Open Forum

Hi,

Earlier today, someone was seeking guidance about building some common scenic elements. I happily offered up

Technical Theatre Educator's Manual, that is available to all EdTA professional members. https://learn.schooltheatre.org/technical-theatre-educators-manual

Topics include:

• 00 The Role of the High School Technical Director

  This introductory article offers tips to support you in the many roles you take on as a part of being a technical theatre educator.

   DOWNLOAD
• 01-A Common Carpentry Terms & Best Practices

  Learn about the differences between the fields of traditional carpentry and stage carpentry. Topics include common materials and joinery used, types of cuts, and best practices for measuring, marking, and cutting.

   DOWNLOAD
• 01-B Stage Cubes

  At the most basic level, the rehearsal cube is a five- or six-sided box – not necessarily a perfect cube – built in dimensions that substitute for a chair, a table, couch, or other piece of furniture. There are many ways to assemble rehearsal cubes; this article concentrates on a method that is simple, sturdy, and uses joiner that can be adapted to other projects.

   DOWNLOAD
• 01-C Building Theatrical Platforms

  Platforms provide a place for actors to stand where they can be seen by the audience by creating levels of playing spaces on the stage. This guide offers a method for constructing a theatrical platform in a way that maximizes structural integrity and resilience and ensures long-term usage if properly cared for.

   DOWNLOAD
• 01-D Building Hollywood Scenic or Masking Flats

  The term "flat" refers to those pieces of theatrical scenery which are positioned on stage to create the scenic background for your production. Flats are also used as "masking" in order to hide the backstage areas from audience view. This guide offers a method for constructing a Hollywood style flat in a way that maximizes structural integrity and resilience.

   DOWNLOAD

  • 02-A Lighting and Electrics

    This article contains information on lighting/electrical terminology, basic electricity concepts and applications, various lighting fixtures and functions, and much more.

     DOWNLOAD
  • 02-B Common Lighting Instruments

    This article discusses the most common lighting instruments.

     DOWNLOAD
  • 02-C Electrical Connectors Commonly Used in Theatrical Lighting

    This article examines four common connectors used in theatre.

     DOWNLOAD
  • 02-D Hanging a Lighting Instrument

    This guide offers some tips on common lighting positions and an illustrated procedure for hanging an instrument on a batten.

     DOWNLOAD
  • 02-E Guide to DMX

    This guide is designed to help you understand the basic functions of DMX lighting control.

     DOWNLOAD

    • 03-A Introduction to Rigging

      To properly utilize rigging in your classes and productions, you must learn the parts of basic rigging, its systems, and how to safely operate them. This guide covers topics such as basic rigging components, rigging vocabulary, safety and maintenance practices, and more.

       DOWNLOAD
    • 03-B Wire Rope Clips

      This guide contains information on installing wire rope clips.

       DOWNLOAD
    • 03-C Common Knots

      Learning to correctly tie basic commonly used knots is an important skill when working with rigging, loading, hauling, and more. Included in this article are detailed directions for tying a clove hitch, bowline, a square or reef knot, and a prusik knot.

       DOWNLOAD
    • 03-D Rigging Inspections

      This guide contains information on the importance of regular rigging inspections by a qualified inspector, and provides information on what to expect.

       DOWNLOAD

    Thanks,

    Dana