Drafting the Stage

Course Description

Summary

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of theatrical design with a focus on creating and interpreting scale drawings. Students will explore how scale functions as a means of communication between directors and designers, as a critical tool in scenic/lighting design, and stage management, allowing ideas to be translated from concept to construction to performance - with accuracy and clarity.

Through hands-on projects, students will learn to ‘read and write’ in scale to create ground plans, elevations, and cross-sections in architectural scales. Emphasis will be placed on precision, measurement, and proportional thinking, as well as the practical application of these skills in a production environment.

A key component of the course is understanding scale as more than just a mathematical ratio—it is a shared language. Scale drawings serve as a contract between designers and technicians, ensuring that all collaborators are working from the same expectations. Students will examine how consistency in scale enables clear communication, reduces errors, and supports safe and efficient construction.

By the end of the course, students will be able to create accurate scale drawings, interpret professional design documents, and understand how scaled work directly impacts the success of a live performance.