Google sketch-up drafting

As a designer, I do a lot of drafting. AutoCAD and Google sketch up are the ones I use most often. When I draft things to build I prefer to use AutoCAD, but recently I was in between computers and had to do my construction drafting on Google sketch-up. Because Sketch-up happens to be one of my favorite things--- yep you guessed it. Free. 

Sketch-up is challenging to work with when adding dimensions and labeling tends to float around in a weird way if it's in 3D. Google sketch-up is, however, amazing for doing 3D rendering of locations. It helps me wrap my head around where the camera will probably be placed in a room, and figure out what will realistically be needed as far as set dressing is concerned. 

The following plates are from a flat I designed for a nursing home's community enrichment project. It shows how to construct the facing, the stands, and how it should look all together and I added nailing patterns and everything since real-life carpenters were going to be putting it together.

They did a beautiful job, BTW.

Doing the drafting for the carpenters with out being able to use the "offset" function the way I'm used to slowed me down a lot more than I like to admit. On the other hand, here's an example of a 3D location rendering I did of the MAC650 Art gallery for a proposal to renovate the front window:

To make this took hardly any time and in about half an hour I had something to submit.

I'll put up some more examples of google sketch up renderings for you next Thursday. Keep and eye out :)

I Am Worthy; a comedy for Suicide Prevention

Suicide is a horrific event that has affected many people. And opening up a conversation about it can be just as horrific. Unless the conversation starts with Emerson Theater Collaborative's newest play: I Am Worthy- The Gospel according to Josh.

I Am Worthy Project - The Gospel According to Josh

This one man show  encompasses a 30 character, 7 song show, about a small town boy who follows his dreams to Hollywood despite the tempestuous relationship with his pious father. Along the way he must navigate his religious upbringing, an escape to New York, his starring roles in two reality TV shows, and ultimately his father's tragic suicide. Discussion will follow each performance.

There will be performances on

Friday April 5 from 7pm-9pm
Saturday April 6 from 7pm-9pm
Sunday April 7th from 4pm-7pm

The performances will be held at
Union Baptist Church, 119 High Street, Mystic CT 06355

I have worked with ETC (Emerson Theater Collaborative) in the past as their set designer. They are a great little theater group with big dreams. They work to produce new plays that without their help may never have had the chance to be produced. They really work to get the community involved and to pick pieces that share an important message.  To see more about what ETC  is all about, check out their website at http://www.emersontheatercollaborative.org/

my current misadventure

Once upon a time it was a quiet fall in scenic New England and I had just begun work at a new theater as their scenic charge and props master. Very excited to join the crew and ready to get going on an 11 day build/install of the theater's upcoming production of Smokey Joe's Cafe.

And along came Alfred. He emptied his overflowing supplies of snow onto the unsuspecting North East. Trees toppled, transformers were ripped off of their perches and the quiet New England fall was plunged into wintry black out.

Meanwhile- back at the new theater- I began to paint the set out on the porch, bundled up against the cold and working as long as there was light. (And forever persuading the paint to dry despite the cold. The pre-built scenery ran out. 4 days of black out later an already crammed build schedule becomes impossible to complete in time for opening night. But no worry, if there was one thing I learned on Diamond Ruff it is that anything is possible with enough extra help. So, a few phone calls later, in come the reinforcements! Chris and Joe, also Diamond veterans, spend hours wiring bulbs for the full light-boxed stair unit and uncomplainingly give a hand with the painting as well. The last scenic charge from 7A was also there to lend a hand. Thanks Dan!

Now, a few sleepless nights later, the to-do list in down to manageable items and I am looking forward to a good night's sleep the way a kid looks forward to Christmas morning. But the set is looking beautiful and (big plus) a job well done means my rent's not an issue this month :) huzzah!!

What's the theater you ask?
Why, it's 7 Angels theater located at 1 Plank Rd. in Waterbury CT.

When can you see this remarkable triumph against Alfred?
Well, the show opens today (as I write, in fact, the show is running for it's first audience upstairs). and it runs until December 18th. Check it out at their website: http://sevenangelstheatre.org/

Who are the key players here?
Artistic Director is Semina De Laurentis
Set designer is Erik Diaz
Technical Director is Josh Clabaugh
Me! :o) as scenic charge and props master

Want a sneak peak?
Ok ;o)

Here are a few process photos I've taken along the way.

More later :o)