Norm Abram's Best Tricks of the Trade

This Old House: Every month, TOH master carpenter Norm Abram offers his tried and true tips in the “Tricks of the Trade” column of This Old House magazine. Here, we gather the pro's best how-to secrets for flawless DIY. Learn how to drill the perfect pilot hole, install crown molding on the first try, and even remove those pesky plugs from your hole saw.

David Fox emphasizes the "craft" in stagecraft

et cetera...: Education has been at the center of every industry job David Fox has ever held. Starting with his time as an ETC dealer where he trained end users, through his days at UCLA teaching grad and undergrad students how to find their way around a lighting rig, and on to ETC – first in phone support and now as a training and documentation specialist, it’s clear that he’s passionate about sharing his knowledge of the theatre.

BWW TV Exclusive: Education@Roundabout Partners with IATSE for Hair, Make-Up and Wig Making Career Day!

www.broadwayworld.com: Education@Roundabout has partnered with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the union for behind-the-scenes workers in theatre crafts, to host a series of Hidden Career Path Days featuring theatrical technicians to enhance students' knowledge of required skills for careers in live theatre and possible pathways to pursue those careers. After two successful years of a pilot partnership with IATSE, Roundabout sought to expand the Hidden Career Path program with exploration into Hair/Make-up.

It All Comes Back to the Hook

HowlRound: Collaborators don’t have to agree. They have to trust each other. We have been friends since high school in Saginaw, Michigan, and so our trust is deep, and allows us to occasionally disagree. In 2010, we found ourselves in New York City at the same time and with the same sets of goals and interests. We agreed to begin to lay the groundwork for an open ensemble of artists brought together to create and produce original theatrical work. Initially we each invited three artists to join what would become Hook & Eye Theater—“Hook” being the spark that ignites our collective interest, and the “Eye” being the joint and several lenses through which we make our work. This early group became the "Core" ensemble, which has enjoyed a healthy rotation of membership each year, with members encouraged to explore with and without the confines of the company.

My role in de-skilling the arts

J. E. Johnson: When I see the perennial behind-the-scenes tour groups gawking wide-eyed at the 10,000 square foot scenic studio outside my office at The University of Texas, I am reminded that I have a very cool job. Every year our staff of professionals and students produces beautiful stage sets and generally “make the magic happen.” Even so, I feel like the magic is fading in our shop. Returning students have confided to me that work in the shop is “not as much fun anymore” and, reluctantly, I have to agree. We feel less like a team. There’s more stress, less camaraderie, and less vitality.

I blame the students. But I’m convinced it’s not their fault.

Studiocraft - Refrigerator Drawing

Enterprising student and I are having trouble with the Multi-line text function. We can type, but whenever we hit enter, the cursor simply opens a new text box. If we press any thing to get out of that, everything is deleted. For the time being we wrote our names and quotes with the line tool.

Thank you for you time.

You get out of MTEXT by either clicking outside the box or clicking the “OK” on the toolbar. Hitting enter will do a line feed or re-invoke the command.

You could just use DTEXT

Why Templates Are Important

Beth's CAD Blog: "In AutoCAD (or any AutoCAD-based product), you don't want to take the time with each drawing you begin by adding layers, setting your dimension style, or changing options. For this reason, you create a template. You set a drawing up exactly the way you want it once, then you save it as a template."

Hip tip: Multiple EXTEND and TRIM by using FENCE option.

Daily Autocad: "We may sometimes work on with multiple lines when using TRIM and EXTEND commands in Autocad. A fast method exists for this situation which is using the FENCE option for both commands."

StudioCraft - CAD - Tech Drawing B

WhatCarnival? (9:16:44 PM): for our technical drawing dimensioning......are we are able to dimension like one or two things and then write notes saying "2' on Center etc.?

WebProf (9:20:00 PM): you can use "typ" if it is typical

WhatCarnival? (9:20:07 PM): ok

WhatCarnival? (9:20:34 PM): but we aren't supposed to dimension EVERY single part...that is over kill

WebProf (9:21:38 PM): if a flat has 2' toggles

WebProf (9:21:45 PM): then dimensioning one is enough

WhatCarnival? (9:21:50 PM): ok

WhatCarnival? (9:22:14 PM): and if there are different ones we dimension them accordingly

WebProf (9:34:07 PM): yes

WhatCarnival? (9:34:39 PM): ok thanks

WhatCarnival? (9:35:02 PM): one other question......

