Theatre Design & Technology - Spring 2010 - 62

book

reviews
the design for "Hokey: A Musical Myth," an
imaginary show, as the case study to illustrate
the design and execution process. (Only Steve
Shelley would create a fictional work described
as "a pseudo-children's rock musical that is one
part Rocky Horror Picture Show, one part Teletubbies, and one part Noises Off.") He divides
the book into major "stages": Research and Analysis, Preliminary Documents, Preparation - the
Creation of the Final Paperwork and Documents
Prior to Load In, and Application - Using and Updating the Documents Once the Show Loads In.
There is nothing surprising in the Research
and Analysis segment except, perhaps, the reminder that designers need to engage in those
activities, even after leaving academic theatre.
The suggestions of specific questions for the
director are terrific additions. Many entry-level
designers have attended only a few design or
production meetings outside of the somewhat
scripted setting of an educational program.

The next three segments-preliminary
paperwork, contract agreement, and personal
protection for the designer-contain the most
valuable information on design and execution.
Creation and use of complete paperwork for preliminary planning and execution
of the design are among Shelley's strengths.
His examination of preliminary paperwork
and his analysis of resources are precise and
complete. Illustrative samples of every document or type of graphic cited are included.
Most of the additional pages in this new edition are examples of paperwork and graphic
tools used either to reach the plotting process
or as part of developing the actual light plot.
The emphasis is on complete preparation and
organization at every stage of the design process. Using the "Hokey" case study, he takes
us from the preliminary script analysis and
cue master through the final documentation of
how to accurately plot and organize the show.

The expanded treatment of these subjects is
the strength of the new edition.
This analysis is particularly valuable for
those who have not yet worked outside the resident theatre setting. Placing a shop order and designing for an out-of-town or touring production
are fully addressed. So is designing a show that
may be a remount or is planned to be a remount
in the future.
Two other particularly important sections include suggestions on crafting a contract agreement
and a discussion of personal protection for the designer in case of medical emergency or liability. The
contract information draws heavily on the United
Scenic Artists Local #829 provisions of the Model
Agreements. Liability issues for designers have
changed in recent years. Consensus has long
been that a simple declaration on all drawings
that the design was for artistic considerations only
would release the designer from any liability. That
is no longer the case, and an "insurance clause"

W
NE

THE CUE LIGHT SOLUTION
G
B

GO-LITE™
Manual Controller

6-Wire Telephone Cable

Power
Supply
* Easily installed anywhere
* Utilizes four colored LEDs;
white, red, blue and green
* Dependable
* Economical
* Highly Visible
* Link 20 or more in series
60

theatre

design

technology

Details at www.gamonline.com

S P R I N G

2010

http://www.gamonline.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Theatre Design & Technology - Spring 2010