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Structural Design for the Stage by Alys Holden , Ben Sammler (Author)
This book provides the theater technician with a foundation in
structural design allowing an intuitive understanding of why sets
"stand up". It introduces the basics of statics and the study of the
strength of materials as they apply to typical scenery, with a minimum
of theory and many examples.
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Review
"The first book to reach well beyond traditionally
available stagecraft texts and present a systematic approach to
structural design using methods consistent with those in the field of
engineering." - Fritz Schwentker, Theatre Journal, May 2000
"Holden
and Sammler are successful in providing what they state as the purpose
for this book. That is, a "firm foundation in structural engineering
allows a technical designer to explore viable alternatives as well as
providing paradigms of thinking about structural systems." - Fritz
Schwentker, Theatre Journal, May 2000
"This book succeeds well
in teaching how to understand the design choices, and it is this along
with curiosity, experience and the accumulated knowledge of the
technical designer that are the building blocks to truly understanding
theatrical structures." - Fritz Schwentker, Theatre Journal, May 2000
Book Description
This book provides the
theater technician with a foundation in structural design allowing an
intuitive understanding of why sets "stand up". It introduces the
basics of statics and the study of the strength of materials as they
apply to typical scenery, with a minimum of theory and many examples.
The material is presented such that only a basic knowledge of algebra,
geometry and trigonometry is required. This useful text is also
invaluable to professionals as a permanent handbook complete with
carefully selected reference tables, which are applicable to most
theatrical situations.
Traditionally, theatrical design and carpentry are rooted in a
craft-based tradition that places a high value on empirically tested
techniques; in other words, if it was done that way for a show and
nothing fell down, then that's the way it will be done.
Many scenic construction examples with a "how-to" approach
Material
organized around one hour lessons with additional problems following
each lesson and answers to the even numbered ones in an appendix
Three
appendices with reference and design values for common shapes and sizes
of lumber, plywood and steel used in theatrical applications
From the Publisher
Traditionally,
theatrical design and carpentry are rooted in a craft-based tradition
that places a high value on empirically tested techniques -- in other
words, if it was done that way for a show and nothing fell down, then
that's the way it will be done.
About the Author
Ben Sammler is currently
the Chairman of the Department of Technical Design and Production for
Yale School of Drama. He is the Production Supervisor for Yale
Repertory Theatre and has over seen over 150 productions. Ben Sammler
is also an experienced lighting designer and technical director with
over 15 years of teaching experience, as well as the co-author of
Structural Design for the Stage, 1999 (Focal Press), winner of the
Golden Pen Award presented by USITT in 2000.
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