I'm going to approach this from a different angle...
Yes, basic set pieces are nice to have and fun to build (take it from a die-hard techie back in college!). However, they are only there to help the characters tell their stories, not as ends in themselves. So rehearsal blocks and similar things are great, as they are modular and can take on many roles.
Where many people seem to get hung up is things like flats, which are basically one-trick ponies: they are a theatrical "short-cut" for a wall, but they aren't as flexible as many other items like short step units or simple platforms. Many many many wonderful sets have been designed that don't use a single flat because the story didn't specifically require a room or a wall. This is also where "it has to be realistic" gets in the way: trying to make that "wall" look realistic without the proper treatment -- and it rarely ever looks "realistic." Another common behavior with flats is the "we have them, so let's use them" idea, which often becomes a case of putting the cart before the horse.
Depending on your program, your resources (including money and storage space), and the type of plays or musicals you do, I'd suggest going with simple items at first, and then building pieces as you need them based on the stories. Use your imagination and those of your students to really focus on acting and on telling the stories.
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George F. Ledo
Set designer
www.setdesignandtech.wordpress.comwww.georgefledo.net------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-23-2024 08:34
From: Christa Danner
Subject: Basic set pieces
Hi Lesley,
For our productions in a small space I have three periaktoi that are on casters. This gives me three or more different settings and easy scene transitions. This year for Beauty and the Beast, I added foam panel barn doors to each, giving me some additional settings for castle, forest, and village. The periaktoi are relatively easy to store upright in wing space, or I use them to create masking backstage if not used onstage.
Happy building!
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Christa Danner
Speech and Drama
Blue Valley Middle School
Stilwell, KS
Original Message:
Sent: 04-20-2024 21:26
From: Lesley Ruzon
Subject: Basic set pieces
Hello Hive Mind! We have a new construction tech class and I would like to partner with them to make some basic set pieces: benches, blocks, etc. Does anyone have patterns for these? What would you suggest we make? I'm also thinking of having them create a large set piece that would be a high platform with stairs on each side that we could use for multiple shows. Any ideas on that front?
Thanks!
Lesley in California