Production in the OC (continued)

In the last unit of Stage Chem, we dove farther into the idea of stages and the different aspects that go into creating one. We visited the Steppenwolf Theatre and got a chance to learn more about what goes into building a stage and we were also able to walk around a set for a show that just ended. For the Action Project, we were tasked with creating a stage using our blueprints from our first project from this class (you can view that here). We had to build the stage, create two moving pieces, and safety procedures that go along with it. It was difficult at first to come up with the two moving things I would use since my show doesn't really have a place for trap doors or anything like that. I really like the way that my stage ended up looking. Take a look down below!
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This is the model of my stage. I used a scale in which 1 inch =  2 feet. In this stage I would be putting on a production of an episode of the popular tv show "Bob's Burgers". I recreated a section of their restaurant for this production. There are also a few features of this stage that move around to switch scenes.

MF. Model of Stage. 2017

The Movable Pieces: 

LEGO Deck:

For my production, there is a time during the show where time moves forward quicker than it should. I decided to use a moving deck and have one of the actors ride it across the stage with a sign that shows the time passing. I thought that this would be the most efficient and organized way to do this. The actor will ride across the stage from wing to wing.

MF. Moving Deck. 2017

My deck weighs 5 lbs which is 22.2411 Newtons. In order for the deck to move across the stage, there needs to be a force of 25 newtons pushing it across the stage. The deck has to be pushed 15 meters. In order to find out how much work would need to be done to push it 15 meter I used the equation Work = Force x Distance. When I put my numbers in, I got the following:

Work = 22.2411N x 15m = 333.6165 J.

MF. Force Diagram. 2017

Moving Deck

Down below there are some safety precautions for the crew to follow during the production. 

• All crew should be cautious not to step on the deck.
• Stow deck properly when not in use to avoid accidents. 
• Before the actor goes across the stage on the deck, make sure there is a perfectly clear path.

MF. Safety Sign. 2017

Retractable Tables and Benches:

For my production, the story takes place in both a restaurant and a living room. I built the main part of the stage as the dinner style since a majority of the play would take place there but for the small part of the production that takes place in the living room, I decided that taking the time to move sets completely just for a small portion would be unreasonable and time consuming. The booths and tables inside the restaurant fold up into the wall to create space to put in some small set furniture.

MF. Moving Deck. 2017.

Down below there are some safety precautions for the crew to follow during the production. 

•  Be careful when lifting the tables and booths, they are very heavy.
• Make sure to properly secure the tables and booths to the wall. 
• Authorized crew members only. 

MF. Safety Sign. 2017

Reflection:

While creating this AP, I came across a few minor struggles. It was difficult to decide how I was going to build my stage while also having moving pieces included. I had a lot of ideas going into this project that I soon realized would not end up being possible based on the time and equipment I had. Another problem that I came across was finding a way to include those two moving pieces and figuring out the best way to execute it. I finally decided to just use a skateboard-like deck as well as having the booths and tables fold up into the wall in order to have more room to switch scenes. I enjoy building models and designing spaces so this project allowed me to easily play to my strengths to create something I was proud of. I think that this project was very fun and I was able to be creative with the way that I wanted to stage my production.

Production in the OC

In the first unit of stage chemistry, we looked at the basics behind creating a production. We talked a lot about lighting, different types of stages, seating, and other amenities that come with theaters. We referenced different theaters that we have been to and looked at the differences between them. For the Action Project, we were tasked with choosing a space and a story that we would like to make into a production. We then had to look at different amenities that our space had that was bennifical to the audience as well as the artists. It was difficult at first to choose where I wanted my show to take place since there were so many options, but I am glad that I ended up using the OC.

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MF. OC. 2017

I chose to build my theater right inside the GCE location. I chose to use this space because it is a great size and the layout of the room was perfect for my production of Bob's Burgers. Since my production takes place in a restaurant and a house, having the square size room worked very well. I used a proscenium stage because I felt like, with the restaurant theme, the audience would feel like they were sitting in the restaurant with the actors. 

This idea was very easy to bring to life because the room is in a space that I have access too. I was able to easily gather my measurements and figure out the way that my stage could look. I chose to use this space because I was also able to use other rooms that are connected to the OC. I was able to use the cafe as a lounge and backstage area, while it looks crowded with all of the tables inside of it, when removed, the space is the perfect fit for a backstage area. The purple crates can be used for prop storage, they are right near the door to enter the stage so it would be helpful for them to have everything they need for the show easily accessible. People can stay in the cafe until it is their turn to be on stage and they will have easy access to the stage.

There were not very many difficulties with this space. The only one that was a small disadvantage was the lighting. The OC has large glass windows that have no shades on them so the lighting is very hard to control. If I were to do this project over again I would try and use another location that has better lighting so that I can control it.

Goodman Theater: My Theater: %

Area of Stage: 4000 sq ft 140.25 sq ft 3.5%

Maximum Capacity: 856 people 35 people 4.08%

Box Office: 20 sq ft 200 sq ft 10%

Lobby: 1912.5 sq ft 486 sq ft 25.4%

Prop Storage: 525 sq ft 212.5 sq ft 40.4%

Concessions: 168.75 sq ft 200 sq ft 118.5%