Scenery Design

Designing scenery for the stage consists of reading the script, acknowledging budget, and planning a design that fits the parameters of the stage and helps tell the script's story, with help from the director and other designers' visions.

Supplies usually consist of Plywood, Dimensional Lumber, Wood Screws, and Bolts. Occasionally, metal is used where additional structure is needed.

The first step in coming up with a design for a show is reading the script. Usually, reading the script 3 times is sufficient, but up to 5 times is preferable. The first time, read for enjoyment. Simply get an idea for the general feeling, the 'vibe' of the show. Is it a comedy? A drama? Musical? Straight play? This can inform what scale the scenery may take. The next few readings should consist of writing down needs of the show, like doors, windows, chairs, etc. A time period is also important, such as being set in the 1900's, as well as time of year - winter, spring, summer, or fall. Once the script has been read several times, some ideas for scenery should be floating around your head. Time to move to step 2.

Designing a plan can take the form of renderings, models, drawings, painting, or any other medium that helps designs be presentable to others. An important consideration is aligning your plans with those of the director, and other designers such as lighting and costumes. Colors should relate, and textures should all be taken into consideration. Putting plans and ideas into a presentable medium can help designers know what you are planning, and blueprints tell the builders what to construct. On to step 3.

As long as plans are made well, construction should be pretty straightforward. Inevitably, things will come up unexpectedly, but otherwise it is a good idea to keep safety and reliability in mind. Things in theater are built temporarily, but should still be made safe as people tend to be rough with things backstage where visibility is low. Steps should be taped in bright colors, and stair tops should be the same rise and run along an entire length.

After the set is built, reflection is helpful in planning for next time. What went well? What went poorly? Were there any injuries? Did the project go overbudget? If the show went well and looked good, Congratulations!