Lesson 5 - Marking Out - 24/11/16

Marking out a rehearsal room - Study Task

Tools and Materials
Scale ruler
Pencil
_________
Tape meaure - 15 m
LX tape - different colours
Tri Square
Steps

Step 1- work out the sizes and location of scenery on a scale floor plan. A floor plan is a complete list of the set layout. It may show line of sight, seating arrangements and scenic pieces. There are alternative versions that show the lighting and sound layout. Scale rulers assist in the initial working out. 
When taking measurements for a complex set dividing the floor plan into clearly defined grids will help you obtain accurate measurements. Start on either SL or SR and begin to jot down the co ordinates of each point. Label each co ordinate a number starting from 1.

Step 2- work out the centre line. The centre is a line that runs through the centre point of the stage from DS to US. The centre line is essential to get right because it is what the SM will use as a reference point to measure out the scenic elements. We used yellow tape for our centre to clearly mark it out from the other elements. If starting the mark out on stage right create another line exactly 10 ft away from the centre line.

Step 3- begin to mark out the scenic elements using a measuring tape and the centre line as your main reference point. Put a section of tape at each co-ordinate with a cross at the exact point. Make sure each point is clearly labelled. Repeat for both sides.

Step 4- Connect the dots! This step is fairly simple and only involves connecting the dots with more lengths of tape.

Top Tips!
Use different colours for each scenic element so that they are all clearly defined. For example, when marking out treads use a new colour to represent the steps.
The centre line is going to be removed after the mark out is complete so make sure to put the tape for any over lapping scenery underneath the centre line.

Note!
It is important to make sure that you are able to put tape onto the stage. Certain stages can be damaged if the wrong type of tape is used.

Evaluation
I think that overall we performed fairly well during this task as we were able to spread the jobs out evenly between us to make sure that someone was rarely standing around and doing nothing. We all had the chance to perform all of the roles, which was more beneficial to Rhodri when it came to the initial scaling up as he hadn't had the previous experience the rest of the class had so he was able to learn and develop an entirely new skill.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8t4QXyiuwU - video that demonstrates a more precise way of marking out a rehearsal room