Technical Theatre: Basic Set Design and Construction
Grades 7-12 (and Adults)
Thursday 6:00-7:00
The class will utilize basic set designing techniques to create set construction plans and build a basic set using common scene shop tools and materials.
INSTRUCTOR: PAUL CHOATE
Paul’s first SAAC set to work on was 1999’s “Much Ado about Nothing.” Since then, he has built sets for 30 shows and worked as either stage manager or on a backstage crew for more than two dozen. He has served two terms on the SAAC Board of Directors, including one term as Board President; the SAAC theatre committee; and the theatre task force. He has worked with educational theatre through El Dorado High School’s Thespian Troupe #42 and been involved with the American Association of Community Theatre’s AACTFest through the Arkansas Association of Community Theatres. Paul is the owner/manager of CMI Insurance and is expecting the arrival of grandchild number 13 anytime now.
Paul says…
Why Technical Theatre? The tech side of theatre is important for several reasons. The two primaries reasons for me is that the creation of this acting space is an art form in itself and an excellent way to build and strengthen relationships; it is also as a way for the actors who participate in the construction to better understand all aspects of their endeavor.
For me, teaching is the opportunity to pass on the knowledge I have stored to the next generation and to stay connected to those young minds. The arts have provided me a way to connect with people from varied backgrounds and experiences and broaden my view of the life experience.
My hope is the students will walk away with a basic understanding of:
(a) how to design a basic set
(b) how to build a set
(c) how important it is to understand the safety aspects needed in both the construction and use of the set