History of Stagecraft
Essential Tools and Materials
Common Basic Structures
Role of a Stage Crew
FAMOUS MUSICALS
100

This ancient civilization built theaters into hillsides for natural acoustics.

What is Ancient Greece?

100

Used for driving nails into sets and scenery, this tool is a stagecraft staple.

What is a hammer?

100

This term describes large, painted cloths used as backdrops.

What are drops?

100

This role involves creating the physical environment where the play takes place.

What is set construction?

100

This musical takes you on a magic carpet ride with a young man who discovers a genie in a lamp, set in the fictional city of Agrabah.

What is "Aladdin"?

200

In this era, artists began using perspective in backdrops to add depth to stage designs

What is the Renaissance?

200

This tool measures lengths and distances for accurate set construction.

What is a tape measure?

200

These movable wall units are used to create the illusion of indoor scenes.

What are flats?

200

This crucial job involves changing the scenery between scenes without being seen.

What is a scene change/stage hand?

200

This Classic about a young girl who is transported to the Land of Oz by a tornado and her quest to return home.

What is "Wizard of OZ"?

300

This period saw the introduction of movable stages and pageant wagons.

What is the Medieval Period?

300

Essential for cutting wood for set pieces, this tool comes in manual and powered versions.

What is a saw?

300

These raised surfaces can represent hills or buildings in a stage setting.

What are platforms?

300

This team is responsible for setting the scene's mood with light.

What is the lighting crew?

300

 A tragic love story by William Shakespeare about two young people who fall in love despite their families' feud  

What is "Romeo and Juliet"?

400

This era benefited from advancements in gas lighting, enhancing stage illumination.

What is the Victorian Era?

400

This hand tool tightens and loosens screws in set pieces.

What is a screwdriver?

400

This stage element can dramatically reveal or hide parts of the set.

What are curtains?

400

Ensuring the audience can hear the actors and sound effects is the job of this team.

What is the sound crew?

400

In this magical musical, a nanny with extraordinary abilities flies into the lives of the Banks family, bringing with her a mix of discipline and whimsy.

What is "Mary Poppins"?

500

This century introduced electric lighting and sound systems to theaters.

What is the 20th Century?

500

Used for mixing and applying colors to sets, this tool brings scenery to life.

What is a paintbrush?

500

These are the handheld items actors use to enhance their performance.

What are props?

500

This person turns the director's vision into detailed plans for sets and scenes.

Who is the designer/drafter?

500

Based on a beloved 1993 film, this musical comedy follows an out-of-work actor who disguises himself as a British nanny to spend time with his children post-divorce.

What is "Mrs. Doubtfire"?

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