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Stagecraft:  Week 3
(September 7-10, 2021)

Important terms are in RED.

Google Classroom assignments are in BLUE.

If ABSENT, you are REQUIRED to read / understand / do all learning activities posted for that day, even if it's not an "assignment"/homework.  

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DAY 1:

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1.) Reviewed Fastening Tools & Painting Tools.

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2.) Discussed what new things were learned last week in the scene shop.

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3.)  Students Read "Painting 10 Commandments" (also available in CLASS NOTES in Google Classroom - this is a follow-up activity from last week's painting tutorial in the scene shop).  If absent, you must read on your own.  You are responsible for this information.

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4.)  Learned about the materials used to build flats & platforms:

  • 2x4's (used to build the frame/base of platforms)

  • 1x4's (used to build the frame of flats)

  • luan (thin 1/4" thick wood sheets used to cover Hollywood flats)

  • plywood (thick 4x8 wood sheets used to cover platforms that need to be load-bearing)

  • OSB (thick compressed wood 4x8 sheets sometimes used to cover platforms)

  • masonite (a type of hardboard made of steam-cooked/pressure molded wood fibers - not typically used on flats - one side is smooth, the other is rough)

  • particle board (wood product made of wood chips & shavings bound together with resin; not used to build sets b/c it's far to weak

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5.) Learned about 2 new terms:  platforms & flats (= the stock "building blocks" of most sets)

  • Flats = set walls

  • Sets that DON'T move are known as "box" or "unit" sets

  • Sets that DO move are built on platforms that have casters (wheels) and are known as wagons

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6.)  Learned the names of Measuring & Cutting Tools  (see "Measuring & Cutting Tools" page in your Class Notes in Google Classroom).  If ABSENT, be sure you add these turns to your Class Notes in Google Classroom.

1. tape measure (sometimes also called steel tape)

2. L square (for getting right angles)

3. speed square (sometimes called "carpenter's square")

4. Level (for getting things level horizontally and plumb vertically)

5. Chalk line (pull from point A to point B then snap!)

6. "C" clamp (a clamp shaped like a "C")

7. Quick Clamp 

8. Chop/Mitre Saw

9. Circular Saw

10. Jig Saw

11. Reciprocating Saw / Sawzall  (because it "saws ALL!")

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7.) Went to the scene shop and learned about various Cutting Tools/Tasks while in rotating groups  :

  • 1/4 class with G:  How to Fasten 1x4's & 2x4's at right angles using a Carpenter's Square 

  • 1/4 class with John:  Basics of Circular Saws, Jig Saws, and Reciprocating Saws​

  • 1/4 class with KP: How to use a Chop/Mitre Saw

  • 1/4 class with a partner: Scene Shop Scavenger Hunt

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DAY 2:

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1.) Reviewed :

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2.) Completed scene shop learning stations in rotating groups. (See yesterday's last activity above.)

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DAY 3:

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1.) Reviewed various terms learned so far in class.

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2.) Learned about unit sets, wagons, and casters

 

3.) Learned about Broadway flats & Hollywood flats (and took notes in Google Classroom Class NOTES - Flats)

  • Broadway flats = 1x4's are laid flat to build frame of the wall; the frame is covered in muslin fabric.  Traditionally used for stage (although not as much any more)

  • Hollywood flats = 1x4's are turned on edge & frame is covered in luan. 

  • (If absent, be sure to take notes in Google Classroom Class NOTES - Flats)

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4.) Watched:  Video of How to Build a Flat (watch if you were absent today)

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5.) Read:  How to build a platform (in Google Classroom - Class NOTES Journal)

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6.) Learned what a cut list is, and why builders use them.  Each building group received their own cut list in order to prepare for building a flat/platform.

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7.) Began working in the scene shop to gather materials for flats & platforms  (women build flats & men build platforms)

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HOMEWORK:  Bring PAINT CLOTHES for next class (oversized clothes that can go OVER your school clothes when you do painting projects)

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DAY 4:  (There is no Day 4 this week due to Advisory)

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