Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Design Process...Steel Magnolias

I thought it might be interesting for you all to see how an idea on paper comes to fruition on stage. Here is a series from start to finish for our latest play, Steel Magnolias...

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The idea begins with a rough grounplan, a view from the top, that allows the designer to spatially work out where things go and what traffic patterns might be.

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The process continues with a rough elevation that allows you to see how a set might look from the audience.

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Next, a final groundplan is drawn in scale, meaning that you can actually measure from this drawing with a scale rule and begin to transfer this drawing to the stage. Next would usually be a final front elevation in color, but because of time constraints, we usually forego this piece and pick color and fabrics from paint chips and samples.

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Next, a white model is constructed so we may see the set as it will appear in 3D. After the model is complete, we usually produce a rudimentary set of shop drawings for the carpenters to build from.

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Finally, the set is constructed, painted and dressed with decoration.

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