Platform building

Definition

Platform building refers to the construction of a raised structure that serves as a stage or area for performances in theatre. This technique is essential in set construction, as it provides actors with a designated space to perform and enhances the visibility of the action for the audience. The platforms can vary in height and size and are often used to create levels within a scene, allowing for dynamic staging and movement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Platforms can be constructed from various materials such as wood, metal, or composite materials, depending on the desired durability and design.
2. Building platforms can also involve considerations for safety, ensuring that they are stable and secure for performers to move on.
3. Platforms can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a set by introducing different levels, adding depth and complexity to the visual storytelling.
4. When constructing platforms, it is crucial to plan for accessibility so all actors can utilize the space effectively without hindrance.
5. The use of platforms can also influence acoustics on stage, impacting how sound travels and is perceived by the audience.

Review Questions

• How does platform building contribute to the overall effectiveness of a theatrical performance?
  • Platform building significantly enhances a theatrical performance by providing actors with defined spaces that improve visibility and movement. By creating different levels, platforms allow for dynamic staging that can highlight key moments in a play. This added dimension helps in storytelling by directing audience attention and facilitating better interactions among characters.
• In what ways do safety considerations impact the design and construction of performance platforms?
  • Safety considerations are critical in platform building as they ensure that structures are stable and secure for actors. Designers must account for load-bearing capacity, surface materials to prevent slipping, and proper anchoring methods. Additionally, clear pathways must be established for performers to move safely between levels without risk of falling or injury during performances.
• Evaluate how the integration of platform building into scenic design can affect audience engagement during a performance.
  • Integrating platform building into scenic design can greatly enhance audience engagement by creating a visually stimulating environment that draws viewers into the story. Platforms can lead to varied sightlines, allowing audiences to experience the action from multiple perspectives. This dynamic staging encourages emotional investment in the characters’ journeys as their interactions on different levels add complexity to the narrative and maintain viewer interest throughout the performance.

Related terms

Scenic Design: The art of creating the physical surroundings in which the action of a play occurs, encompassing everything from the overall concept to specific elements like platforms, backdrops, and props.

Stagecraft: The technical aspects of theatrical production, including the construction and arrangement of stage elements, lighting, sound, and set decoration that contribute to the overall performance.

Blocking: The precise staging of actors in a performance to facilitate the storytelling, often involving their positions on platforms and other set pieces to create visual interest.