Stage Anatomy Reference Stage Anatomy
The Proscenium Stage & Fly System Reference
Technical Drawing 101
The Proscenium Layout
Designing for a proscenium stage means working within a "picture frame." The audience views the action through the Proscenium Arch . This stage type is ideal for scenery changes using a Fly System , where set pieces can be raised into the space above the stage.
Essential Terms
Plaster Line (PL) An imaginary line running across the stage from the back of the proscenium arch. This is the "Y=0" for your floor plan.
Center Line (CL) An imaginary line running from the front of the stage to the back, dividing it exactly in half. This is the "X=0" for your floor plan.
The Apron The part of the stage that extends in front of the proscenium arch toward the audience.
Wings The offstage spaces to the left and right where actors and scenery wait to enter.
The Fly System
Fly Loft The high space above the stage hidden from the audience's view.
Batten A long metal pipe suspended above the stage for hanging scenery, lighting, or curtains.
Lineset The specific combination of cables, battens, and weights used to fly a single piece.
Note: Always check the "Line Set Schedule" to know which battens are available for your set pieces.
Fly Loft (Hidden)
Stage Floor
Proscenium Arch
When drawing your Ground Plan , always start with the Center Line and Plaster Line. These are your anchors for every measurement you take on stage.
Ground Plan Template Ground Plan Draft
Scale: 1/4" = 1' 0"
Show:
Designer:
Date:
Page:
Center Line (CL)
Plaster Line (PL)
Stage Left
Stage Right
Upstage
Downstage / Apron
Symbols Legend
X
DRAFTING RULES: 1. Scale is 1/4" = 1'-0". (One square = 1' x 1')
STAGE DESIGN TEMPLATE GP-01
Elevation Draft Template Set Elevation Draft
Scale: 1/4" = 1' 0" | Vertical View
Show:
Designer:
Date:
View:
30'
25'
20'
15'
10'
5'
GL
Ground Line (0' 0")
Stage Floor
CL
Proscenium Arch
Common Flat Heights
12' 0" Flat
10' 0" Flat
8' 0" Flat
Stage Left Stage Right
ELEVATION RULES: 1. Always measure height from the Ground Line (GL).
STAGE DESIGN TEMPLATE EL-01
Drafting Symbols Guide Drafting Symbols
Standard Icons for Ground Plans & Elevations
Designer's Toolkit
Architectural Elements
Flat / Wall Solid heavy line representing vertical scenery.
Door (Swing) Arc shows direction of the door's swing.
Window Drawn within the wall line.
Levels & Motion
+12"
Platform Indicate height from stage floor with a "+".
Stair Unit Arrow points in the UP direction.
Flying Scenery Dashed lines represent objects overhead.
Soft Goods & Props
Leg / Curtain Squiggly or thick line representing soft fabric.
Chair Simplified top-down outline.
Drafting Pro-Tips
• Line Weights: Use a dark pencil (HB or 2B) for walls and a light pencil (2H) for grid and dimension lines.
• Dimensions: Never guess! Use your 1/4" scale ruler to ensure a 3' door actually measures 3/4 of an inch on paper.
• Consistency: Use the same symbols throughout your entire set of drawings.
• Center First: Always locate your Center Line before drawing anything else.
Set Design Symbol Guide • Stagecraft Studio
