Frequently Asked Questions - Scenery
How are the ground plans interpreted?All of the ground plans are exactly in scale. Black lines indicate drops. If there is a dashed line, that indicates that the opening is above head height. Red lines indicate solid pieces (“flats”). Blue lines indicate platforms and steps. Any translucencies or netting is indicated on the plans. There will be a separate page with additional details on openings, etc. to help your Technical Director and Lighting Designer.
How are drops shipped?The drops are folded. They get packed either in bags or plastic packages. They get shipped by common carrier (TForce, Estes, Old Dominion, etc.). These trucking companies charge by weight. This is very inexpensive. Or you could pick them up in a small van if you choose.
What about solid pieces (“flats”)?We send just the painted canvas (“skin”) of the flat. You create the frame, then staple the painted canvas onto the frame. At strike, simply remove the painted canvas, and send it back with the drops. If requested, we will send you the “skins” in advance so you can prepare the frames in advance or off-site.
What about platforms and steps?Platforms and steps are not included, as this would make shipping too expensive. If a scene is designed to use platforms, they are almost always designed to use standard 4’ x 8’ platforms. In most cases, platforms do not even have to be used, if you so desire.
What are the crew requirements?There is no universal one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your stage and your crew. For example, some stages can load weights from the deck. Some can only load from the grid.
One fly man is usually enough. And if he can load weights from the same position, then you do not need another person for that. Three people on the deck to tie the drops onto the battens are enough. So four people could easily hang the drops in one four hour call.
You may need another call if you have to adjust masking legs and borders, as well as inserting bottom pipe.
If you have more people on the deck, you can be hanging two drops at a time, or you could be inserting bottom pipe as you go along.
What if our stage is very small or very large?Drop sets are flexible enough that they can be used on almost any size stage. If the stage is too narrow, the drops can be folded and tied back on the upstage side. If the grid is too low, the drops can be tripped.
Can we mix in a scene from a different opera?It depends on the circumstance. If it is a whole concept, then probably, as long as it is not artistically offensive.
For example, we supplied the scenery for a New Orleans Opera Lucia di Lammermoor, They changed the location of the opera from Scotland to New Orleans.
Are we required to hire your technician?No. We do offer free technical service. If you supply us with accurate technical specs of your stage, we can advise you with your hanging plot, any reductions, etc. We are here to help.