Mechanical drawings, and the ability to read and produce them, are extremely important in technical theater. Drawings can be made by hand or with a computer. Hand drafting involves the use of drafting equipment such as the T-Square, triangles, a compass, and templates. Computer drafting requires a computer with drafting software and a printer or plotter.
Regardless of the method, the object being illustrated is drawn to scale and is shown from as many views as necessary to provide a clear understanding of the shape of the finished object. In theatrical drafting, the scale used for most drawings is 1/2 inch to 1 foot (1/2" = 1'-0"). This means that each 1/2 inch measured on the drawing represents 1 foot on the corresponding full-scale object. 1/2" scale is small enough to allow placement of many scenic units on a manageable size sheet of paper, yet large enough to specify most detail. The scale rule is used to make the change in proportion as painless as possible.
Multiple 2-dimensional views are used to fully describe the 3-dimensional environment of the stage. The Ground Plan is an overhead view and the Sectional Drawing provides the side view. Elevations are used by the carpenters and technicians to build scenery, props, furniture, and practicals. The Light Plot is used as an accurate scaled "road map" of the Lighting Design.
All groups using The PAC Shop are expected to produce plans and plots for inpection by Peter Whinnery before any work can begin. The Performance Supervisor must also be provided with these drawings before load-in (typically 2-4 weeks prior). These drawings should conform to the standards used throughout the industry. The United States Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT) provides two publications that student designers will find quite useful:
USITT Scene Design and Technical Production Graphic Standards
