Unit 3 Tech Notes

The Play Production Process

•The production of a play has two main parts–Performing–Technical• In the end they will come

together to make one production

Producer

•The “Boss”•Pays the bills• In charge of hiring and firing•Works with director to choose the play

Director

• The “Visionary”•Works with producer to pick the play• Develops the overall artistic concept•Has final say in decisions with

production team

Stage Manager

•The “Go-Between”•Helps run rehearsals•Keeps communication clear

between all teams• In charge of actors/running crew

during performances

Designers

• The “Experts”• A specialist in a specific design

area, e.g. a costume designer• As a team, refines the production

concept• Plans out the specific design area

Technical Director (TD)

• In charge of the shop•Oversees the construction of all

the design areas•The designer is like the architect

and the TD is like the construction overseer

Running Crew (or Stage Crew)

•Works with the TD to build things•Runs the various technical jobs

during the performance

5 Basic Ares of Tech Design• Costumes: clothing, make-up, etc.–Only productions with a good bit of

money or extremely elaborate make-up have a separate make-up designer

• Set: furniture, landscapes, etc.• Props: objects used by actors• Lights: the lighting…• Sound: music, sound effects, etc.

4 Main Functions of Design• Establish Setting–Where, when, mood/atmosphere• Establish Plot–What happens on or offstage• Establish Characters–Personality traits, social status,

relationships• Establish Theme–Overall message/point being made

AREA=WHAT IT ISFUNCTION=

WHAT IT DOES

Areas: Costumes, Set, Props, Lights, SoundFunctions: Establish characters, plot, setting, theme

Magazine Tech Project Cont’d

• On the back of your paper, answer these questions for each of your pictures:–What technical design area does

this picture represent?–What function of technical design

is it serving?–How is it serving this function?

For example: This picture has costumes. These costumes are establishing character. You know these girls are friends because they match. OR

You can tell the girl on the left does not fit in with them because her clothes are different.

For example: This picture has lights. These lights help establish setting. The color and location of the lights show you that the sun is setting.

For example: This picture has a prop. This prop helps establish character. You can tell by her gun that she could be a hunter or a cowgirl.