Edexcel GCSE Drama: Designing Drama

Taking care of yourselves You are responsible for the set, so you need to be aware of safety issues around construction, such as the examples below. This applies even if you are supervising others building a set on your behalf. Taking care of performers On stage, actors need to concentrate on staying in role and immersing themselves in the world of the drama. Your set needs to enhance this world. It must also ensure the performers’ safety. Making your set fire-safe Fire regulations for public performances are very strict. (If your show is just for staff and students in school, it is not considered a public performance.) If a prop is always held in a performer’s hand, it does not need to be flame proofed. However, any scenery or large prop that is free-standing must be made of fire-retardant material or treated to be flame proof. You could: Health and safety notes for set designers Follow all instructions and guidance given. Make sure electrical equipment has an up-to-date PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) certificate. Check cables and machinery for damage. Make them secure. Wear safety goggles and gloves whenever necessary. Some paints and varnishes need to be applied in an airy space. Open windows and wear masks. Glue and staple guns are popular with set designers: they are quick and effective. Handle all such tools and materials with care and respect. Use the correct tool for the job. Store tools and materials neatly and out of the way. Be aware of what other people are doing around you. Risks to avoid include: Trip hazards (rugs, for instance, should be secured with double- sided tape) Unstable pieces of scenery (brace items with stage weights) Glass in windows or doors (use Perspex or leave them empty) Slippery floor finishes (avoid gloss) Unsuitable access or space for performers with impaired mobility Large or uneven steps and levels Unmarked edges of steps (try a textured surface if tape will be seen by the audience). Buy fire-retardant timber and cloth (effective, but expensive) Use fire-retardant spray for the fabric parts of your set Cover painted wood surfaces with water-based matt varnish or watered-down PVA glue (about 5 parts water to 1 part PVA). FOCUS Keeping yourself and others safe. ASSESSMENT CHECK For both Components 1 and 2, ‘Designs should take into consideration performer/audience relationships and any health and safety implications and performer usage.’ FIRE RETARDANT Chapter 1 Practical Guide to Set Design 27