S week 3 S1 (2022-2023)

Stagecraft: Week 3
(September 5-8, 2023)

Important terms are in RED.

Google Classroom assignments are in BLUE.

If ABSENT, you are REQUIRED to read / understand / do all learning activities posted for that day, even if it's not an "assignment"/homework.

Day 1: Stage Terms / Measuring & Cutting Tools

1.) Reviewed Types of Stages (Proscenium, Thrust, Arena, Black Box, Flexible) and other stage terms learned (proscenium arch, plaster line, apron, etc.)

2.) Learned about the materials used to build flats & platforms:

2x4's (used to build the frame/base of platforms)
1x4's (used to build the frame of flats)
luan (thin 1/4" thick wood sheets used to cover Hollywood flats)
plywood (thick 4x8 wood sheets used to cover platforms that need to be load-bearing)
OSB (thick compressed wood 4x8 sheets sometimes used to cover platforms)
masonite (a type of hardboard made of steam-cooked/pressure molded wood fibers - not typically used on flats - one side is smooth, the other is rough)
particle board (wood product made of wood chips & shavings bound together with resin; not used to build sets b/c it's far to weak

3.) Learned about Broadway flats & Hollywood flats (and took notes in Google Classroom Class NOTES - Flats/Platforms)

Broadway flats = 1x4's are laid flat to build frame of the wall; the frame is covered in muslin fabric. Traditionally used for stage (although not as much any more)
Hollywood flats = 1x4's are turned on edge & frame is covered in luan.
(If absent, be sure to take notes in Google Classroom Class NOTES - Flats/Platforms)

4.) Stage Term Review: John took the class on a tour of theatre spaces (reviewing stage terms learned, etc.) while KP took a portion of the class to measure and tape (on the stage floor) the set design for the for the fall play.

DAYS 2-3: Measuring & Cutting Tool Tutorial

1.) Reviewed various stage terms and also Fastening tools, types of wood, and flat/platform terms/materials.

2.) Reviewed/Learned: platforms & flats (= the stock "building blocks" of most sets)

Flats = set walls (Two types: Hollywood or Broadway)
Platforms = load bearing for sets/actors
Sets that DON'T move are known as "box" or "unit" sets
Sets that DO move are built on platforms that have casters (wheels) and are known as wagons

3.) Learned the names of Measuring & Cutting Tools (see "Measuring & Cutting Tools" page in your Class Notes in Google Classroom). If ABSENT, be sure you add these turns to your Class Notes in Google Classroom.

1. tape measure (sometimes also called steel tape)

2. L square (for getting right angles)

3. speed square (sometimes called "carpenter's square")

4. Level (for getting things level horizontally and plumb vertically)

5. Chalk line (pull from point A to point B then snap!)

6. "C" clamp (a clamp shaped like a "C")

7. Quick Clamp

8. Chop/Mitre Saw

9. Circular Saw

10. Jig Saw

11. Reciprocating Saw / Sawzall (because it "saws ALL!")

4.) Went to the scene shop and learned about various Cutting Tools/Tasks while in rotating groups :

1/2 class with John: How to Fasten 1x4's & 2x4's at right angles using a Carpenter's Square
1/2 class with KP: How to use a Chop/Mitre Saw

DAY 4: Learning how to build a Flat/Platform

1.) Reviewed : Types of Stages & Stage terms, Types of wood, and flats/platforms.

2.) KP Introduced our first building project: Building a flat or platform

3.) Watched: Video of How to Build a Flat (watch if you were absent today)

4.) Read: How to build a platform (in Google Classroom - Class NOTES Journal) (read if you were absent today)

5.) Learned what a cut list is, and why builders use them. Each building group (assigned by KP) received their own cut list in order to prepare for building a flat/platform.

6.) Began working in the scene shop to gather materials for flats & platforms (women build flats & men build platforms)

REMINDER: Bring PAINT CLOTHES for next class (oversized clothes that can go OVER your school clothes when you do painting projects)

NEXT LESSON:

1.) Reviewed flats/platform terms already learned:

platforms, wagons, casters, flats, Broadway Flat, Hollywood Flat, stile, rail

2.) Reviewed what a cut list is, and why builders use them. Each building group double-checked/finished their own cut list (click to print) in order to prepare for building a flat/platform.

3.) Began working in the scene shop to gather materials for flats & platforms and begin building. (Women build flats & men build platforms.)

4.) Learned about casters, caster blocks, and wagon locks/brakes (and how to install each). Click HERE for more info (also available in Google Classroom - CLASS NOTES Journal).

5.) Participated: Worked in scene shop to finish building flats/platforms.

Phase 2 for girls: Prime your flat
Phase 2 for guys: Caster your platform and install wagon locks/breaks.
When finished: All group members sign the back of your flat/platform

REMINDER: There are instructions on building a platform in Google Classroom CLASS NOTES. Instructions on building a flat are in the video at the top of this page.

REMINDER: Bring PAINT CLOTHES for next class (oversized clothes that can go OVER your school clothes when you do painting projects)

Stagecraft: Week 3 (September 5-8, 2023)

Stagecraft: Week 3
(September 5-8, 2023)