Tech Crew Slides Tech Crew
Slides
The Magic Behind the Curtain
Backstage Access Only
What is Stagecraft?
Stagecraft is the technical aspect of theatrical production.
It's everything you see and hear during a play that isn't the actors themselves.
Scenery and Sets
Lighting and Sound
Costumes and Makeup
The Tech Departments
Set Design
Creating the physical world of the play.
Props
Small items actors use on stage (swords, phones, bags).
Lighting
Setting the mood and making sure we can see!
Sound
Music, sound effects, and microphones.
Costumes
What the characters wear to show who they are.
Who runs the show?
The Stage Manager
Stage Directions
Directions are from the ACTOR'S perspective facing the audience.
UPSTAGE
DOWNSTAGE
Upstage Right
Upstage Center
Upstage Left
Center Right
CENTER
Center Left
Downstage Right
Downstage Center
Downstage Left
AUDIENCE
Design Challenge
You are the Set Designer for a new play called
What needs to be on stage? How do we use the space?
Backstage Pass Worksheet Backstage Pass
Stagecraft Discovery Journal
NAME:
DATE:
Part 1: The Tech Dictionary
SET DESIGN
PROPS
LIGHTING
COSTUMES
STAGE MANAGER
Personality outfits.
Runs the rehearsal.
Small carried items.
Mood and visibility.
Physical world scenery.
Part 2: Navigation
Actor perspective labels: USR, USC, USL, CR, C, CL, DSR, DSC, DSL .
Stage Right
Stage Left
Audience
Part 3: Set Design Challenge
NAME:
The Mysterious Clock Tower Attic
PROMPT: A dusty attic filled with artifacts. Place a large window UPSTAGE CENTER and a heavy wooden door CENTER LEFT . Draw the furniture and clocks!
PROJECT ID: CLOCK_TOWER_001 LAYOUT: TOP_DOWN_PLAN SHEET: 02/02
Lighting Mood Notes
Key Props Needed
Stage Command Teacher Guide Stage Command
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson: Stagecraft Secrets
Grade Level: 4-6
Learning Objectives
Define stagecraft and identify the five primary technical departments in theater.
Navigate a stage using correct theatrical directions (USR, DSC, etc.).
Apply design thinking to create a set layout based on a text prompt.
Lesson Flow
0-10m
Hook: Ask students what makes a movie or play feel "real." Introduce the concept of Stagecraft using the slides.
10-25m
Direct Instruction: Walk through the 'Big Five' and Stage Directions. Use the grid in the slides to have students "act out" directions in the classroom.
25-45m
Practice: Hand out the Backstage Pass Worksheet . Students complete the matching and grid sections independently or in pairs.
45-60m
Creative Task: Students design their "Clock Tower" set. Encourage them to think about how actors would enter and exit.
Facilitation Tips
Actor vs. Audience
The biggest struggle for students is remembering that "Left" and "Right" are from the actor's perspective. Remind them often: "The actor is the star, they get to choose the direction!"
Safety First
In tech theater, safety is the top priority. Mention that "Glow Tape" is used to mark the edges of set pieces so actors don't trip in the dark during blackouts.
Answer Key: Backstage Pass
Part 1: Vocabulary Definitions
SET DESIGN: The walls, floors, and furniture that make the scene.
PROPS: Small items actors carry or use (like a letter or a cup).
LIGHTING: Creating the mood and making the stage visible for the audience.
COSTUMES: What characters wear to show their personality and role.
STAGE MANAGER: The person who calls the cues and runs the rehearsal and show.
Part 2: Stage Grid Labels
USL
USC
USR
CL
C
CR
DSL
DSC
DSR
Note: Students must label according to the actor facing the audience. From the audience's view, Left and Right are mirrored.
Part 3: Design Challenge Rubric
Spatial Accuracy (4 pts)
The window must be placed in the back (USC) and the door on the side (CL). Bonus points for clear entrance/exit paths.
