[AnnaElizabeth]

Hi all! I've been lurking here for awhile, but this is my first post. I'm a member of my high school's drama department. Our director recently selected the Wizard of Oz for our spring production, and she'd like professionals to design and construct our set.

Do you have any recommendations for how to find set designers and builders for high school shows?

[Myworst_Nightmare]

My town has a small amature theatre group that does a large scale musical in the fall and smaller things on the side. Our high school director is also the same director at our theatre (www.m-l-t.org).
Our director (a bitter, slightly crazy 65 year old man) designs all of our sets because he is very experienced in theatre. But our set builder, is actually the man who built many of the sets for MLT. You don't have to look far for one. Construction men(parents) can help come in and local builders can also help with building as long as the students on crew come help as well!

A director has their own vision, so they should know what they want for a set and many directors design their own set at the high school level. But there is probably places around that could help. If there are any theatre companys; as long as you have the money for it. But I do suggest the director desinging it, and local parents helping if you don't have a set builder of your own. =]

[AnnaElizabeth]

Thanks for your advice!

We've used a similar system for past shows. Our previous sets were designed and built by a local family. However, their son graduated from our high school, and we can't depend on their help any longer!

Because Oz is such a tech-intensive show (we're doing the RSC version), our director is really interested in investigating professional design. (I think ultimately she doesn't want to take the time to figure out the technical aspects herself; she's the kind of person who never has enough time, haha.) Are there companies that are geared towards this specifically? Or would you recommend talking to local theaters first, rather than searching for a designer or builders directly?

[thegirlfromack]

When I direct shows I usually design and build my own sets. It's a very good skill to have. All that you need is a carpenter assistant and a paintbrush. It is time consuming, but, again, very good skill to know how to build a functional set.

For Wizard of Oz, you would be best to work with multiple carpenters (making Dorthy's house is a pain). Wizard of Oz is a big show for costuming and lighting design as well. If the lights really hit the mark as a "flashy lighting scheme," then you have a "shiny" show (which Wizard of Oz IS). Painting would also be a big element considering the back drop or scrim that you wish to use. Painting is not really rocket science, but if you want it really intricate, then call the Art Club.

I think that part of the experince or theatre is partaking in set design and production as well as acting. It becomes more of a rewarding and educational experience.

Hope that helped

[Myworst_Nightmare]

[Set_Buildin_Dad]

You might be surprised at the talent available in the community it you just ask. I've been doing set design and construction in support of local schools as a hobby for several years now. I have worked with a number of other talented people during this process. This talent pool is usually volunteer (translation - cheap).

[Salome]

chances are for a good set you'll need to pay the designer but the construction crew is usually made up of volunteers who like helping out.

[AnnaElizabeth]

Thank you all for your advice. I believe we'll be contacting local theaters in hopes of finding a set designer really soon. Once we've got that, it's very likely we'll be able to find volunteer builders in our community... if not, our director has never been shy about requiring the cast to help with painting and such here and there. :]