Scene Painting and Properties

Syllabus

Mr. Davis OCSA

This class will specifically cover the craft areas in theatrical production. These things don’t require artistic skill but it doesn’t hurt. You will be shown the techniques used to produce theatrical painting and props using theatrical supplies and common objects. These will be many items used for our production season that will be produced in this class. We will work through the topics in the following order unless the needs of the show require a change.

Scene painting- every student will have a 4’ by 6’ muslin flat to paint. On this flat we will have individual painting assignments on the following techniques-

• Marble texture
• Wood texture
• Entablature
• Drapery
• Statuary
• Poster

Upholstery- furniture seldom comes in the right fabric for every show. Changing the upholstery to suit the show is standard place. In groups we will reupholster different pieces of furniture with selected fabrics.

Molding and casting- this is an immense area and we will do a few project to give you a basic understanding of the techniques used in this field-

• Casting negative
• Casting positive
• Using liquid Latex
• Plaster two part casting
• Latex foam
• Two part soft and hard plastic
• Life casting using alginate

Shopping- a major part of props is finding the right item for the show. This is not a text book project. You will need to look throughout the outside world to find the items I ask for provided by real suppliers and document all your sources including prices and availability.

Use of weapon props onstage- as props these things are some of the most important and dangerous items used onstage. We will discuss the safety precautions needed, where to locate usable prop weapons, and how to use them onstage.

You will be graded on your effort in class and the quality of your finished projects.