Advice sought from set builder / designer

Hello people's. A lad in sane productions next production has a couple of tricky / major set changes at rather inapprpriate times (damn those stupid playwrights who pay no creedence to feasability). I was hoping someone with vast expereince may be kind enough to discuss said changes and offer words of wisdom, or even better may wish to be involved with our production in October. cheers Johnny Grim 9355 5591 johnnygrim@optusnet.com.au

What makes the set changes so tricky? Is it a large set? Lots of props? What's the design like - realistic or non-naturalistic? What's the stage/venue like? Are you relying on stage hands to move things about? How are you dealing with scene changes - ie, use of lighting, etc? There's so many variables, it might help if you let us know what in particular you're having trouble with. Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.thepromptcopy.com/pip

"stupid playwrights who pay no creedence to feasability" I know that's probably a sarcastic comment, but as a playwright I know I think about set and the possibilities of it moving on and off. As a director of plays I try and put myself into the eyes of the playwright and think what they would be thinking about set at the time of writing. If scene change music goes for a certain amount of time it's for a reason. If there is a minor set which turns into a major set with virtually non scene change music I think of a curtain to hide the change. It's these little clues within the script that to me point out how 'feasible' a set should be. Almost like an instruction sheet for building set. Surely a set has to be designed to fit with changes...if your set isn't going to work out, maybe it's too big, too indepth or something like that...rather than a flaw of the play. ...in saying that I have seen some tight set changes, but have always found ways to work them out. ____________________________________________________________ Currently working on: A nice break before jumping into my next project.

Sean, I think he was having a go at himself, I'm pretty sure that Johnny Grim writes his own plays. I like Na would like to know more about the precise issue you are having Johnny Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

I really must stop being sarcastic on this website, it's not doing my image any good at all. I was indeed poking fun at thyself, however...thanks for responding to my request. It is probably easier to explain the set change over the phone so if any of you guys are happy to e-mail me your number I'l lgive you a call. the change is not in any way insurmountable, I just wanted advice from those who may be more experienced than I. cheers Johnny Grim

It's so hard in this modern day to pull off sarcasm. I really didn't know you were poking fun at yourself, I thought it was poking fun at a broader audience. Sorry if my post sounded hostile. I hope everything goes well in the end with your set changes. sean ____________________________________________________________ Currently working on: A nice break before jumping into my next project.

Have you had any luck answering the question yet Johnny? If not, I'll email you my number. Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.thepromptcopy.com/pip