WhatCarnival? (9:35:55 PM): i am doing my dimensions in model space in paper space.......so I have to double click in my view port.....how do I get out of that without scrolling around the messing up the scale?

WebProf (9:36:26 PM): you can double click outside the viewport

WebProf (9:36:37 PM): or you can use the button on the bottom of the screen

WhatCarnival? (9:36:43 PM): no...but if I am zoomed in so that i can't see the edge?

WebProf (9:36:47 PM): if it says "model"

WebProf (9:36:55 PM): then you click it and then it says "paper"

WebProf (9:37:00 PM): and you're in paperspace

WhatCarnival? (9:37:04 PM): oh ok

WhatCarnival? (9:37:11 PM): thanks so much

WebProf (9:37:17 PM): no prob

WhatCarnival? (9:38:02 PM): wow that is really helpful

StudioCraft - Drafting - Technical Drawing Project

SmellyDraftsman (11:35:39 AM): hey eProf

eProf (11:35:46 AM): yes

eProf (11:35:49 AM): I am eProf

SmellyDraftsman (11:36:06 AM): lol hi

eProf (11:36:24 AM): hi

SmellyDraftsman (11:36:28 AM): um, i'm trying to think what i need to ask you about the technical drafting assignment

SmellyDraftsman (11:36:36 AM): cuz i know i have questions

SmellyDraftsman (11:36:44 AM): but i don't have it in front of me

SmellyDraftsman (11:36:56 AM): so i'm trying to remember

eProf (11:37:04 AM): that'll make it harder

SmellyDraftsman (11:37:56 AM): yeah, but my suitemate got in the shower and is putting way behind schedule so i'm trying to be productive in some way

eProf (11:38:30 AM): well, you got to do what you got to do

SmellyDraftsman (11:38:34 AM): yup yup

eProf (11:38:47 AM): unless you just go in the bathroom and keep flushing the toilet until they get out of the shower

SmellyDraftsman (11:39:21 AM): well it's locked...so that won't work...

eProf (11:39:50 AM): that also would make it harder

SmellyDraftsman (11:40:01 AM): mhmm

SmellyDraftsman (11:41:44 AM): um, k, for the second half of the assignment...i don't quite get what we're supposed to be doing

eProf (11:42:04 AM): what are the parts you do get?

SmellyDraftsman (11:42:07 AM): like i know what we're conveying with it, but i don't know the guidelines really

SmellyDraftsman (11:43:14 AM): like are we doing orthographic views for everything? or just selected platforms?

eProf (11:43:49 AM): not really doing any orthographics

eProf (11:44:08 AM): you are redlining your designer drawing to come up with a label scheme and a layout

eProf (11:44:20 AM): then you are converting the redline into a drafting

eProf (11:44:50 AM): then you breakup the converted redline (the marking sheet) into individual platform drawings

eProf (11:45:17 AM): these can pretty much all be top view lid removed and you can get away with one typical section or side view per sheet

SmellyDraftsman (11:48:31 AM): k, so for each side view, would it be for the platforms of that height? and then have a page for each height of platforms?

eProf (11:48:47 AM): nah

eProf (11:49:02 AM): the platforms and the understructure are different systems

eProf (11:49:20 AM): so you really just need enough of a view to allow for construction

eProf (11:49:36 AM): so just something that shows the 2x4 frame and the 3/4 ply lid

SmellyDraftsman (11:51:56 AM): ohh

SmellyDraftsman (11:52:14 AM): so we don't need to do anything with supports?

eProf (11:54:21 AM): nope

eProf (11:54:22 AM): nothing

eProf (11:54:24 AM): nada

eProf (11:54:26 AM): zero

eProf (11:54:30 AM): just the decks

SmellyDraftsman (11:55:16 AM): oh, well that's much easier then!

SmellyDraftsman (11:55:42 AM): so it'll probably just be like, one page of those?

eProf (11:56:08 AM): depends on how you choose to break up the unit and how you choose to compose your decks on the construction drawing

SmellyDraftsman (11:56:33 AM): ah, yeah, you were talking about indicating orientation and everything...

eProf (11:56:34 AM): but I think with efficient systems and layout that one page is possible

eProf (11:56:54 AM): just might not be the easiest or most expressive

SmellyDraftsman (11:57:04 AM): mhm

SmellyDraftsman (11:59:10 AM): about that indicating orientation...is it necessary to do so on the construction drawings or can i just orient the platforms in a way that makes more sense for looking at construction-wise?

eProf (11:59:22 AM): whichever

SmellyDraftsman (11:59:43 AM): okay

SmellyDraftsman (11:59:52 AM): um...let's see...what else...

