SketchUp Powers Theatre Scenic Design - Google SketchUp Workshop: Modeling, Visualizing, and Illustrating - page 156

from every conceivable depth and angle, making it so much easier for me to
imagine how the actors could move around, make exits and entrances, where
the best focus points might be, and so on.”
Director Nancy Engle had even more to say about the software: “SketchUp has
made scenic design discussions infinitely more productive. It clearly commu-
nicates the look and feel of the design and facilitates instant feedback from
directors and other members of the design team. As a director, I appreciate
the ability to take a 3D look at the complete stage setting. I can see everything
the audience sees and everything they cannot. SketchUp allows me to live
in the scenic environment, before I ask the actors to inhabit it. And SketchUp
saves time, money, and energy in communicating the scenic design to the
craftsmen who must implement the design.”
Step 1: Preparation/Start of Scenic Design Project
Objective : To initiate the project.
Data : Script, project time line.
Tools : Internet, word processor (to read digital script), pencil and paper.
The first steps to be followed in starting the design process are as follows:
• Readingthescript:digitaland/orhardcopy
• Meetingthedirector
• Decidingonadesignconcept
• Performingresearch
• Readingthescriptagain:digitaland/orhardcopy(generatingveryrough,
first sketches/ideas/ground plans on paper)
Step 2: 3D White to-Scale Model
Objective : To get familiar with the theatre space.
Data : Documents submitted by the theatre: ground plan, centerline section,
additional important house measurements, stock inventory list, etc.
Tools : Supplies to build a physical 1/2"-scale model of the theatre.
I built the model from drawings received from the theatre. The physical “white”
model helped the director and me to “play” with the space. I created rough set
pieces and a rough layout.
Note: In most scenic design projects, the use of SketchUp to build a 3D
computer model has replaced the need to build the to-scale physical model
described here.
Step 3: Recreating the Theatre Building in SketchUp
Objective : To get familiar with the space - an essential step in creating a
concept/design - and check possible reuse of 3D theatre model for future
projects at the same venue.