Theatre: Art in Action

Chapter 6: Technical Theatre

Activity Lesson Plans

Introduction
Students have studied the importance of the technical side of theatre. They have learned about production, set, prop, lighting, sound, costume, and makeup design. They have also learned about set and prop construction. In this lesson, students will view three visual representations of a scene from Tennessee Williams's A Streetcar Named Desire and analyze their elements.

Lesson Description
Students will view a computerized model, a painted rendering, and a production photograph of the same scene from A Streetcar Named Desire. Then they will use these visuals to answer questions about the design and construction of the set.

Instructional Objectives
1. Students will be able to use viewing skills to compare and contrast three different visual representations of a set.
2. Students will be able to understand and use theatre terminology to describe a set's design and construction.

Web Quest Activity Answers
1. Answers may include that the top one is a 3-D computer model, the middle one is a painted rendering, and the bottom one is a photograph from the production. The computerized representation shows the basic set design and a few details, while the painted rendering shows more of the style of props to be used, the lighting design, and the ways in which actors will use the set. The production photo shows the whole set design, complete with props, actors, and lighting in place.

2. Students should mention that the lighting area is on the upper and lower parts of the staircase. This is the acting area where both actors are located.

3. Descriptions should include a wooden platform, shutters, a staircase, a floor, flats, and a door.

4. Students should mention chairs, a dining table, a tablecloth, a bed, bedding, a dressing vanity, a refrigerator, and other kitchen appliances.

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