SmellyDraftsman (12:00:31 PM): oh, for the marking sheet...that's on a separate page from the redline, yes?

eProf (12:00:44 PM): yes

eProf (12:00:54 PM): you do a drafting of the information on the redline

eProf (12:01:18 PM): and add whatever dimensioning you would need to install the entire piece on the stage

SmellyDraftsman (12:01:39 PM): so just like, the front corners?

eProf (12:02:15 PM): depends on how you choose to break up the unit

SmellyDraftsman (12:02:24 PM): yeah?

eProf (12:02:27 PM): you have to sort of go through the assembly in your head

SmellyDraftsman (12:02:32 PM): oh okay

SmellyDraftsman (12:02:36 PM): gotcha

eProf (12:02:46 PM): and see where things just fit together in the right place and where you might need a dimension

SmellyDraftsman (12:03:06 PM): k cool

eProf (12:03:49 PM): probably need to pick an arbitrary place for plaster since I don't give that

SmellyDraftsman (12:03:59 PM): mhm

eProf (12:04:00 PM): the DS corner is as good a place as any

eProf (12:04:13 PM): in reality that set jutted out over the pit

SmellyDraftsman (12:04:19 PM): oh wow

SmellyDraftsman (12:04:23 PM): that

eProf (12:04:25 PM): but we don't need to know that for the assignment

SmellyDraftsman (12:04:30 PM): haha okay

SmellyDraftsman (12:05:17 PM): one more, i chose to overlap platforms...so should i, on the marking sheet, space each level out so it's clearer when i label everything, or should it stay the same orientation as the designer drawing?

eProf (12:05:54 PM): the marking sheet needs to be true to the installation

eProf (12:06:14 PM): so you will need to indicate that like you would on any drawing, with line type

eProf (12:06:37 PM): if you wanted to provide assembly drawings that were clearer you could do a seperate marking sheet for each level

eProf (12:06:50 PM): but that would be in addition to the full piece drawing

eProf (12:07:12 PM): you could also include the individual level marking sheets in a smaller scale on the same sheet

SmellyDraftsman (12:07:39 PM): ah, k, maybe if i come out with a gross abundance of time...

eProf (12:07:51 PM): right

SmellyDraftsman (12:08:02 PM): i could do the last one...possibly...

eProf (12:08:22 PM): (that would be easier with CAD)

SmellyDraftsman (12:08:26 PM): mhm

SmellyDraftsman (12:11:43 PM): yeah, we'll see

SmellyDraftsman (12:11:54 PM): okay, NOW i can shower

eProf (12:12:15 PM): we'll all be so much the better for it

SmellyDraftsman (12:12:23 PM): infuckingdeed

eProf (12:12:35 PM): I'm not sure I can post that

SmellyDraftsman (12:12:37 PM): lol

SmellyDraftsman (12:12:39 PM): k

SmellyDraftsman (12:13:01 PM): feel free to use artistic license

SmellyDraftsman (12:14:13 PM): k, well thanks, eProf

SmellyDraftsman (12:14:20 PM): i'll see you...tuesday

eProf (12:15:01 PM): cya

SmellyDraftsman (12:15:30 PM): bye

Studiocraft - Technical Drawing

SatNightAlrit4Drfting (10:43:28 PM): hey PlayinCivIV, does our construction drawing need to be in 1" scale? or can it be in 1/2"?

PlayinCivIV (10:43:43 PM): hey?

PlayinCivIV (10:43:53 PM): 1/2" is fine

SatNightAlrit4Drfting (10:43:54 PM): its SatNightAlrit4Drfting, sorry

SatNightAlrit4Drfting (10:43:59 PM): ok, thanks

StudioCraft - CAD - Technical Drawing A

FTFifWeWantTo (8:12:51 PM): Classmate and I have a question. For where the seems of the 4x8s meet is it a seem catcher flush to front or just the 2 edges of the flats.....aka 2 1x3s on edge next to each other?

PrefersDoubleToggle (10:11:01 PM): well that would depend on if it is one flat or two, yes?

