Set Design Flashcards
Backdrops
A piece of cloth hung behind the stage in a theatre as part of the scenery that can be painted or have coloured light or projections shone onto it
Borders
Wide and short drapes that mask the top of the stage where the lights are hung
Gauze
A thin curtain that can be lit either from the front to make it opaque, or from behind to make it transparent
Legs
Long and narrow drapes used to mask the wing space
Tabs
The name for stage curtains that can open horizontally or fly vertically
Ground row
A Long, low piece of stage scenery, built to simulate part of a landscape. It is sometimes used to conceal lanterns from the audience
Flat
A flat is a piece of scenery used to represent a wall or to conceal a backstage area. A series of flats can be joined together to make a run, where each flat is supported by a brace with a heavy weight attached
Projections
Commonly used within set design and can be used to add detail and texture on the stage
- in some venues scenery can be projected which can be effective but can have limitations
-for example unless it can be projected from behind the set, actors will cast shadows onto it
Hydraulics
Machinery used in large-scale productions to move set, usually up and down
Smoke
Used to create dramatic effects and created with a digger or a gazer (using dry ice)
Truck
A moving platform on which a piece of scenery is built to facilitate scene changing
Revolve
A turntable built into the stage floor on which scenery can be set and then turned
Flying
Involves a manual or electric system that lifts performers off the stage, allowing for stunts and aerial sequences
Trap doors
An entrance/exit from underneath the stage (often involves a scissor lift)
Set dressing
Smaller items that add details to a set, such as stage furniture, to help establish setting and era
Pyrotechnics
The use of fireworks within a theatre to create effects e.g. explosions
