The lines and symbols used to make technical drawings are largely "prescribed," so that communication will be as clear and consistent as possible. Technical drawing for the theatre has fewer such rules and prescriptions than engineering or architectural drawing, because it generally describes temporary lightweight structures. Drawings for theatre tend to be very pictoral, and the draftsperson is permitted much flexibility and "personality" in graphic presentation. There are occasions when correct architectural or engineering drawings are needed in theatre or film situations: such drawings should only be executed by qualified persons (generally not the scenery or lighting designer or scenographer). In many Theatre organizations, technical drawings or working drawings are done by the technical director. In most film companies, technical drawings are usually made by draftspeople employed for the purpose. The student of stage design should become familiar with the standards for technical drawing in Theatre that have been (or are being) developed by various professional organizations: some are linked below. The United States Institute of Theatre Technology Scenic Design and Technical Production Graphic Standard.pdf (1992, revised and re-issued 1999) is an excellent guide, principally useful for conventional (non- computerized) drawing. The Canadian Institute of Theatre Technology Theatre Drafting and Information Exchange Standards for CAD.pdf, and the Association of British Theatre Technicians Standards for Theatre Draughting.pdf are both evolving documents, and are both very helpful. They assume a "flat-drafting" working procedure on the computer. There is actually no absolute standard for graphic communication in Theatre Drafting. A number of basic definitions and guidelines, intended to apply to both computerized and conventional drafting, are given below. These guidelines are similar - but not identical to - those set out in the above documents. |
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