12 Areas of Stagecraft

 Over the next 2 weeks you will be working on a small folio of stagecraft ideas. You will be writing, drawing, designing and describing your ideas and concepts in response to certain stimulus.

 YOU ARE BEING ASSESSED on this so make sure you are taking notes and completing all set tasks!

 Stagecraft is a combination of all the elements that create a show/performance. These are the elements that bring the show to life and create a mood, feeling or atmosphere.

 A cting  D irecting  P rops  C ostume  S ound  S et  D ramaturgy  L ighting  P ublicity  M ake-up/Hair  M ultimedia  S tage Management

 What the actors wear on stage. The costume of a character tells the audience about the characters personality as well as the context of the play. Where and when the show is set.

  Defines the mood of the play and sets the context. Lets the audience know where the play is set. Eg. A jail, the beach, a cinema.

Some plays have multiple set changes, where others use the same set/space for various locations.

  All of the items that the actors interact with. Can be sitting on stage or can be brought in. Items could include: flowers, sword, suitcase, glass of water, umbrella.

Sometimes props can be transformed into multiple objects.

  Lighting sets the mood for a show. It can be used to highlight the action that is happening on stage, or it could be used to set the time of day/night.

Eg. orange/red could be sunrise or sunset.

 Publicity is use to promote the show. It can include posters, tickets, the program, commercials (radio and television) presentations, fundraisers, anything that gets the name of the show out there to draw in an audience.

 Sound in a show can set the mood. You can have sound effects that match the action on stage or it can be music that creates an atmosphere for the show. Not all sounds are made using electronic devices, something the actors themselves make sounds.

 Multimedia can include slideshows, movies and projections. This could be used to set the location of scene or could be used to give the audience and the characters more information and detail. Multimedia, when used well can enhance the audience experience.

 Directing is all of the movements and choices that the director has made. Although the audience doesn’t see the director at work, the finished product is a result of all the directors choices. Music, actions, emotions, the way lines are delivered etc.

 This includes all the materials that will potentially bring an audience to a show. Posters, programs, tickets, interviews, ads, public announcements etc.

 A Dramaturge will often edit and revise a play script, they will adapt it and recontextualise the play. The often work with the director, cast and sometimes the playwright, providing contextual research. Eg. the time period the play is set.

 This involves organising and coordinating the production. This might include rehearsal schedules, runs meetings, organising auditions etc.

 Acting as an area of stagecraft is extremely important. It involves the way the actor plays a character and their use of their expressive skills; voice, movement, facial expressions and gesture.