Experiencing Theatre Production: A Placement Reflection

Placement Reflection & Evaluation Document

As part of my studies I was required to go on placement for a month of term. I chose to go on placement this term as I thought there were more opportunities over the Christmas period. For two weeks of my placement I worked for Rocket Scenery, Because of Rockets reputation for high-quality theatre scenery. Based in Nottingham rocket scenery has 2475sq meters of workshop space which is used to create sets, storing and touring sets overseas. The aim of Rocket Scenery is to create stress free sets for persons or organisations, achieving the most demanding of set designs.

When my placement at Rocket Scenery had finished, I worked with a designer called Nettie Scriven on the production of Cinderella at derby theatre.

Inspired by the traditional Grimm’s fairy tales, the production transforms Cinderella and challenges the original pantomime/Disney setting. With live music, stunning costumes and set designs, the talented cast of actor-musicians create a family orientated enchanting retelling of Cinderella.

During my placement I hope to gain more contacts for future projects, which will help me gain more experience in the future, post university.

Over the course of my placement I wanted to gain skills that would help me with future designs and drawings. I wanted a basic understanding of construction and sewing in a working environment.

On my first day at Rocket Scenery I found it very hard to find the location, once I had arrived I was shown around the entire workshop and given a brief health and safety talk. Then I helped to build a flat for the set of never-land designed by Helen Davies, to be performed at lakeside festival. Due to the previous day’s events I was still unwell and for health and safety purposes my placement authorised my absence.

For the duration of the week I was told I would be working with Ian, after an introduction I was handed a cutting list. At first I was nervous as I hadn’t used the metric system in a few months and had only been practicing it within the past year. However, once I got going and had a system I made all my cuts correct. Once we had built the skeleton of the walls it was then time to layer 5mm sheet of wood on top to then be canvased and sent to the paint

shop.

Another task I was set was to canvas five small to large PVC cubes which sat within each other on a movable base. First we cut a generous amount of canvas; we then folded the canvas in half on the side of the cube. With the canvas folded on one side and the other half exposed we laced glue in horizontal and vertical stripes for full coverage. Once we had a system we repeated the process for all the cubes and trimmed the excess.

I was given the task to construct skirting for the window panes for never land. I enjoyed doing this as they let me lose with the equipment. However, I was a bit disappointed if there was a gap between my joints after pinning them down. On my last day I made two lighting box’s for two large steel cylinders, so the electricians could hide their electrics.

The last day at Rocket Scenery and we finished the construction on the never land set and started the canvasing process. I mentioned that if they needed anymore help that I would be available, towards the end of the day I thanked everyone for their guidance throughout my placement.

To work on the production of Cinderella I was required to take part in an interview. The interview was with Nettie Scriven who set designed for Cinderella. The placement would take place in derby. Once Nettie briefed me on the role and the nature of the placement I then showed her previous work. Once we arrived in derby we were based at Green Lane (part of derby university) I was shown around the building and introduced to the director, SM and DSM. When we had settled we then started work I spent most of the day sewing, stitching and adding to garments for a 3D effect.
To start my placement off I stitched a table cloth by hand which took most of the morning, I also did a number of alterations on garments for the washing line (hemming, ridgeline, sewing and unpicking)
Working our way through the washing line I also had a look at the model box and took pictures for reference.

Nettie had a workshop planned during the week. During the workshop Nettie discussed her designs and inspiration for Cinderella and set a task for the group, we were to create a sculpture and place it in a good spot around the room and share it with the group. This was good for me as I got to see the inspiration behind the design and a working process. The day before Nettie Briefed me to shorten two dresses and create pillow cases for two cylinder pillows. First of all, I shortened the dresses to and ironed them to make sure the hemming was symmetrical due to the darts we added. Once I had done that I then made a start on the Pillow cases, first of all I cut a generous amount of fabric and wrapped it around the pillow and pinned it to create a tube effect. When I knew I had enough material I turned it inside out and stitched it. I then folded the edges in and stitched the centre to give it shape. As the day continued Nettie let me sit in Rehearsal while stitching the circles, this was nice as I hadn’t seen any of the production yet.
On Show day after spending the afternoon doing last minute alterations and painting some crates our main task was to tidy. Once we had finished tidying it was time to watch the show. A few things went wrong such as the lamp lights not turning on and the clock not appearing the show ran smoothly and marked the end of my placement.

While considering my placement options I researched rocket scenery and looked at their website to see
what they had available. Rocket scenery not only work with the community but its vast workshop space
store’s and produces sets in the UK and overseas.

The company employ freelances and contracted teams with a variety of skills such as experienced draughtsmen, metalworkers, scenic carpenters and scenic artists dedicated to achieving the most exacting of design demands. Alongside the large workforce they also welcome opportunities and volunteers.
Using up to date technology such as CAD drawings designs can be realised and staging challenges can be overcome. With the theatre industry expanding and high demands of “bigger and Better” rocket expanded its workshops and upgraded the metal shop for robust scenic elements. Traditional wood work techniques are also used in the wood shop which is equipped with tools and PPE. To finish the designs off rocket has two paint facilities with paint frame. Alongside all the documentation and construction rock will provide support within the fit up period, working with production managers to bring the show to opening night.
Rocket Scenery pride themselves on stress-free service from construction to touring, while also meeting quality and standards of the audience, stage and backstage.
Cinderella which took place at derby theatre was inspired by the traditional brothers Grimm’s fairy tale. The target audience for this play was set for the family, however contradicts the style of a traditional pantomime theme. Made by a multi –talented cast at derby theatre ticket deductions for family and schools were available to support the local community.
The tale follows the story of Cinderella and narrated by a cast of rats providing live music and a friendly tone to the play. The designs drove the play away from the pantomime theme adding a more modern twist to the fairy tale story. The director thought hard to give the tale a different direction by introducing the rats in developing roles.
I think the director not only wanted to give the tale a modern twist but also wanted to tell a message to the audience by casting the only black cast member as the lead female. I thought this was a fantastic idea not only as she best suited the role but also made a statement about race in society which shows in this modern retelling.
Although my placement was only 2 weeks at Rocket I think I did well to adjusting to a working environment, despite my unfortunate start to the week. I think I approached each task with a good attitude. My confidence slowly grew throughout the weeks and so did my experience with the machines.

I enjoyed my experience at Rocket and having some interdependent experience in a workshop, giving me skills and confidence with tools and materials. I have gained knowledge on basic construction which will help and assist in future designs and technical drawings.

During my placement at derby theatre I approached each task with a good attitude. With little skill and knowledge on sewing I tried my best to produce high quality work. I think I achieved this as I gained more responsibility and trust which I liked. I enjoyed my time at derby theatre not only was everyone really nice but made me feel a part of the team even though i was only there for a short time,
I learnt a lot on this placement as it is out of my comfort zone but with fantastic guidance I soon found my feet. Throughout my placement I worked hard and did long hours and would do so again for the experience.

I have learnt that design can be applied in many ways from problem solving to creating ideas. I can now apply this skill to many techniques such as auto cad or costume designs.

I think the key skills I will take away from doing these projects is the experience and confidence in my own work which not only helps with my designs but my ongoing development process. Due to my work on Cinderella the DSM has recently contacted me to prop and costume design for a new musical called “The Same Sky”. I am looking forward to doing more placement work in the future.