Overview
This book provides the theater technician with a foundation in structural design allowing an intuitive understanding of why sets "stand up". It introduces the basics of statics and the study of the strength of materials as they apply to typical scenery, with a minimum of theory and many examples. The material is presented such that only a basic knowledge of algebra, geometry and trigonometry is required. This useful text is also invaluable to professionals as a permanent handbook complete with carefully selected reference tables, which are applicable to most theatrical situations.Traditionally, theatrical design and carpentry are rooted in a craft-based tradition that places a high value on empirically tested techniques; in other words, if it was done that way for a show and nothing fell down, then that's the way it will be done.
Audience: Technical theatre courses specializing in structural design. Professional stage technicians and scenic designers.
Synopsis
Traditionally, theatrical design and carpentry are rooted in a craft-based tradition that places a high value on empirically tested techniques—in other words, if it was done that way for a show and nothing fell down, then that's the way it will be done.
This book provides the theater technician with a foundation in structural design allowing an intuitive understanding of why sets "stand up." It introduces the basics of statics and the study of the strength of materials as they apply to typical scenery, with a minimum of theory and many examples. The material is presented such that only a basic knowledge of algebra, geometry and trigonometry is required. This useful text is also invaluable to professionals as a permanent handbook complete with carefully selected reference tables, which are applicable to most theatrical situations.
This is an upper-division text for courses on scenic structures and a professional handbook for theater technicians. The book provides the background and technical foundation for an intuitive understanding of why sets stand up for theatrical technicians. It introduces the basics of statistics and the study of strength of materials as they apply to typical theatrical scenery. This is done using many real-life theatrical examples and a 'how-to' approach with a minimum of theory. It exposes the students to the language of the structural engineer so that they will be able to carry on a knowledgeable conversation with a consulting engineer on a major production.
Editorials
From the Publisher
An excellent resourse to teach the physics of structures to tech theatre students. It covers the parts of structural engineering that pertaining to theatre without getting too far from the practical aplication. (Tom Davis, U of Florida)A unique text that fills a long-standing void. (Henry Grillo, NC School of the Arts)