Sets (scenery, building)

•Boxes and cubes

SESSION  – TWO-DIMENSIONAL SCENERY

• The vocabulary and methods of traditional and contemporary scenic construction techniques. An overview of scenic systems – drapery as scenery, drops, projections, etc.
• Discussion of methods to teach middle and high school scenery construction. What are the limits posed by the vast array of limits of working in the public school? How may we work within and around our limitations?

SESSION – SCENERY IN PRACTICE

• A discussion of the techniques used to build for stock – modularization, standardization of unit sizes, materials and construction methods for reuse, and adaptation of used scenery.
• Working session. How can stock scenery benefit the school system in the long run? How to deal with the problems of storage? Can schools share stock scenery?

SESSION – THREE-DIMENSIONAL SCENERY

• Non-weight-bearing scenery – vocabulary, materials and techniques for the construction of set pieces and large props.
• How can drama teachers team up with art teachers to build needed props?

SESSION – SCENERY ON STAGE

• Weight-bearing scenery – vocabulary, materials and techniques for the construction of platforms, stairs, ramps, etc. Modularity and standard dimensioning. Safety and proper loading precautions.
• Working session. How to build/assemble platforming for school performances.