Hello All,
I am writing a paper for my english class on Technical
Theatre/
Stage lighting and I would love it if you could answer any questions possible.
Thanks,
Drew
1.
2. Who were major contributors such as Stanley
McCandless?
3.
4.
5. What is new and emerging technology?
6.
7. How have plotting, auto
CAD programs,
hand plotting, and computer
rendering affected technical
theatre?
8.
9. What unions preside over the industry?
10.
11. What is the hierarchy of Broadway Shows?
2. Who were major contributors such as Stanley McCandless?
I'll concentrate on Scenic designers, for this one. Jo Melziner has to be considered a major influence in American Theatrical design, though he was born in Paris. He Pioneering work is typified by his designs for Eugene O'neills
"The Glass Menagerie", and "A Streetcar Named Desire" as well as "
Death of a Salesman" These productions represent a realistic approach to scenery, coupled with the purely theatrical. Probably one of the most copied scenic devices ever is the use of a
scrim in front of the
house for the production of "
Menagerie". Both "S
alesman" and "
Streetcar" represent the realistic approach more than anything. Building a two-story
house on
stage was not beyond Meziners
vision.
Ming Cho
Lee, While not my favorite designer has to be considered as well when viewing the pantheon of Major american designers. My resident
Scenic designer and I just recently had a discussion about Mr.
Lee, my feeling is that his Productions are overblown, over produced statements, but they are that, statements. That is probably the most important thing a
scenic designer can introduce to a production.
5. What is new and emerging technology?
In my opinion one of the most important emerging technologies is the evolution of
LED lighting. This has the potential revolutionise lighting practices on many different fronts. Reduced
power consumption, greater control over lighting areas, ability to expand lighting inventories for much less expense < not yet but soon>. Digital Sound Editing, and operation has provided immense improvements in control and reliability and quality of sound. Advances in Battery operated tools has provided greatly decreased times that a set need for being in the shop and greater flexibility for shop spaces
7. How have plotting, auto CAD programs, hand plotting, and computer rendering affected technical theatre?
For my part
Cad and 3d
rendering have cataputed my abilities as a TD. The ability to manipulate drawings without having to destroy the originals or completely redraw hours worth of work is incredible. I was never a great draftsman, being self taught for the most part, but with ACad,
boom instant Expert, Lineweights, dots and dashes, hidden lines..... all perfect !
Rendering software has allowed me to anticipate problems way before I get into the
theatre. I have an extremely small shop and don't get to pre-assemble most sets, and I usually only have 4-7 days to get final assembly,paints,and dressing done. Being able to
build my
theatre in Sketchup, then
throw the set into it, let's me anticipate all sorts problems that might arise when I get to installation. Now I'm able to
address these issues with the designer and director long before I get to Techs.
9. What unions preside over the industry?
As previoulsy mentioned I.A.T.S.E. < International Association of Theatrical an Studio Engineers> has an umbrella of
Stage Mechanics and Studio Engineers < stagehands in different areas of production, Film and
Stage.> U.S.A. < United Scenic Artists > has sway over Scenic designers and in some areas Scenic Painters ( though some Scenic painters operate under I.A.T.S.E. contracts) And Last but not least
Stage Managers are usually represented by A.E.A < Actors Equity Association>, though they can be represented by anyone of 7 < seven > different Actor, Singer, or performance Unions.
11. What is the hierarchy of Broadway Shows?
Can you explain this ? I don't understand this one. I'll try to attack some more questions this weekend, my wife is giving me the stinkeye and I have to go to the Christmas Revels tomorrow night.