Stagecraft Chapter 6 3D Construction

LOCK IN LOCK IN LOCK IN

curved walls

are built using adaptation of studio flat construction techniques. . .necessary to use a flexible sheeting material that is glued and stapled to the horizontal sweeps and the outside stiles 

steel flat frames

 are stronger for their weight than wood frames, longer lasting and more adaptable as stock scenery however it is difficult to attach fabric to steel

three dimensional construction

 similar to basic framed units however require more quality and durability of 3D dimensional units, additionally butt joint can be improved with the use of biscuit or plate joint 

doors and windows

common 3D scenic units used for decorative or completely functional.

casing

is the visual frame of the door or window opening

Jamb/reveal

is the component that represents the thickness of the wall into which the door or window is set 

shutter

for the door unit

sash

for the widow unit 

constructing windows

1. Cut the pieces of the jamb, stiles, toggle etc. 

2. Glue, staple and nails to secure the face to end butt joints 

3. Cut the casing pieces 

4. Glue and finish nail the individual casing pieces 

5. Reinforce the seams of the casing with thin metal mending pieces 

6. Cutting the sash 

7. Assemble the frames using half lap joints 

8. Attach glazing material to the back of the sash frame once glue has dried  

9. Narrow pieces of wood are added to the jamb stiles to guide the sash 

10. Window sash is held open using various methods 

1. Line the track with felt sufficient to apply enough friction on the sash to hold it in place at any position 

2. Install spring catches on the sash frame that engage holes drilled into the window jamb 

3. Purchase and install spring loaded tracks

      11) insert the assembled unit into the opening of the window flat from the front. .  using screws 

Two important factors of the door

1. The door is typically larger and heavier than a window 

2. Forces generated by the opening and closing of a door are considerably more destructive than those ordinarily encountered using a window

Hollow core

Inexpensive hollow core flush doors are available from lumber suppliers. This can often be the most efficient solution to creating the shutter of a door unit

Moulding

can be purchased in a variety of stock moulding shapes and sizes. . . tend to be more expensive due in part of grade of wood. . .

Rigid Foam

can be an alternative to wood for some moulding applications. . . foam is much more lighter, less expensive and carved more easily. Usually used with a drill press and custom fabricated cutting knives 

Columns

have been built using a wooden frame covered with a thin, pliable sheeting material and fabric and similar to studio flat

Sonotube

used to design concrete columns and is similar to cardboard tube

Trees

 can be fabricated with a simple adaptation of the technique used to construct q column. Hardware cloth or Chicken wire is used to cover the wooden frame and provide additional shape to the tree. And then it is covered with muslin/canvas. Fiberglass can be used for rigid or stronger surfaces 

Hardware cloth

particularly suitable for wire products that will hold their shape and can be moulded to meet the contour requirements of the design

Rocks

can be built with a similar method of trees. If the rock is used for performance purposes, use canvas or fiberglass

weight bearing scenic units

constructed to support the weight of the actors and other scenic units that require stronger joints that withstand loads 

Platforms

- composed of the deck/lid, supporting frame, and the legs. 

1. Deck/lid can be layers of material 

2. Platforms can be used of plywood bolted together. For smoother finish, use masonite for painting the surface.

wagons

platforms on wheels

Jackknife wagon

 uses a single pivot point as the anchor for the unit. Pivot is left in the center of the set 

show decks

temporary floor designed anad constructed for a specific production. It is generally employed to facilitate the shifting of scenic units using wagons, slip stages, or turntables. 

ramps

a platform with a surface that rises at an angle over its length

raked stage

like a large or full stage ramp but the entire floor is raked or at an angle. Provides sightlines to emphasize perspectives or visual 

carriage

 the main structural element of a stair unit

tread

the horizontal surface of the stair on which a person would step 

riser

 the vertical surface under the lead edge of each tread

Paint preparation for muslin/soft covered flats

must be primed or sized before painting which tightens the covering material which fills the pores of the fabric and provides a suitable and consistent texture for paint 

translucent effect

starch and water

Prime coat

adds pigment and is generally colored to approximate the base color of the final paint job. Masonite usually needs a prime coat to seal the material and inhibit moisture absorption and used to metal to prevent rust and for paint to adhere 

window and door construction

moudling construction