Scenic Construction

A theatre set is constructed by a team of highly skilled tradesmen such as carpenters, plasterers and metal workers. They work with the set designer to replicate to scale the original model box and create the surfaces to be worked on by the scenic artists. Styles in scenery have evolved and it is rare to see a simple box set today. Although timber is still the backbone of most construction projects it is not the total material used, there is more experimentation with materials now than in the...

A theatre set is constructed by a team of highly skilled tradesmen such as carpenters, plasterers and metal workers. They work with the set designer to replicate to scale the original model box and create the surfaces to be worked on by the scenic artists. Styles in scenery have evolved and it is rare to see a simple box set today. Although timber is still the backbone of most construction projects it is not the total material used, there is more experimentation with materials now than in the past. The design and build process can produce something almost sculptural as a stage setting. This collection gives an insight into the work and processes of scenic construction.