Drafting for the Theatre

Introduction—Drafting, the Graphic Language of Planning

This book is finally in its second edition. In the nearly twenty years since the first edition was published, it has been widely accepted as a reference resource for professionals as well as a course textbook by many schools. This newly updated edition may be used as a textbook suitable for both intermediate and advanced levels of theatre drafting. When the book serves as a reference work, readers will find the extensive index especially helpful. While ingraining in the reader an awareness of basic graphic communication skills, as well as a repertoire of drawing skills that can be used in both computer-aided design (CAD) and hand drafting in the scenic studio, the emphasis of this book remains on effective communication regardless of the tools being used. We pre­ sent the computer as just another drawing tool, like a T-square or a pencil, albeit one that, in many cases, makes it possible for the informed theatre drafter to communicate more quickly and accurately than is possible by hand. The CAD fundamentals discussed in this book speak to universal principles to provide an effective foundation for useful graphic communication. These principles apply to working in a computer-based environment regardless of the software. Discussions include considerations for both the individual drafter and the management of CAD drawings within a performing arts organization, with an emphasis on graphic standards intended to support high-quality drawings. Where drawings were needed to illustrate basic concepts, we typically used Autodesk products. We tried to avoid providing stepby -step instructions based on a specific CAD package, but attempted to illustrate practices with more commonly used command nomenclature regardless of the available software. A great number of books have been written about existing CAD software. Upgrades are released on such a regular basis that any set of instructions proves almost immediately obsolete . Anyone interested in learning more about specific CAD programs should directly consult one or more of the many software-specific reference books or online tutorials that are available. Most students will not be able to cover all of the material discussed in this book within the scope of a single semester course. However , this book assembles in one place the principal types of drawings, techniques, and practical knowledge requisite for the scenic drafting of both design and shop drawings. To put the information into practice, most chapters conclude with one or more worksheets that provide students an opportunity to test their understanding of the material presented. Drafting is not an end unto itself, but rather a means to achieving that end. Put simply, theatre drafting is not at all for the purpose of drawing pretty pictures; it is done for the purpose of producing beautiful, useful scenery of high quality for real actors in real performance situations. We offer this text to help in the development of the skills required to produce quality drafting to meet this need. Introduction—Drafting, the Graphic Language of Planning ix ...