SET IN DRAMA
R. Bronkhorst
Drama
2023
What is a stage designer?
The stage designer takes care of all the visual effects to
create mood and atmosphere.
The stage designer makes props, paints scenery, controls
curtains, platforms and ad backdrops. He consults with the
director on what effects must be created during the show.
Every theatre is different. Before deciding on any idea, the
stage designer draws a plan on the stage area.
The designer can use colour to make the plan more effective.
The stage designer uses technical
terms like:
Setting lines (imaginary lines drawn across the stage
downstage that shows where scenery should be placed)
- Centre line( an imaginary line drawn across the middle of
the stage)
- Tabs (the main curtains at the front of the stage)
- Scene clock (storage space for the scenery)
- Wings (the area on the sides of the stage).
The designer usually gives the plan to all those
involved in preparing the stage for the production.
To be a good stage designer, you need to be able to
visualise or see the stage in your head as well as
draw plans of the stage.
The stage designer takes note of five
areas:
- onstage area: acting area
- floor of the stage: what is it made of?
- backstage area: how will scenery be able to get
on stage?
- lighting availability
- Audience: How far will they be seated from the
stage?
TYPES OF STAGES:
1. Arena Stage/ in the round
The oldest type
of stage
Audience sits
on all sides of
the stage
2. Thrust Stage
Audience
sits on
three sides
of the
stage
3. Proscenium Stage
Audience
sits on only
one side of
the stage
