Sustainability in Stage Design Production
As discussed in previous articles, the sustainable management of materials remains one of the paramount challenges in the realm of theater. In my ongoing research, I have delved deeper into stage design production. In this blog post and the upcoming one, I will elucidate how digitization can contribute to making this intricate process more sustainable. Initially, I will shed light on the course of stage design production and explore phases that hold the potential for digital support to enhance sustainability in the production.
Production Process
The creation of a stage design is exceptionally demanding, requiring meticulous planning and extensive coordination. Here is a brief overview of the creative design and production process of a stage design.
1. Preparation and Conceptualization:
- The process commences with the director’s selection of the play in close collaboration with the theater management.
- A detailed text analysis, conducted in collaboration with the stage and costume designer and the dramaturge, serves as the foundation for the design concept.
- During this phase, the requirements of the theater production are discussed, encompassing the play, directorial concept, and other creative specifications.
2. Design Phase:
- The stage designer develops sketches and concept drawings, which are discussed within the directorial team.
- Experts such as lighting designers can be involved at this stage to further refine the design concept.
3. Modeling and Presentation:
- Scale models are created to provide a better visualization of the stage design. These models are presented to the ensemble, and discussions with the technical staff ensue.
- Based on the design, a budget for stage design production is established. The stage designer also selects suitable materials, taking aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability into account.
4. Coordination with the Technical Team:
- The stage designer meets with the technical staff to present drawings and models. Technical drawings are created to guide the workshops in producing the set pieces.
5. Construction Rehearsal (Bauprobe):
- A construction rehearsal is conducted on stage using improvised set pieces. Proportions, colors, lighting, and technical details are scrutinized. Any necessary changes are discussed with the ensemble.
6. Implementation Process:
- The stage designer oversees the implementation process in the workshops, working closely with the stage manager, technical director, and workshop manager. Furniture and props are designed, selected, and manufactured.
7. Assembly and Setup on Stage:
- Set pieces and costumes are assembled on stage. The stage designer gets the first glimpse of the finished elements in their designated places.
8. Lighting Rehearsal:
- The stage designer develops an artistic lighting concept and implements it in a lighting rehearsal. Different lighting moods are tested, with expertise in lighting technology and color blending being crucial.
9. Stage Rehearsals and Fine-Tuning:
- Stage rehearsals are conducted in the original set, with fine-tuning carried out in collaboration with actors, makeup artists, and costume workshops. Detailed adjustments may be made to costumes, lighting, and set design.
10. Premiere:
- The inaugural performance of the new play takes place.
Conceptualization Phase / Model Building:
Model building for a stage design involves creating scale models that represent the planned stage design in a reduced form. These models serve as a visual reference for the directorial team, actors, and technical staff during the design and construction process.
Several aspects can play a role in terms of sustainability:
- Material Selection: The sustainable choice of model-building materials is crucial. Recycled or recyclable materials could be preferred. The use of environmentally friendly materials minimizes the ecological footprint.
- Reusability: If possible, models should be designed for reusability. This is particularly relevant when changes to the stage design are required or when the model can be utilized for future productions.
- Digital Models: The use of digital modeling techniques can also be more sustainable. By avoiding physical models made from various materials, resources can be conserved. Virtual models created in CAD programs also facilitate easier collaboration and communication within the team.
- Recycling: At the end of the process, physical models should be properly disposed of or recycled. Conscious disposal can ensure that the materials comply with prevailing environmental standards.
What is the Bauprobe?
The Construction Rehearsal, Bauprobe, is the most crucial day in the process of designing and producing a stage set for the stage designer. In the context of theater, a „Bauprobe“ refers to a phase during the preparation and planning of a theatrical production. During this phase, not only are the structural elements of the stage inspected, but also artistic and technical aspects of the stage design, lighting, sound equipment, and other technical elements are tested.
In terms of sustainability and material consumption in theater construction, the following points are relevant:
- Stage Design Materials: Stage design often requires the use of various materials such as wood, fabrics, paints, and other decorative elements. The Bauprobe provides an opportunity to examine alternative materials that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
- Lighting Technology: During the Bauprobe, the efficiency of lighting technology can be assessed. The use of energy-efficient bulbs and intelligent lighting systems can reduce both environmental impact and operating costs.
- Set Construction and Breakdown: Material consumption in the construction of stage sets and their recycling or reuse after the performance can be considered during the Bauprobe. This helps minimize the overall environmental footprint of the production.
- Transportation and Logistics: Sustainability aspects may also include the transportation and logistics of stage elements. Efficient route planning and the use of eco-friendly transportation can be discussed and optimized during the Bauprobe.
- Energy Efficiency: Both the energy efficiency of stage technology and other technical elements can be reviewed during the Bauprobe to minimize energy consumption.
However, the Bauprobe itself must also be designed within the framework of sustainability. Often, existing objects and sets are used to get a rough idea of the desired elements. Yet, the suitable piece is not always available in stock, and new parts must be manufactured. While these will eventually be used in the production, they often undergo changes after the Bauprobe. Material consumption occurs here even before the stage design is finalized.
Considering sustainability and material consumption during the conception and the Bauprobe in theater not only contributes to the eco-friendliness of the production but can also offer economic benefits and promote awareness of environmentally friendly practices in theater operations.
At the end of the posts, I would like to emphasize the guiding question that I aim to address in the next blog entry:
How can new digital technology support sustainable stage design production?
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