Modeling a Theatre 3

I Love this space. Just like the OAK ACRES stage that I helped to build up in the 1970's - 1980's,  it has evolved as needed through the seasons since that time, but in another place.

In HPT parlance, this is my "Given". I've been assured that It can be re-configured into anything that I want it to be, for my show...but I like it just as it is....

Modeling a Theatre 2

The purpose of this model is to afford me a practical space in which to stage my proposed production.

It doesn't need to be in perfect scale for this ( although the actual photos and my model seem to be pretty close in scale ), just enough so that I can move my imaginary actors, props ands set pieces in and out, and to determine if my concept for the show will play in this space.

I actually set each scene up and move little 2 1/2" figures around to make sure I am on track. (More about that soon ). Once I can visualize the action of each scene, I am able to write it, allowing for the ebb and flow of the characters on and off the stage, as well as how props and set pieces will enter and exit the space...

[ Incidently, this model is built to an aproximate 1/2" to 1' scale. This yields a model of about  30" X 24" which can fit on a tabletop, as this one can for ease of viewing and working ]

Modeling a Theatre 1

I will be the first to admit that this is not the way to go about this process. Detailed measurements are always a good idea when making a working model of...well, anything!

Here, however, I used photographs that   JOHNNY SIMONS   sent to me late last year. I had never even seen this space at that time. By studying the pictures ( counting the boards in the stage and estimating their width at some points ) I was able to estimate the dimensions of the stage.....

On the Subject of Maquettes

As I've said, a Maquette is French for a working model. I've made dozens of them in my career, some quite detailed. Usually to sell a project to a Producer or a Director who's imagination was...well, let's say... Limited.

Not so this one. This is a not-to-scale model I've constucted out of bits of wood and cardboard to approximate the stage area of the current venue of the  HIP POCKET THEATRE.

In order to write and subsequently stage the production I will attempt for them next season, I made this model so I could envision sightlines and settings. I am, after all, 600 miles away from the source....

Work Begins for 2015

Today in my workshop:

Constructed a Mask Maquette from plaster of paris.

I Utilized an ordinary plastic "blank face" mask ( from PartyCity by the way...). I Built up the forehead with thin cardboard and duck tape ( also covering the holes in the mask ) for added strength. Then rubbed petroleum jelly thinly inside the "mold" all around. I placed the finished mold upside down in a cardboard box, just bigger than the edges of the mold and filled with styrofoam packing peanuts for support. And finally I filled the mold with  the plaster mixture ( 4 cups cool water with 8 cups plaster powder added slowly and mixed until thick and soupy ). After about 4 hours, I very gently tipped the box and mold upside down on an old terry towel and wiggled the plaster out of the mold. Placed face up on two dowels so air can circulate, this will need to fully dry for another 24 to 48 hours.

A bit of carving and sanding will yield a perfect base on which to use plasticine clay to sculpt  character masks. These can then be rendered in several layers of paper mache for a perfect fit on the actors who will wear them.

Thus ends today's lesson.

Why am I doing this you ask?     Stay tuned......

PS: "Maquette" is French for a working model. Good thing I used plaster of "Paris", huh?

STAY TUNED - More to Come!

For many years my world was a stage...many different stages throughout my career!
 [ seen here is a newspaper photo promoting UNDERNEATH THE TOP DOWN for which I designed and manipulated the large scale puppets which have been a trademark of mine, especially in my work for Fort Worth's HIP POCKET THEATRE]

I retired from theatrical design work in the 1990's with no real desire to take it up again....

But......I have been invited back to THE HIP POCKET THEATRE to adapt, design and direct a new production for their 39th season in 2015!

I've chosen a property which I had on the planning board back in 1988 but it was never produced. Now I've been given a chance to stage this show and I've decided to give it one more try. I can't tell you what the show will be as yet. I must wait for JOHNNY SIMONS to make the formal announcment after the close of this years season. What I will be doing in the coming months is something I never imagined I would do when I started this blog. I will be documenting the design of a production as I create it, sharing with you the work in progress as it happens! I'm very excited about this. Yes there will be puppetry involved as well as both Set and Costume designs. I will also be posting about the process of adapting a film into a stage production which has always been interesting for me in the past with such shows as FREAKS and THE LADY VANISHES.

 I am writing the script now based on my notes from 25 years ago, but also with the added insight that 25 years can bring to the material. When this is approved and the announcement has been made I will begin posting my designs! Stay tuned....

THE HIP POCKET THEATRE COLORING BOOK - 1985

 While my work on the next book in my puppetry series continues, I though i would keep this blog alive with some miscellaneous posts which don't fit into a particual show or category.

Up first is THE HIP POCKET THEATRE COLORING BOOK. Diane Simons and I designed the concept for this little souvenir item to go along with the T Shirts and other things sold from the box office before and after the shows. The artwork was done by Adrian Martinez.

 Cliff Conklin was a local area actor who worked with us at CASA MANANA and during the original seasons at HWY 80 in Fort Worth. He was also the son of famed comic CHESTER CONKLIN, one of the original KEYSTONE KOPS in silent films.

Jimmy Joe Steenbergen rode his own motorcycle in this and other productions.

PINOCCHIO COMMEDIA will open the theatre's 38th Season outdoors on June 6th!