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How to draw a straight line
Sounds simple doesn't it? Draw a straight line. Go ahead, give it a
try. Take your pencil and draw a straight line. Hint: drawing a line
side to side is easier then up and down. Not easy is it? Now, try a
ruler. In technical theater we use rulers all the time. You don't have
one? How about the edge of an index card? Maybe the edge of that math
book you want to throw across the room. You have a lot of straight
edges you could use in place of a ruler.
Several tools are available to use to draw our lines.
Horizontal Lines
The
simplest is the T-Square. Remember that straight edge I mentioned about
the drawing board? Well, here's where it comes in. You take the "T" of
the T-Square and hold it against the straight edge of the board. You
can slide the T-Square up and down the edge and draw as many straight
lines you wish. Here's the best part; every one of these lines will be
parallel!
The next option is a parallel
ruler attached to the drawing board. The picture to the right is of a
portable board with the ruler. The ruler is held in place with small
cables and pulleys. These allow the ruler to move up and down. Very
cool. These come in various sizes. You can also get the ruler in a kit
and attach it to any drawing board.
Vertical Lines
If
only all our lines would run in one direction. But alas, we need to
draw a lot of rectangles. Platforms, flats, doors, windows, lots of
rectangles. All of our vertical lines would want to be perpendicular to
our horizontal lines. That is, a 90 Degree angle. But you knew that, I
know. Just making sure.
A
triangle is the best choice. These two triangles both have a 90 degree
angle. But they are different. The one on the left is a 30-60-90 degree
and the other is a 45-90 degree. Having both can give you all the
degrees of the compass, but at 15 degree increments.
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