PREPARING A PRODUCTION

Behind the Scenes - Preparing the Venue, Set Design,

and Lighting and Sound

Putting a play on the stage is the process of selecting, designing, adapting to, or modifying the venue performance space for a play. This includes the use or absence of stagecraft elements as well as the structure of the stage and its components.   'First Step' review the following document for 'Taking the Stage with a Production.'

Wagon Wheels a Rollin' - 2014

The information on the "Start a Youth Theater" page will either make or break your show. We have found over the years that people come to our theater productions for select reasons:

  • Parents come to see the children take the stage and perform beyond all expectations
  • Adult patrons come for the same reason or to support the program
  • Some people come to see the sets, costumes, makeup
  • Evaluate the lighting and sound presentation
  • Simply enjoy the presentation.

How to get the word out about the production?

The staging is in the works and the cast is preparing their lines, so the next step is: Advertising.

Methods include PSAs for the newspaper, radio, television; then social media, and posters introduce the new play production to the public. If the production runs more than one weekend, these avenues for publicity will work again.

However, another form of advertising is word-of-mouth. This is a result of people who know New Artists Productions quality or who have attended the production and are willing to spread the word. This information causes some who are unfamiliar with New Artists Productions to attend performances. Therefore, it is vital to get things right and to make the best show possible.

Development of a Program

The approach to making a show a complete show can be experienced. As shows are brought to the stage new ideas and approaches are discovered. Some of these ideas and approaches come from theater patrons, some from the parents, and some from the actors themselves. Theater is a learning experience and that is where the 'joy of performance occurs.'

Summary of What is Available on Other Sections "Staging"

Through these links below, you will experience the approach we take to making the show a complete show.

The most important being: 'Choosing the Right Venue' Please review the link in conjunction with 'Taking the Stage with a Production.'

Staging Section is Divided Categories:

The examples shown in the linked pages will help describe what the production team decides to present for several of New Artists Productions presentations.

Costumes, Make-Up, Costume Design

Staging Costumes, Make-up, and Costume Design goes beyond the script as far as bringing life to the play. If the play is known, the audience has memories of what should be. If the play is new, the audience can experience through their own interpretation of what the writer and cast members bring to the story.

Set Design

Set Design takes the audience on a visual journey by creating the world of the play. Everything on stage, except for the actors and what they are wearing, is a creation of the set designer. Sometimes stage sets and scenery are very literal - they look like real life - other times sets and scenery are styled for the imagination. 

Lighting and Sound Design

Lighting and Sound designers are very important to telling the story on the stage. They work very closely with the set designer and director to create and produce the right effect - always keeping in mind what the playwright intended. Without light, the audience cannot see; without sound the play might proceed, but the full impact is lost.Â