FTFifWeWantTo (10:11:17 PM): yeah

PrefersDoubleToggle (10:12:03 PM): if you are just catching a lauan seam

PrefersDoubleToggle (10:12:07 PM): then you can do a ftf

PrefersDoubleToggle (10:12:24 PM): or you can do a double toggle

FTFifWeWantTo (10:12:49 PM): ok

FTFifWeWantTo (10:13:20 PM): great thanks

PrefersDoubleToggle (10:13:32 PM): np

StudioCraft - CAD - Technical Drawing A

WhatDidYouSay? (6:52:35 PM): Didn't you say the stiles could be 4'-0" apart?

UpTo24by48 (6:52:49 PM): uhhuh

WhatDidYouSay? (6:52:49 PM): or did i imagine that conversation

WhatDidYouSay? (6:52:50 PM): ok

WhatDidYouSay? (6:53:00 PM): but the rails are still 2'-0" on center

WhatDidYouSay? (6:53:02 PM): ?

UpTo24by48 (6:53:10 PM): toggles

WhatDidYouSay? (6:53:14 PM): yes. toggles.

UpTo24by48 (6:53:35 PM): and the stiles can be wider

UpTo24by48 (6:53:43 PM): you just then need a vertical toggle

WhatDidYouSay? (6:54:16 PM): how much wider

WhatDidYouSay? (6:54:25 PM): i have them at 3/4 just like everything else.

UpTo24by48 (6:54:51 PM): wider spaced

UpTo24by48 (6:54:56 PM): not wider board

WhatDidYouSay? (6:54:57 PM): ah ok

UpTo24by48 (6:55:05 PM): you can do a 6' wide flat

WhatDidYouSay? (6:55:09 PM): because Hardwareman said before it should be 2'

UpTo24by48 (6:55:14 PM): it just needs a vertical toggle

WhatDidYouSay? (6:55:30 PM): so if I had a 4X8 it would have a vertical toggle

UpTo24by48 (6:55:54 PM): 4' doesn't require a vertical toggle

WhatDidYouSay? (6:55:55 PM): ok.

UpTo24by48 (6:55:58 PM): but some people do them

WhatDidYouSay? (6:56:05 PM): alright

WhatDidYouSay? (6:56:26 PM): i didn't put them in because i swore you said not to but i was double checking because everyone seems to have done it differently

UpTo24by48 (6:56:44 PM): Hardwareman would tell you to do them

UpTo24by48 (6:56:51 PM): but I learned it differently

WhatDidYouSay? (6:56:51 PM): yea

WhatDidYouSay? (6:56:54 PM): but you're grading it

WhatDidYouSay? (6:56:56 PM): not Hardwareman.

UpTo24by48 (6:57:03 PM): tru nuff

WhatDidYouSay? (6:58:08 PM): alrighty

WhatDidYouSay? (6:58:23 PM): i was about to flip if i had to go change the file

WhatDidYouSay? (6:58:41 PM): because i made all my flats 4X8

UpTo24by48 (6:58:46 PM): that might be fun to see

WhatDidYouSay? (6:58:44 PM): or under

UpTo24by48 (6:58:54 PM): maybe I should tell you that anyway

WhatDidYouSay? (6:58:55 PM): lol

WhatDidYouSay? (6:58:57 PM): THANKS UpTo24by48

Studiocraft CAD - Tech Drawing A

I thought this might help...

Studiocraft CAD - Fancy Floor

PayingAttention (5:13:55 PM): npa, is the assignment still due for cad on friday just into the folder or do we also need a copy into your mail box?

NotPayingAttention (5:14:58 PM): folder and box are good

PayingAttention (5:18:22 PM): thanks!

StudioCraft - Fancy Floor

TalkingToMyself (3:22:15 PM): it came to me in a dream

TalkingToMyself (3:22:30 PM): you are trying to trim a block with a thing

TalkingToMyself (3:22:37 PM): not to trim a thing with a block

TalkingToMyself (3:22:53 PM): while you can trim a thing with a block

TalkingToMyself (3:23:02 PM): you really can't trim a block with a thing

TalkingToMyself (3:23:09 PM): you are going to have to explode

TalkingToMyself (3:23:23 PM): and then trim or erase

TalkingToMyself (3:23:36 PM): its good practice with selection windows

TalkingToMyself (3:23:45 PM): sorry there isn't an easy way

TalkingToMyself (3:23:53 PM): I'll keep looking into it