Construct the Moment

For this project we are getting really hands on and finding out what happens behind the scenes when making sets. We are going to be working with the Year 2s and taking one of their models of a section of Waverley, per group, and making them into real life.

So far we have been inducted into the workshop , in our small group we made a theatre flat and a stretcher frame. It has been really fun and interesting and I love my group that I'm working with.

Then we looked at lighting and how different colours blended together. We learnt how to rig a light and what the best lighting is and the emotions it creates. We also climbed up ladders and a special rigging stand.

We then had to create a scene using Gobos and whatever props we could find. Me and my partner made a creepy scene with a doll we found.

The next week we tried out some scenic painting, which was so much fun! We used these special rollers to get a wooden texture on some plain MDF and then tried to paint some cobblestones.

We also painted a skirting board and I decided to add a cute little mouse on mine.

The next week we met our Year 2 group and chose which model we would be making. I'm really happy with the model we chose as I feel it will really challenge us. We divided us into roles and I was given scenic painter.

For the rest of the week we were constructing the flats for our model and I was making bricks all day, which was tiring but really satisfying.

The next week we had to staple all the bricks onto our wall flat. Sorcha and I carried out this task, it took us all day and we messed up a few times.

However, we were told that our bricks were too spaced out and they all had to be taken off. We then moved onto creating the metal ceiling girders out of wood. After they were made we had to paint them in Indendun paint mixed with sawdust to create a metal like texture. Whilst we did this the rest of our group made the fire exit doors and fixed the mess we made with the bricks.

Once both flats had been covered in bricks and painted, it was time to put the set together.

Whilst the year 2s were constructing the main set, Sorcha and I were tasked with painting the added extras such as the floor and the pipe. We took paint samples and mixed together a textured paint using sand and sawdust.

After that all that was left to do was to paint the walls with all the lovely stains and peeling paint to match the walls of the actual corridor in Waverley, and to construct some props like the electrical boxes and fire alarms. Once these were made and screwed on the set was finished!

I'm so so proud of what we all achieved with this project and I'm excited to see what the Year 2s have planned for lighting it next week!

The year 2's had done and INSANE job! They had used projection mapping, sound effects and a smoke machine to create a creepy performance. It sent shivers down my spine. Here's some images of the final set and a video of the performance.