Measuring Projection Screen in the Theatre

This visit was well worth it as we did not have any measurements on drawings/photos of the space with the projection screen down. Cally the technician demonstrated the operation of the screen which takes 20 seconds to release/ retract. It can be lowered to any height which is great as it means that with the pallets on the floor this won't pose a problem. I also took the opportunity to take lots of photographs with  the projector in the space and its relation to the legs etc. As well as re-visualise my set in the space.

Investigating sight lines from different seats and what will be seen behind the projector in each case.

View from the left of the seating - demonstrates how large the screen is in the space. This was with the screen at about  60cm from the ground.

Central view

Reflection: Visiting the space is always beneficial in scaling up your ideas from the model box. From this particular visit and adding the screen into my model box I would prefer it if the audience entered the space with the screen up as otherwise parts of the set are viewed but not all of it in a way that looks rather ugly. On speaking to Doug the release of the screen can be coincided with the end of Marks initial talk and the entrance of the Narrator so the audience aren't waiting for the screen but it also doesn't detract from the action, allowing their entrance to see the set in its beautiful entirity which would be ideal.

Site visit

Spent this afternoon revisiting the Ocean Room which was extremely beneficial being able to see the space with people in it rather than just using my model box. I used this opportunity to discuss the pros arch size with Doug and the use of playing space; using the pros space to act as the Devil's domain. From this visit I decided that the pros I have currently built is too big and I shall reduce the height of it so it isn't quite so dominant in the space. The width and arrangement however I am still happy with within the space and investigated the sight lines while I could by taking photographs and viewing the acting space from different points in the seating. There may need to be some playing around with the positioning of the conductor so he is able to communicate with both the orchestra as well as the actors. Putting him at a slight angle was one idea, not only due to technicality so the audience can also clearly see Mark and the work he's doing as well as the other orchestra members, especially in their uniforms.

The Director and Sarah within the space with the pros arch and  orchestra space roughly marked out from my model box measurements. Having people in the space is really helpful to establish sight lines and perspective for the audience.

Location visit: Stream

Photographs from my visit to the stream in Bournemouth town center which was encouraged by Gareth. The visit did help as I definitely felt I understood the atmosphere and movement that I need to re-create in my set to portray a stream. The key elements that I felt made the stream were:

• The rippling water
• Reflection
• Silhouette of the stream bank
• Its meandering nature and shape
• The sound of trickling water

Reflection: This was definitely of huge benefit to my set ideas and is something I will definitely carry out in future to fully understand the scene I am to create and the key features I need to suggest so it is clear to the audience without necessarily being obvious or too naturalistic.

Meandering shape

Reflections

Bank edge