Cut it Out

In my class Rapid Prototyping, we learned all about machines and calculations. In the first unit, we learned about CNC machines. CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. These are machines that use numbers to cut out intricate designs. We have a few of those in our classroom called Cameo Cutters. These are machines that cut out designs in different materials such as paper, fabric, and vinyl. We also did a lot of review math (review for me, I thought it was very easy). We learned some basic geometry and shapes of quadrilaterals and triangles. We also did some review of graphing and lines on the coordinate plane. We took an FE to mHub, which is a maker studio in Chicago. We got a tour of the facility and talked to various workers and companies that had offices in the facility. We learned about the many machines they had, including CNC machines. We also talked to the founder about his inspirations in the field of engineering. For this project, we were asked to choose an SDG and make 2 mini posters with a title, number, and design. We made one by hand, and one with the Cameo Cutters. We were then asked to graph the design and calculate distances. We also had to compare the 2 experiences together to figure out which method we preferred.

I thought that this project was decently challenging despite its simple sounding directions. I didn't really struggle with this project, and I enjoyed the challenge of working with computers, which I am not very comfortable with. I enjoyed seeing the finished project as always, and I somewhat look forward to the rest of what this class had to offer.

Nemo on Ice come to Life

For our 2nd unit in our class Stage Chemistry we learned all about the mechanics above, below and all around the stage and set. We learned about work and force and how they can be mathematically used to calculate different effects on and off the stage. For our 2nd Action Project we were asked to create a 3-Dimensional model of our stage form our 1st Action Project (which you can view here.) I usually go all out, but this time I really went all out. I made my stage which I got to a good size but I had to make it a very small scale since my stage in real life is so large. We also had to create 2 moving set pieces and animate them into a gif showing how they work. We also had to create safety protocol for our moving pieces because we learned all about safety in the workplace and safety for the tools we were going to use. I really enjoyed making the stage, because I love doing hands on work. I also really enjoyed decorating it as it is an underwater scene. I am most proud of how it looked in the end, as it came out much better than I thought it would.

Stage, CM, (2017)

This is my stage. In all it is 19" long, 10" wide, and 6" tall. My stage is technically a thrust stage as it jets out to a point between the two audiences. I think my stage is very consistent with my drawing but looks a lot more interesting now that its in 3-D. In my model you will notice that I have included the ice rink boards that I didn't include in the blueprints.

Stage Blueprints, CM, (2017)

My Effects: My first moving effect is a stage deck with the character Mr.Ray on top of it, the characters will reenact a scene from the beginning of the movie where Marlin is dropping Nemo off at his first day of school. Mr.Ray is the teacher and they are going to go on a field trip to the “drop-off”. All the little sea creatures hop onto Mr.Ray’s back and they go on the field trip. In the play characters dressed as sea creatures will sit on top of Mr.Ray’s back. The backstage attendant will slide it out onto the stage where the actors will then say their lines and get on his back
. This production isn't supposed to look very realistic, and that is my goal so it is okay if it doesn't look realistic.

Wheels, CM, (2017)

Mr. Ray, CM, (2017)

This is my animation showing how the piece is moved by the stage attendant.

Mr.Ray, CM (2017)

In order to operate this piece safely, there are some safety rules attendants need to follow. These are as followed:

1. Ask for and assistant when trying to move the piece
2. Watch your fingers, feet, hands, etc when moving the piece
3. For actors: get on and off the piece slowly and carefully minding where your skate blades are.

Caution Sign, CM, (2017)

How will this work? I figure that our Mr.Ray prop weighs 100lbs + the deck also weighs 100lbs with a combined wright of the whole prop of 200lbs. To find how much work it would take to push the prop halfway across the stage which is 90ft.

First, we need to convert 200lbs to Newtons. To do this you multiply 200 by 4.4288 to get 889.644 N. We also need to convert 90 ft to meters which is 27.432 m.

Now we can do:
889.644 N x 27.432 M = 24,404.7 J
Our final answer to how much work it takes is: 24,404.7 Joules or work.

Deck Calculations, CM, (2017)

My 2nd effect is 2 rotating set pieces. For the rotating set pieces there will be one on each side. There will be a different picture on each side, as well as different pieces of sea themed decor. They can be rotated to set the scene. One side will be just water and regular coral, and one will darker and have shipwreck pieces on it. They can be rotated manually by actors or attendants on stage. The pieces will be made out of wood and will be attached to a Lazy Susan system

This will give the effect of a brighter scene and change the mood to a darker scene, as well as giving the set a more underwater effect. It will also give an area for actors to be somewhat concealed but still be on stage.

Set Pieces, CM, (2017)

This is my animation showing how the pieces will be moved by stage attendants.

Rotating Set, CM, (2017)

There are some safety protocol associated with operating these pieces. They are as followed:

1. Never rotate pieces when actors are near
2. Make sure coral and decor pieces are stable before rotating
3. Wear grips or skates, never go without to move.

Falling Pieces, CM (2017)

Nemo's Frozen Adventure

In my elective class, Stage Chemistry, we learn all about what it takes to put on a play and how this correlates mathematically and scientifically. We went to see a play at the Goodman Theater called "Uncle Vanya." Before we saw that play we did an interactive workshop with our classmates to make a scale set of "Uncle Vanya" and tape it out on the floor. For this first action project we were asked to think of a production we would like to put on and where we would like to put it on. I chose my favorite childhood movie: Finding Nemo, and I chose to put it on ice at my local rink where I skate. We then had to make a scale model of our location and pick out six amenities to make micro level blueprints of. We also had to write about each of our amenities and how they would serve to our actors, staff or patrons.

Reflection: In The end I thought this project was one of the most challenging I've ever done. Definitely the most work intensive. However I did like it a lot because it was hands on and we got to use some of our artistic skills. I thought the most challenging part for me at least was making the MACRO level blueprint to scale. I struggled getting the measurements because I measured from a floor plan of the building and then put that into scale. I got a lot of measurements wrong and sometimes has to compromise. I got over these challenges by getting support from my teacher, peers, and of course the internet. My favorite part of this project was drawing and designing out all the pages.

Here are my If Then statements:

• If I have less more comfortable seating, more people will enjoy it and come
• If I have no stands for my light and sound equipment, then I will need to set it up on something else.
• If I have more spacious dressing rooms performers will be happier and more willing to work
• If I have a big backstage then performers can warm up more.
• If I have a big stage, performers will have more space to do tricks.
• If I have cheap food at my concession stands, I will attract more customers.
• If I advertise my merchandise table, then more customers will come.

Here are my comparisons to Goodman's Albert Stage:

My stage = 12920 ft^2 Goodman = 4000 ft^2 Percentage = 323%

My audience = 698 people Goodman = 856 people Percentage = 81.5%

My Backstage = 2720 ft^2 Goodman = 4200 ft^2 Percentage = 154.4%

My Sound + Light Booth = 125 ft^2 Goodman = 350 ft^2 Percentage = 41.6%

My Dressing Room = 528 ft^2 Goodman = 156 ft^2 Percentage = 29.5%

My Concessions = 138 ft^2 Goodman = 200 ft^2  Percentage = 144%

Dressing Room CM (2017)

Props CM (2017)

Backstage CM (2017)