Imagine your studied play is to be performed on one of these four stages. Discuss with the person beside you which stage would make for the most interesting or enjoyable performance. Say where you would like to be seated in the auditorium (the place in the theatre where the audience sits).
Choose one of the four stages. Imagine yourself watching one of the following three scenes from your studied play on the stage you chose.
l l l The opening scene
A scene of drama or great emotion The closing scene
Draw a rough sketch of the stage, with your suggested backdrop/scenery and props shown on it. Then write a paragraph including these points, plus any other points that you think would add to the impact of the design on the audience.
l l Place the characters where they should be positioned on the stage.
Design a suitable backdrop or scenery that would add to the audience’s enjoyment of the scene.
l l Name any props that should be on the stage. Suggest any music or sound effects that would add to the scene. Writing About Stage Sets A play is only words on a page until it is performed and comes to life on stage.
The pleasure for the audience is not only in hearing the words and seeing the characters, but also in seeing the costumes and the set that the stage designer and lighting designer have made for the play.
Stagecraft is the term for all the skills that go towards making the physical elements of a stage production, e.g. scenery, lighting, costumes, props, sound effects and music. Certain colours may dominate to create a particular atmosphere.
