Stock Scenery Construction : A Handbook

by Bill Raoul

Stock Scenery Construction Handbook is an easy to use, complete manual on scenery construction. It has over 180 full-page drawings showing construction techniques for every conceivable kind of stock scenery piece, from flats (plain ones, door units, hardwall, etc.), to platforms and step units (including two kinds of parallel platforms and even folding-brace stairs), to all kinds of soft goods like curtains and drops. The second edition includes a new chapter on paint and over 20 new illustrations. The author's wry sense of humor will delight and entertain every reader.

Genres: Theatre

Paperback

First published December 1, 1998

Reviews

[Melvin Marsh · Rating 2 out of 5]

As it seems this might be my life again. It has quite a lot of information about building sets. That is not my area but it is quite good information for those that are interested.

There are some jokes in here which aren't really PC. In 2nd edition, part 8 on solvents, p. 266, there is a comment which I found very off-putting as a transgender man "Pregnant men should have used more protection" Um... what? I hope that is cleared up in future editions.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of the basics of theatrical scenery in a depth I have rarely seen. The central idea is that with a well-developed supply of generic scenery, producing shows becomes cheaper, faster, and easier.

Something that I have encountered only once professionally is Raoul's heavily favored use of 1x dimensional lumber. He recommends building flats out of 1x3, platforms out of 1x6, and stairs out of 1x12. In this fashion, a scene shop can purchase and long-term stock only 1x12 dimensional lumber and sheet goods. This is an elegant idea, though difficult to implement in a theatre with an existing (and incompatible) stock.

Many of the ideas he recommends are simple, straightforward, and require little (if any) additional labor over other construction methods. A great buy.

[Sara Stuckey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bill Raoul was one of my professors in college. The man is BRILLIANT. And, the great thing about this book is that it's so simple, a relatively inept non-artist could use it!!

Measure Twice, Cut Once!!