Never Grow Up

The second unit of the elective course Stage Chemistry is called Below & Above. In this unit, I learned about physics concepts of rate, work, force, speed, gravity, and mass. I have been to multiple plays at Goodman theater and other theaters around Chicago. I have seen how each set design is different, what worked with that set design and what didn’t work. This unit explored movement where, when, and how. Here is a link to my first Action Project so you can see my blueprints.  For the last Action Project, I had to build a 3D model of my stage. My model had to include all elements that will be used in my adaptation, including the moving parts. The most challenging part of this project was building my stage and figuring out my movements. How I overcame that problem was looking at examples from the previous class and talking with peers to get ideas. I am proud of how my stage came out and I hope you enjoy it.


The first photo down below is my stage with out any props, and the second photo is my stage with props.

Photo Taken by JV. Stage. 2017 

Photo Taken by JV. Stage with probs. 2017

Peter Pan will be flying. He will be attached to a moving deck. The back stage area is very dangerous for anyone who isn't trained to work with certain equipment. Below is a safety sign and some safety protocols. 

Protocols for Harness:

• Please do not pull on harness while in use.
• A crew member must be with you while putting it on.
• Make sure harness is on currently. 

Caution. JV. 2017

Protocols when entering the play:

• Please do not run walk.
• Watch out for other people.
• Do not rush to seats.

Please do not run. JV. 2017

To make sure Peter Pan is able to fly, it will take up to 20 pounds of force to move him on the deck. We need to move him one meter. The formula I used is W=(F)(D). I took 20 pounds multiplied that by 4.44822 and ended up with 88.9644 Newtons. I multiplied that number by 1 and got 88.9644 Joules.

Math by JV. 2017. 

Down below is a GIF of Peter Pan flying. To create my harness and deck, I used a LEGO piece, string, and cardboard. To make Peter Pan fly in real life, he will be wearing to a harness that will be attacked to a moving deck. He will have to be very careful while he is in the harness. The deck is above the stage area and will only work when Peter Pan is in the harness. Once he releases himself it will stop working.

Peter Pan Flying. JV, 2017. 

The GIF here I am showing my second movement, which is the door and window opening and closing. These are trapdoors on their sides. The door is the entrance to Wendy's room, actors will be coming in and out of the door durning the play. The window is the scene where Wendy leaves with Peter Pan to go to Neverland.

Moving Door. JV, 2017.

Peter Pan

For my second elective term, I am taking Stage Chemistry. This is a STEAM course and teaches students about stage production and learning how to build a theater. The first unit is called Behind. During this unit we learned about measurements, proportions, and models which serve for everyone in the production. The purpose of the first Action Project was to create a blueprint of a theater I make up. I had to pick a space and transform that space into a theater. This project was heavy with measurements which isn’t my favorite. I struggled with my measurements of my space, I overcame that by guidance from my teacher and a few classmates. It was challenge for me but I am proud of how my project turned out. My favorite part was coloring my 6 micro drawings and making them look nice and colorful. Overall I enjoyed the first AP, and can’t wait to do the next one.

Starting the project was a challenge for me because I didn’t know what space I was going to use. I didn’t want to pick too many rooms because that would be more work measuring out the space, and drawing it on my blueprint. In total I picked three spaces in my school. I picked two main rooms, one is called the OC, and the other is the Cafe. The OC is a big open space that we use for events, gathering within the school, and we also use that space as a classroom. The reasoning I chose the OC is because it’s very big and roomy. The OC has a dry erase board on the wall and my stage will go against that. I’m going to put Christmas lights behind the board to create a lighting effect. My play is Peter Pan so my theme is a forest. My stage is a proscenium stage. The theme of my stage is a tree, the base of the stage is a tree trunk, and on the sides there are leaves going up. My stage is also elevated. For my seating I decided to create pods, the reasoning for that is because I wanted something different and still going with my theme. The pods also have leaves on them. I’m using the Cafe as a snack area. The audience will be able to buy snacks before the play and during the play. There is also an intermission which will allow the people to buy more snacks and also use the washrooms. I also used the hallway that leads to the OC, I put my coat check there and my ticket stand is there too. This project was challenging and it stressed me out a lot. I like the challenge it gave me, and that made me want to do even better on it. Again it was nice that I was able to have help during the making of it. Overall I enjoyed this project and I hope you enjoy it.

"OC" Photo Taken By JV. 2017

Goodman Comparisons

Bathrooms	Me	8	Goodman	25	32%
Tickets	Me	$10	Goodman	$60	17%
Exits	Me	2	Goodman	10	20%
Levels	Me	1	Goodman	2	50%
Stage	Me	96.39ft	Goodman	4000ft	2.4%