I'm definitely not an expert in
this area. I take my orders from the Stage manager but I have been
involved in set building, at all levels, for more years than I care to remember! I've wallpapered flats and then stripped the paper from flats. I've been
up tall ladders, doing a balancing act with a paint brush and pot of paint. I've
upholstered furniture, hung curtains, hung doors and made four poster beds
etc etc Therefore I think that I have some insight into the trials and
tribulations of set design and hope to be able to pass on some useful
information.
Theatres vary enormously
from the modern, usually corporate owned, well appointed theatre to the small
parochial theatre struggling to support itself. Examples of two excellent local
theatres are the
Queen's, Hornchurch and the
Kenneth Moore, Ilford. Theatres like this
produce professional and semi-professional productions as well as amateur
productions. The facilities are good, the stage is large and has a great
height to enable scenery to be "flown", curtains to be raised, special effects
to be used etc. etc. Above all the scenery can be hired in, delivered
whole and constructed in a short space of time, by professionals.
Other ammy drammy groups perform
in halls that have stage and dressing room facilities, some very cramped for
space! Imagine a dozen chorus ladies in one small dressing room, trying to
get into bloomers, hooped petticoats and crinolines. Those same ladies then
moving along a narrow corridor to enter an equally small stage. The set
designer has to make that stage seem spacious enough to accommodate everyone
with ease!! A knowledge of optical illusions is useful!
A good set designer is essential
when you embark on building your own set. I've been lucky enough to be involved
with one who is an accomplished artist, carpenter and has draughtsman skills - a
perfect combination! Not easy to find I might add!
Here are a few musts to
start with:-
 | The measurements must be meticulous. |
| Colour and style should be decided upon
at an early stage. |
| The design should be approved by the
producer and stage manager to avoid any disagreements, that could hold up the
set building at a crucial time. |
| The lighting engineer
should be consulted and it may be just as wise to hold a meeting
between all interested parties, where the design could be presented and
discussed. |
| Agree a time schedule to
build the set and book
the time slots with the theatre or hall |
| Decide on props that need
to be constructed and allow time for the construction. |
| Cost the materials and
purchase beforehand, otherwise someone will be running down to the local
DIY store on set building time! |
| Check the flats and
staging blocks/ coffins for damage and make good. |
| Get your crew together and
always allow for at least an hour lunch break ( to get in a pint and some
light lunch at the local) |
| Invite the lighting and
sound persons to set building to get a feel for the area to be lit and the
position of furniture and props. |
| Make it a team effort, that
is fun and rewarding |
| Comply with all fire
regulations and local authority licensing laws |
| Get your crew to commit to
striking the set, even if they are going to the after show party! |
