Scenic and Props Design @ Schapiro

General Information for all Designers

  • The Theatre Program will only be responsible for department-approved designs that are received by their designated deadlines.
  • Columbia property may not be altered without express permission.
  • All items purchased by the production budget are the property of Columbia University after the production.
  • NYU designers need faculty permission from NYU to participate in Columbia SOA productions.
  • If a designer is going to be remote for all or most of the design process, their participation in the production must be approved by production management to ensure that the designer’s in-person duties are adequately covered by a member of the production team. It is strongly recommended that designers be able to attend in-person rehearsals and meetings.
  • A written and signed agreement indemnifying Columbia of liability must be provided for any items loaned to the production or borrowed for the production from sources outside Columbia.

Thank you for working with us! Please don't hesitate to reach out to the PM or APM @ Schapiro with any questions.

Please make sure to submit any speaker adds and projection requests on time, and let us know any decisions in a timely manner to complete work.

 

Important Locations

Scenic Design Deliverables

General Duties

  • Present at all Columbia Production Meetings
  • Determine and clarify who is responsible for set dressings, furniture, and props
  • Work directly with, or as the Props Designer to design and source props
  • Source any purchases needed and send links/information to Production Managementxf for payment.
  • Deliver drafting to production management on time.
  • Present during load in to coordinate with production management (specific time based on availability).
  • Present for the entirety of tech and dress. If not available there must be a creative team member present to represent scenic.
  • Coordination with Production Stage Manager, Director, and Production Management on designer schedule during tech. If not present, coordinate for changes and notes to be accomplished.
  • If any items were borrowed or rented, the Scenic Designer must be present at strike (Saturday Night or Sunday) to coordinate the return of items to the appropriate location(s).

Resources

Drafting

  • All draftings MUST be turned in, on time, in Vectorworks format (.vwx) or PDF. If you work in CAD, ACAD, Sketch-up, hand drafting or another form, you must convert this to Vectorworks or PDF.
  • All scenic elements including scenery, furniture, paint elevations, adds or alterations must be drawn and submitted in Vectorworks or PDF format. 
  • Any scenic element on which an actor may stand, walk, jump or sit upon that does not normally function in this manner must be drawn and included in the submitted design. For example, a chair used as a ladder, a table used as a dance floor or a bed used as a surf-board would all require drawings and notes. Please indicate any furniture (table, chair, etc.) that may serve in these functions so that we may assess the structural integrity of the furniture and alter if necessary.

Fire Safety

  • Exit signs may not be covered. Additional Exit Signs may be added for sight line issues, pending PM approval.
  • There must be 42 inches of egress to fire exit doors at all times during the production. No scenery, person, chair, or curtain may obstruct the exit.
  • All scenic elements must be flame proofed.
  • No flame, water features, fake snow, sand, dirt, glitter, confetti, or other small particles are permitted (venue & NYC law restrictions).
  • The use of carbon dioxide and/or liquid nitrogen (dry ice) is prohibited in accordance with requirements as set by the NYFD.

Scenic Design Stipulations

  • Scenic elements (platform, staircases, extensions, etc.) with an elevation of 48 inches or greater MUST include a guard-rail on all open sides.
  • The production may be charged for the material and labor required to replace or restore any altered stock scenery.
  • There is no piano at Schapiro nor is there one available to move. Electric pianos and keyboards are available upon request.
  • No texture may be added on the floor without installing a floor covering such as masonite first. For example, sand mixed in with paint for the floor must have masonite laid first.
  • There is no fly loft at Schapiro, so rigging is limited to static hang and simple pulley systems only for items under 20 lbs. All proposals are subject to the approval of the Technical Director.
  • Smoke, Haze, & Fog: The use of chemical smoke and fog, including mineral oil, is strictly prohibited.
  • The use of carbon dioxide and/or liquid nitrogen (dry ice) is prohibited in accordance with requirements as set by the NYFD.
  • No flame, water features, fake snow, sand, dirt, glitter, confetti, or other small particles are permitted (venue & NYC law restrictions).
  • All scenic elements must meet the standards for flame proofing as set by NY State and City law.
  • All scenic elements, including soft goods, must be at least six inches away from all theatrical lighting instruments. This is required even of elements that are inherently flame proof.
  • Inclined playing surfaces (including raked stages, ramps, mounds, etc.) shall not exceed a slope of ¾” per linear foot without specific approval by faculty and staff.
  • House seating (chairs, risers, stairs, etc.) may not be used in the scenic design.
  • The theatre’s architectural walls, doors, railings, etc. may not be altered in any way.
  • There is no spray painting in the Schapiro building. We ask that you do any spray painting outside.
  • Please see Working in Schapiro Spaces section, for additional guidelines.
  • The structural build of your design is at the purview of Production Management. Where there is conflict over structural integrity and aesthetics, the structural integrity will take precedence. Production Management will confer with the designer if such a conflict arises so that the design may be amended to ensure structural and design integrity.
  • If specific materials other than standard lumber, hardware, or paint have been chosen by the designer that need to be purchased, a separate email with a list of those items and where the designer wants to source them should be sent to Production Management, and the Producer to ensure that the material is properly purchased and budgeted for.

Recommended Scenic Resources

Materials for the Arts
https://www.nyc.gov/content/mfta/pages/

  • Recipients may visit the MFTA warehouse for supplies by appointment only. Appointments are available during the following times:
    Tuesdays 10 am to 1 pm (Warehouse closes at 2:00 pm)
    Thursdays 1:00 pm to 3:45 pm (Warehouse closes at 4:45 pm)
  • You may make an appointment to visit MFTA through the Assistant Production Manager. Please email the names of the shoppers (maximum of two are allowed) and the contact information of the lead shopper to production management.
  • All Items procured at Materials for the Arts are owned by Columbia, not the production or any of its members.

Furniture @ Schapiro - Schapiro’s Prop and Furniture storage

  • Please see the Resources section for details.