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	WPI Technical Theatre Handbook: Materials
	Materials Many different types of materials can be used to construct the various elements of a set. Wood, cardboard, paper, plastics and metal are among the materials commonly used in large theatres. Most small theatres tend to limit themselves to wood, cardboard and paper, but there are often exceptions. Proper knowledge of how to work with these materials is essential for a successful and safe set construction. Wood is a relatively easy material to work with. It is strong, easily cut with the appropriate tools, and readily available. Corrugated or honeycomb cardboard can be used in place of wood in some instances, especially in non-structural set pieces. It is easily cut with a knife, and readily shaped into a variety of forms. A variety of useful foams exist that can be used to construct various decorative set pieces. Plastics and metal are more difficult to work with, and require special tools that are often more difficult to gain access to than those for working wood. Obtaining the appropriate materials can sometimes be a challenge. Lumber is usually fairly easy to obtain, as there are several lumber yards and homeowner-oriented stores that carry a large selection of materials. Other, more exotic materials may be difficult to track down. Theatre supply houses, craft stores, hobby shops, and industrial supply companies are all excellent resources for hard-to-find materials such as corrugated cardboard, plastics, metal, and foams. Use of information in this document implies understanding and agreement with the copyright and terms of use. Specifically, no warranty is expressed or implied regarding the accuracy of the information contained within. YOU USE THIS INFORMATION AT YOUR OWN RISK. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. You must obtain permission from the author before using the contents of The Handbook for anything other than private use.	Table of Contents [Whole book in PDF 5.3MB] Contents Introduction Goals Sources Methods Conclusions Costumes Introduction Procurement Fabrics Color Patterns Fitting Rehearsal Clothing Design How to Begin Color Practicality Documents The Set Introduction Set Pieces Platforms Flats Stairs Rakes Other Structures Floor Coverings Construction Materials Tools Finishing Painting Types of Paint Mixing Paints Applying Paint Draperies Design How to Begin Documents Computer-Aided Design A Typical Set Construction at WPI Rigging Introduction Common Rigging Hardware Rope Wire Rope Thimbles, Wire Rope Clips, and Swages Shackles, Turnbuckles and Hooks Chain & Rapid Links Slings Fly Methods Non-Counterweighted Pulley Systems Counterweighted Fly Systems Lifts Chain Motors Flying Set Pieces Lighting Introduction Lighting Instruments Scoops Cyclorama Lights Parabolic Reflector Cans Fresnel Spotlights Ellipsoidal Reflector Spotlights Automated Instruments Color Color Theory Primary, Secondary and Complementary Colors of Light Light Mixing Practical Use of Color Glass, Gelatine and Plastics Dichroic Color Filters Patterns Dimmers Dimmer History Cables and Connectors Lighting Boards Control Design Washes Specials Cyclorama Lighting Color Lighting Angle Simulating Exteriors Lighting Design Paperwork Shop Order Instrument Plots Focus Sheets Computer-Aided Lighting Design A Typical Lighting Hang at WPI Audio Introduction Input Microphones Converting Sound to Electricity Directionality Analog Tape Digital Audio Tape (DAT) Compact Disc (CD) Mini-Disc (MD) Digital Samplers Computer Sound Cards Mixing Boards Signal Processing Equipment Equalizers Compressors and Limiters Noise Gates Effects Processors Output Power Amplifiers Speakers Crossovers Cabling and Connectors Line-Level Speaker-Level Automation Design Creating and Obtaining Effects Editing and Processing Effects Designing the Sound System The Input Section Signal Processing The Output Section A Typical Audio Setup at WPI Power Introduction Basic Theory Power Feeds Power Distribution Boxes Power Protection Important Considerations Special Effects Introduction Animated Costuming Smoke and Fog Pyrotechnics Acknowledgements References List of Figures Index About this document ...

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