Stagecraft Fundamentals

Rita Kogler Carver holds an MFA in Lighting Design from New York University, and a BA in Design from Cedar Crest College. Ms. Carver is affiliated with IATSE Local 829 and NABET Local 16. She is a sought-after speaker, lecturer, and writer. Ms. Carver was awarded an Emmy Award for her Lighting Design work on the 2000 Sydney Olympics. She was nominated for a Daytime EMMY for her work as Lighting Director on the "Montel Williams Show." Ms. Carver has worked professionally as a theatrical designer for over 25 years. Her work experience as a Lighting Designer includes Broadway, Regional Theatre, Dance, and Opera—both American and European. Broadway Productions include "An American Daughter," "Once Upon a Mattress," "A Delicate Balance," "The Sisters Rosensweig," and "Guys and Dolls." She has been attached to the original production team for the musical "Ain’t Misbehavin’" since 1998.

Part I: History and Art






Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going
A Brief History and Introduction




It’s All About Collaboration
Design for Theatre




Making It Visual
Composition




Black and White Are Colors TOO!
Color Theory




Creating the Stage Picture
Drawing, Rendering, and Drafting

Part II: Safety and Scenery




Safety First!
Safety




Setting It All Up
Scenic Tools and Materials




How to Get It Done
Scenery Standard Techniques and Practices




Deck the Halls
Props




A Little Dab Will Do Ya
Paint

Part III: Rigging and Lighting




Hanging by a Thread
Rigging




House to Half…
Lighting




Is This Thing On?
Sound

Part IV: Costume and Makeup




All Dressed Up with Someplace to Go
Costumes




Put on a Happy Face
Hair and Make Up

Part V: Projections and Special Effects




Beyond Hand Puppets
Projections




The Magic Behind the Curtain
Special Effects

Part VI: Stage Management and Careers




Warning, Standby, Go!
Stage Management




Taking the Show on the Road
Touring




What’s Next?

Career Choices

Appendices

Appendix A: Glossary of Terms

Appendix B: Story Time - Theatre Traditions

Appendix C: Photo and Image Credits