Props Putty

One of the first tricks I learned was using Mortite to keep props on shelves or other surfaces. The other day I was browsing in a local store and saw the Museum putty on sale, and thought it was worth a mention. I like the idea that it is clear, especially now that I have had a couple projects lately with glass shelving.

I have also used poster putty when I didn't have anything else on-hand - though that option isn't as economical.


Museum Putty
Mortite

Bringing Order to the Chaos

There was one last topic from USITT that I wanted to discuss – the session Mr. Sammler did “Bringing Order to the Chaos”. It was an interesting and very valid session.
-I think the first comment I have is that the session is indicative to where technical direction is going. That the position is becoming more managerial. I think that in today’s age of technical capacity, you can no longer be a jack of all trades as effectively, and that the TD position must be able to pull together the resources needed, not necessarily be able to do everything.
-The key to the system that Sammler proposes is that everyone on the team operates in the same manner. The system must be set up so that budgets are combined for the show and that extra money in costumes goes to scenery or vise versa. If a shop can keep money and use that towards a different show, or for shop improvements or maintenance, then they will be tempted to hoard the money and not be transparent. However, the bulk of the places I have worked provided each shop with a budget, and that money can be used from show to show. I assume that moving around money from department to department is harder for the money people – and I have tended to only see a show based budget work in smaller theatres.
-For the per show budget technique to work, each department must budget, and do so in advance. Many theatres don’t require every department to do an estimate for every show. This is particularly true for lighting and sound. When I have tried to implement this type of system, I found that lighting was a challenge because they wanted till much later in the schedule to determine what they were using. Though I should note that I was working with a Canadian Lighting designer, and that the typical schedules are different (they often do not do a plot until after they see a run through – much later in the process than we do). Without being able to assess the needs of every department, the director can’t make an informed decision about where the money should be allotted.
-I thought it was interesting to hear is views on what a TD should be responsible for. For instance, He stated that it is not the TD’s job to value engineer the set to fit inside the provided budget. The TD should estimate what they feel is necessary to do the design as indicated and communicate those costs (time and materials). At that point director / designer can clarify what they need and where their priorities are to make choices involving all elements, and decide where they want the money to be spent. Perhaps that means that the costumes become simpler, and the scenery budget is allowed as is. Estimates should be tight, but reasonable. An estimate represents the TD’s plan to accomplish the design as they understand it. If the TD must get the show “into budget” it changes the relationship with the team and makes them a “no” person. The 10% contingency cannot be cut from the budget and allows flexibility to achieve the plan.
-It’s easy to budget enough to cover the set.
-Most people under estimate the amount of time it will take to build.
-The TD (or department head) cannot estimate what they don’t know about. If a production manager holds them accountable for things they didn’t know about the Dept. Head will hide money to cover themselves.
-When meeting – it is more about sharing the plan than sharing the budget. This allows everyone to look at what was included, and helps communication between departments – For instance costumes may see that the paint department is planning on texture and that makes a difference to their costumes.

I think that in an ideal work, this is a nice idea. But for this to work there has to be a lot of people who are all operating on the same page. And the production manager / organization has to be open in operating in this manner. And I think that’s a tall order. And practically, if you are in the situation where it isn’t ideal, and you can’t change the whole system to reflect the management system above – quitting your job cause you shouldn’t work in a place like that isn’t really always practical. Though, I suppose, with the rate that Yale churns out students, eventually there is a chance that this way of operating will become more common….

Safety Resources

After taking the OSHA 10 hour construction course for work, I decided to also take the courses offered in the General Industry track for the 10/30 hour courses. While alot of what is presented is common sense, there are many details that we tend to forget about as we get busy and try to accomplish amazing scenery on small budgets. There are lots of places to take the classes online, and they aren't very expensive. My only complaint is that they don't provide resources for you to use in the future other than your knowledge gained. Hence, the following links that provide some similar information.

Safe work
OSHA First Aid
UC Davis Machine Shop Safety This has several pdf's available regarding machine safety (such as drill presses, milling machines, etc.)
Contractors Safety Manual A very comprehensive site.

While there are many resources available online, you should make sure of the applicable local / state laws when implementing practices in your own shop.

Molding Resources

Moldings and decorative elements can be hard to find and specific to the manufacturer. Below are a variety of resources to help locate decorative elements, or can assist with ideas when designing.


Frank Morrow Company has a variety of metal stampings and architectural details.

Decorators Supply has a large variety of wooden and plaster decorative details. While you can order their catalogs (which are great as a resource), you can also browse online and get a variety of CAD downloads.

Architectural Depot

Cast Design Supply

Van Dykes Restorers

Historical Arts and Castings

Metal Museum

The Metal Museum in Memphis, TN, would make a great visit if you are ever in the area. They also offer classes if you could make your visit last a few days.

Prop Books

These are some of the recommended books that came up in the USITT session on period details.


The Bullfinch Anatomy of Antique Furniture

Antique Directory of Furniture

Authentic Decor All books by Peter Thornton were highly recommended.

Period Details - A Sourcebook for House Restoration.

Encylopedia of Furniture

Also interesting in this session was that I learned that the "bentwood" chair, that every theatre I have ever worked at seems to own in mass was #18 made by Gebruder Thonet. As I was looking up the chair I ran across another potential prop sight - the Chair Blog.

Hardware Resources

Sometimes a project seems like a quest for the perfect piece of hardware. The below links will take you to a variety of vendors with useful alternatives.

Weld On Hinges

Lift Off Hinges

Spring Release Hinges (Also available through McMaster Carr)

J Bolts

Block Hinges

The Fabricator

The Fabricator is a free magaizine (subscribe here that talks about metal fabricating techniques. Their website has a variety of information as well that is useful for someone working with metals, like for instance, this article about bending.

Costumer Exhibit

Christian Lacroix, a costume designer, has an exhibit on display in the National Museum of Singapore. The above link will take you too a blog entry that has a few photographs of his work, from his many years designing for theatre and opera. The museums web site can be seen here. They have additional photographs of the exhibit.

While I don't see myself going to Singapore anytime soon, I think it is great when theatrical and opera design work is shown in exhibitions.

OSHA Info

I recently did the OSHA 10 hour course for Construction Safety. Much of the course is self explanatory and common sense, but I did learn a little more about areas that I don't work in very often. And, I thought that some of the materials would be good for reference - like the sections on power tools, ladders, and scaffolding for stagecraft classes. The department of Labor has much of the information posted here. They also have a variety of teaching aids.

Hand and Power Tools
Power Tool PDF
Stairways and Ladders
Portable Ladders