Imagine this. You are a set designer, but you can’t get an idea what to design. You are stressed about not having enough time. But then, you remember that since you are designing a set for a Broadway show, you have two whole years to work! This happens a lot to set designers. For my Capstone project, I decided to research about setting up a stage. My main inquiry question is, “What is the process of designing and building a stage, including the backdrop, sets, and props?” The steps of setting up a stage are:

Design and paint the backdrop, then hang it up above the stage.

Design and build the sets and props.

Put everything in place and see how it looks while rehearsing the show.

The first step to setting up a stage is to design and paint the backdrop, and then hang it up above the stage. The designer has to make a bunch of sketches of possible backdrop designs before the painter begins. After that, the painter has to lay out plastic sheeting on a big, clear floor. Then, they put the fabric canvas over it, look at the sketches, and paint on the canvas with a few different sized roller brushes. Then, they attach the top of the backdrop to a horizontal pole, make sure there are no wrinkles, and raise the pole to the top of the stage. In the article, InventionLand.com, it states, “Set designers will typically begin researching the play and its setting to get inspiration for walls, color schemes and different furniture items or props that should be present.”

The second step to setting up a stage is to design and build sets and props. The designer has to talk to the director and producer about the show, and read the script a couple times. They talk about the setting and mood of the story. Then, the designer makes a few sketches of possible sets, and once they choose their favorite design, they make a 3D model using an app. The builders start building once they have all the materials, while looking at the 3D model and sketch. They put the finished set on a platform with wheels, and see how it looks on the stage. A famous set designer, Klara Zieglerova once had to start designing a set 2 years in advance for a big Broadway show! It was a long process.

The final step to setting up a stage is to put everything in place and see how it looks while rehearsing the show. Stage designers have to make a few sketches of what the stage should look like once it is all ready. The builders and director put everything on the stage, make some adjustments, and see how everything looks. Then, they watch the actors rehearse and make more changes to the sets or backdrop. After that, everything is ready and the show can begin. The show usually starts around a week after the stage is set up and ready.

The process of setting up a stage is designing and painting the backdrop, designing and building the sets, and putting everything together to see how it looks. Setting up a stage can take a long time, and a lot of people are a part of the process. The biggest stage ever is Radio City Music Hall, in New York. For that stage, sets can be huge! I wonder what it would be like for only one person to set up a stage all by themselves, but they only have a few weeks to finish?