A Guide to Studying the Relationship Between Engineering and Theatre

by Debra Bruch


Home

The Experience of Theatre

How Theatre Happens

Directing Theatre

The Relationship Between Engineering and Audience

-- Introduction

-- The Space

-- Technical Conditions

-- Climate Conditions

-- Safety

-- Theatrical Conventions

-- Performance Conventions

-- Style Conventions

-- Creativity

Technical Conditions

What physical resources are available?

What are the technological possibilities?

What are the budget constraints?


What are the Technological Possibilities?


Many theatre artists/engineers find themselves in a situation lacking in state of the art equipment. Looking at what you don't have and complaining about it does not help the situation. Looking at what you do have and complaining doesn't help either. Complaining very often leads to a failure of imagination. Instead, assess the situation, ground yourself in what you really can't do, and figure out the possibilities. For instance, you really can't fly anything when the stage space has an eight foot ceiling. But you can use panels and grooves that could meet production needs.

Approach the challenge positively and avoid a failure of imagination.


© Debra Bruch 2005