Each play you see at the theatre is designed and crafted using some or all of the elements of stagecraft from the list below. When staging a play, a director will consider the following technical elements in order to make the scene or setting appear authentic.
Set: the scenery or furniture used on stage.
Backdrop: a cloth that hangs at the back of the stage, often with scenery painted on it.
Props: moveable objects used on stage. Props can be moved or used by the actors as part of the plot.
Sound effects: sounds, such as music, gunfire or rain, are used to bring a scene to life. These sounds will often indicate what is happening off-stage.
Lighting: lights are used to create atmosphere and mood. A spotlight is often used to light actors delivering an important speech, such as a soliloquy or monologue. Darkness is an effective tool in creating tension.
Costumes: costumes contribute to the production and inform the audience of the time-period of the play. The costumes may reflect a character’s status (crowns and furs for kings) or situation (chains and rags for a prisoner).
Hair and make-up: hair and make-up can also be used to highlight a character’s status or situation. For example, a character could be given pale make-up and tangled hair to show that they are unwell.
Explore 1. Look back at the bus stop scene from The Bully on page 144.
(a) What costume, hair and make-up would you give the actor playing Houseman? Give reasons for your choices.
(b) What lighting and sound effects would you use in this scene? Explain your choice.
(c) Suggest one prop that you think would be useful in this scene. Give a reason for your answer.
Create
Design the stage set for the classroom scene from The Bully on page 143. Use the template on page 39 of your Portfolio to sketch your ideas. Consider the backdrop and props.
