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Hello, theatre hive mind!

I'm looking for your favorite tips and hacks for creating an interesting set design with minimum construction. I don't have a technical director, and since we rent a theater space, we have a very narrow build window. Unfortunately, our lighting grid tends to wash out projections, so those aren't an option.

Thanks in advance!

In general? 

If you have the storage space for a stock of 4x8 flats, they can be painted and reconfigured in countless ways to create interiors. Just carry 'em in, zip 'em together, and jack 'em so they don't fall down. Depending on the size of the stage, maybe six walls, one or two doorways and windows.

I also love doing "limbo" sets, especially if the play has multiple locations. Little to no build required, just representational pieces to suggest the location: lamppost, guardrail, armchair and side table, what have you.

Is this answering what you're asking? From recognizing your name I know you've been around this community long enough to have your own ideas that you... might be tired of?

Hello, theatre hive mind!

I'm looking for your favorite tips and hacks for creating an interesting set design with minimum construction. I don't have a technical director, and since we rent a theater space, we have a very narrow build window. Unfortunately, our lighting grid tends to wash out projections, so those aren't an option.

Thanks in advance!

Have you tried PVC pipe backdrops that have multiple painted backdrops on muslin that can be flipped to change the setting? we used this for several traveling shows and it works great and is easily taken apart and put together. You can use PVC pipe a multiple of ways to create sets. Also and I am sure you know this ... several boxes..... I have twelve... all the same size that can be put together to be many different things. Mine are now very heavy because of all the paint on them. Also they all have lids that open so they can be used to transport props and costumes!!!!

cathy

I think I can find pictures of the PVC pipe sets if you like. 

In general? 

If you have the storage space for a stock of 4x8 flats, they can be painted and reconfigured in countless ways to create interiors. Just carry 'em in, zip 'em together, and jack 'em so they don't fall down. Depending on the size of the stage, maybe six walls, one or two doorways and windows.

I also love doing "limbo" sets, especially if the play has multiple locations. Little to no build required, just representational pieces to suggest the location: lamppost, guardrail, armchair and side table, what have you.

Is this answering what you're asking? From recognizing your name I know you've been around this community long enough to have your own ideas that you... might be tired of?

Hello, theatre hive mind!

I'm looking for your favorite tips and hacks for creating an interesting set design with minimum construction. I don't have a technical director, and since we rent a theater space, we have a very narrow build window. Unfortunately, our lighting grid tends to wash out projections, so those aren't an option.

Thanks in advance!

I would love to see pictures!

Have you tried PVC pipe backdrops that have multiple painted backdrops on muslin that can be flipped to change the setting? we used this for several traveling shows and it works great and is easily taken apart and put together. You can use PVC pipe a multiple of ways to create sets. Also and I am sure you know this ... several boxes..... I have twelve... all the same size that can be put together to be many different things. Mine are now very heavy because of all the paint on them. Also they all have lids that open so they can be used to transport props and costumes!!!!

cathy

I think I can find pictures of the PVC pipe sets if you like. 

In general? 

If you have the storage space for a stock of 4x8 flats, they can be painted and reconfigured in countless ways to create interiors. Just carry 'em in, zip 'em together, and jack 'em so they don't fall down. Depending on the size of the stage, maybe six walls, one or two doorways and windows.

I also love doing "limbo" sets, especially if the play has multiple locations. Little to no build required, just representational pieces to suggest the location: lamppost, guardrail, armchair and side table, what have you.

Is this answering what you're asking? From recognizing your name I know you've been around this community long enough to have your own ideas that you... might be tired of?

Hello, theatre hive mind!

I'm looking for your favorite tips and hacks for creating an interesting set design with minimum construction. I don't have a technical director, and since we rent a theater space, we have a very narrow build window. Unfortunately, our lighting grid tends to wash out projections, so those aren't an option.

Thanks in advance!

Hello, theatre hive mind!

I'm looking for your favorite tips and hacks for creating an interesting set design with minimum construction. I don't have a technical director, and since we rent a theater space, we have a very narrow build window. Unfortunately, our lighting grid tends to wash out projections, so those aren't an option.

Thanks in advance!

I have done many sets of this sort, found items and furniture are my go-to items, you can create suggestive walls such as cut outs, and use book cases with panels attached to create walls, you can also do separate areas with focused lighting. have fun, be creative and very suggestive.

Hello, theatre hive mind!

I'm looking for your favorite tips and hacks for creating an interesting set design with minimum construction. I don't have a technical director, and since we rent a theater space, we have a very narrow build window. Unfortunately, our lighting grid tends to wash out projections, so those aren't an option.

Thanks in advance!

Thanks for your ideas, everyone. Do you have recommendations of some go-to items that you would always re-use? I'm working on some grant applications. I do already have actor blocks and access to flats. It sounds like PVC pipe, muslin -- what else would be good to have around?

I have done many sets of this sort, found items and furniture are my go-to items, you can create suggestive walls such as cut outs, and use book cases with panels attached to create walls, you can also do separate areas with focused lighting. have fun, be creative and very suggestive.

Hello, theatre hive mind!

I'm looking for your favorite tips and hacks for creating an interesting set design with minimum construction. I don't have a technical director, and since we rent a theater space, we have a very narrow build window. Unfortunately, our lighting grid tends to wash out projections, so those aren't an option.

Thanks in advance!