ROAR
How to Make Your Resume ROAR (Results Oriented and Relevant)
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
Two of the most important characteristics of a resume are that the resume must be Results (not task) Oriented And Relevant to potential employers. Unfortunately, many resumes present the reader with life histories and/or restated job descriptions (task oriented) rather than statements of accomplishments (results oriented). Furthermore, many resumes do not clearly state how the potential employer will benefit from hiring the potential employee. They leave that to the potential employer to determine. These two problems may lead to the resume being ignored.