Theatre: Art in Action

Chapter 12: Technical Theatre

Overview

After one masters the basics of stagecraft, one can further explore a whole range of techniques in all areas of technical theatre. The trend with scenery continues toward using new technology and materials to create abstract and symbolic sets. However, for a production on a tight budget, three-dimensional scenery can be constructed out of cheap materials and still be easily movable. Props can be made out of papier-mâché. Stage food, if it needs to be edible, can be dyed bread or mashed potatoes. The point is to create an illusion that the audience can believe. If a production calls for smoke, one can rent a smoke machine. If fire is necessary, a well-placed piece of reddish silk and a fan, or lighting techniques, can do the trick. Projectors might be needed to project still or moving images to enhance a play. To create a layered sound, one can record on separate tracks and then mix the tracks together. With a little ingenuity and the right materials, other makeup and costume applications can be created cheaply yet well.