Cuckoo in the Nest, designer Patrick Clark

Doctor's Dilemma, designer Sue Le Page

Night of the Iguana, designer John Ferguson

Fiddler on the Roof , designer Cameron Porteous

Set models and archives

Normally, three-dimensional architectural scale models, also known as maquettes, would not be part of a typical theatre archives. But, because of the unique way that L.W. Conolly, many faculty in theatre studies, and the University Library "rescued" some theatre collections commencing in the 1980s, more than 125 small models were preserved. Today, they form a vital part of the overall theatre archives--indeed, a delight to behold. Now, through the ability to photograph and produce virtual reality panoramas, they can be viewed around the world on the Internet.

Scenic designers and set models

A designer's involvement in creating a theatrical set is an essential part in the development of a production. Often, set designers convey their plans using a three-dimensional model. These are created with considerable thought and discussion, as well as frequent reference to the script.

Designers need to consider the requirements of various changes of scene; the play's atmosphere; scene locations; the use of symbolic elements that have to be conveyed in the design, or particular features that need to be highlighted. Colour, texture, mass (aided by lighting) are some of the valuable elements that can help determine the atmosphere and sense of space created by a set design. Many designers begin by creating drawings that are scaled at 1:25 and 1:50 (i.e., 1 cm. of a line drawing equals 25 or 50 cm. of stage space). These drawings use conventional symbols, show elevations, mark entrances/exits and doorways, and indicate furniture and set-pieces to be used.

Then, using basic materials such as painted card, balsa wood, and painted doll's furniture, and equipment such as drawing pins and scissors, three-dimensional models are created, to which are added props made of such materials as modelling clay, coloured paper or fabric. The resulting work is often very attractive and fascinating for designers and performers alike.

The stage designer's collaboration with the director and other members of the production staff working on lighting, costumes, props, sound, etc. thus helps to create the total environment for performances.

Scale models and digitization

Over the past two decades, the L.W. Conolly Theatre Archives has collected more than 125 scale models of sets that highlight the work of a number of stage designers working in Ontario and elsewhere in Canada. To illustrate the professional achievement of these designers, the Library has digitized many scale models with the intention of allowing Internet users access to these three-dimentional creations.

With a browser and QuickTime software that allows play back of audio and video on a computer, users can enjoy viewing 3-dimensional scale models by rotating, enlarging and minimizing them.

Some of the major stage designers that are featured in this site include Cameron Porteous, Jonathan Porter, Sue LePage, William Chesney, Debra Hanson, and Edward Kotanen.

To view models please proceed to our main page that provies linkages to many panoramic views.