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The Production Machine
Step 1: Add Creative Staff.
Participants will be divided randomly
into teams of four-to-eight people.
Participants will be divided randomly
into teams of four-to-eight people.
Add Creative Staff
Click Here When Everyone is Ready
Launch the CPU
Stage Manager
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How to Use The Production Machine
- Purpose
This exercise is about learning to communicate and solve problems. It is also about becoming aware that every individual brings their own background to the meeting. There is a lot of vocabulary for planning and design. There is nobility in being true to yourself and accomodating others. - What's going to happen
One, two, or three groups will be formed. Each will include a director and a creative staff. Everyone will receive a secret code that will reveal character traits they should adhere to during the process. Each participant should keep the actual role description secret. Groups will be given production circumstances and must come up with show concepts that not only solve problems, but satisfy their roles. - Step 1: Enter names for participants.
You can copy/paste from a list, or type them in. The machine can handle up to 24 names. Click "Add These Names." - Step 2: Assign Roles
Ask what each participant might like to do. There are eight roles. To make this work well, each group MUST have a director and a minimum number of visual designers. Text at the bottom of the screen will give advice as assignments are made. Some people might need to take a role that is not their first choice. It's an exercise, though, not a career path. - Step 3: Character Traits
Click "We are ready for step 3." Every name will now have a 3-character code revealed. A link is displayed near the top of the screen: on Zoom, the host can copy this into the chat for everyone. Participants should go to that link in a browser tab or on their phones and enter their code. This will reveal their character quirks. - Step 3 ALTERNATE PLAN
If the host is concerned about students with limited device access, these assignments and codes can all be delivered ahead of time by the host. Simply pre-plan who will have which job assignments. Enter this into the machine. Record the secret codes, and email them with the link ahead of time to each individual. - Step 4: When Everyone is Ready
The machine will create creative teams of roughly equal size. Everyone should have their quirks and know who their teammates are. You are now ready for the Creative Processing Unit. When all is set, click "Launch the CPU." - Step 5: The Machine
This is a variation on another resource, "The Drama Machine." This version has some new content in it. The host should decide how much time to spend with each group. This will vary, depending on how deep each team wants to go with discussion, how many groups are present, and how much time is available.
Follow the instructions on the screen to reveal each parameter of the show
OPTIONAL RULE: Grant teams a "mulligan." Allow them to reject one factor in their list, and generate a new one.
As each team completes their discussion, press "Reset." This restores the machine for the next team, and displays the next list of participants. - Step 5 ALTERNATE PLAN
If you want to use Zoom Breakout Groups, you should set those up ahead of time. Each group can use the original DramaMachine at https://scenicandlighting.com/dramamachine/. They should remain in character. This can allow longer sessions if you prefer.
About
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The Production Machine
This machine was made in response to a request. There is a card-game on my site called Production Beating, which plays out in almost the exact same way as this exercise - though it is in-person, instead of online. This resource is a bit of mashup between other things I have made. In class, this exercise is always a lot of fun. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as my students have.
×Make a
Click the job icon by any name to quickly scroll through assignments.
Ok
Click the job icon by any name to quickly scroll through assignments.
Participants:
Each of you is being assigned a three-letter code next to your name.
In another browser tab, or on your phone, go to the above link and enter your code.
If you need a minute to get back here, that's okay.
This code will reveal your character traits for this exercise.
You will be playing the role of a creative team member. Keep the description to yourself, but always remain in character.
In another browser tab, or on your phone, go to the above link and enter your code.
If you need a minute to get back here, that's okay.
This code will reveal your character traits for this exercise.
You will be playing the role of a creative team member. Keep the description to yourself, but always remain in character.
Roles for this Exercise:
- Director
- Stage Manager
- Costume Designer
- Lighting Designer
- Set Designer
- Sound Designer
- Dramaturg
- Technical Director
- Click any role for information.
We Are Ready for Step 3
Stage Manager
- The stage manager is the central nervous system for the production.
- Schedules and runs all rehearsals and meetings.
- Ensures communication among everyone.
- Is the go-to for all information regarding the production.
Costume Designer
- The costume designer must understand the script, the director's concept, and the needs of the actors physically and artistically.
- Must know what the staff and budget are capable of.
- Creates visuals that show what every costume in the show will be.
Lighting Designer
- The lighting designer creates the plan for lighting the show. and makes it happen with cuing.
- Chooses the equipment and where to place it.
- Determines how to use the equipment.
- Works with the light board operator to program the lighting console and create all of the cues.
Set Designer
- The set designer creates the plan for all scenic elements.
- This is much like being an architect.
- Creates drawings, models, plans, illustrations, and more that demonstrate everything that needs to be built.
- Accounts for the director's concept, the venue, time, budget, and the skills of the technical staff.
Dramaturg
- Articulates the artistic choices that each artist has declared as a goal.
- Ensures that each one follows their declared concept, or updates it.
- Provides useful research and background information for the other creative staff.
- Works with the publicity staff and often leads educational or community initiatives on behalf of the production.
Sound Designer
- The sound designer imagines and engineers the audio experience for the production.
- This entails how microphones are used, voice effects, music, and sound effects, as well as planning where sounds come from.
- This position is especially critical for most musicals and operas.
Technical Director
- This is the engineer for everything built or installed on stage.
- Allocates labor, time, and money.
- Decides what is technically possible or not for a given show.
- Responsible for safety.
Director
- The director is the compass for all creative choices concerning the production.
- Guides designers' and performers' choices.
- Does not solve every problem, but sets priorities when choices need to be made.
Team 1 | |
| Director: | Allan Arkin |
| Costume Designer: | Allan Arkin |
| Lighting Designer: | Allan Arkin |
| Set Designer: | Allan Arkin |
| Sound Designer: | Allan Arkin |
| Technical Director: | Allan Arkin |
| Dramaturg: | Allan Arkin |
| Stage Manager: | Allan Arkin |
Team 2 | |
| Director: | Allan Arkin |
| Costume Designer: | Allan Arkin |
| Lighting Designer: | Allan Arkin |
| Set Designer: | Allan Arkin |
| Sound Designer: | Allan Arkin |
| Technical Director: | Allan Arkin |
| Dramaturg: | Allan Arkin |
| Stage Manager: | Allan Arkin |
Team 3 | |
| Director: | Allan Arkin |
| Costume Designer: | Allan Arkin |
| Lighting Designer: | Allan Arkin |
| Set Designer: | Allan Arkin |
| Sound Designer: | Allan Arkin |
| Technical Director: | Allan Arkin |
| Dramaturg: | Allan Arkin |
| Stage Manager: | Allan Arkin |
Group 1 is up.