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Nicholas Acciani
United States
Приєднався 22 лют 2013
Hello Internet! I am, what you might say, a Theatrical Artist. I live and work mostly in LA (I tour when I get those jobs, and work where I can). And most of that work is in Theater, and in Film. I am also an educator, teaching Theatre classes ranging from StageCraft to Video/Projection Design to Directing.
This channel is all about the Educational Experience and learning what goes on Backstage - what goes into the part of a show that the audience doesn't get to see.
Sometimes I film the adventures I have and sometimes I show you how to do things and sometimes I explain what those jobs are and why so many people are listed in your programs and the credits. All with a hint of love and sarcasm, and a little self-deprecation.
Check me out! Like and Subscribe and Let's Talk Backstage!
This channel is all about the Educational Experience and learning what goes on Backstage - what goes into the part of a show that the audience doesn't get to see.
Sometimes I film the adventures I have and sometimes I show you how to do things and sometimes I explain what those jobs are and why so many people are listed in your programs and the credits. All with a hint of love and sarcasm, and a little self-deprecation.
Check me out! Like and Subscribe and Let's Talk Backstage!
Working With a Sound Designer (As a Director)
The art of Sound Design has been up for debate the past few years, as the Tony's once called it a "Purely Technical Field" - I VERY MUCH SO disagree with that and feel it's an important part of any show. So here are some things I think about when I'm discussing the sound design of any show I direct.
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Відео
Types of Drapery Rigging (In Theatre)
Переглядів 6 тис.3 роки тому
There are several different ways to rig a curtain to open and close in a theatre space. Here are a few standard ways it can be done..with some home made animations of them in action. Follow Me Around: www.nickach.com nickach nicholasacciani nickach
Theatre Lore: All About the GHOST LIGHT
Переглядів 6 тис.3 роки тому
The Ghost Light is an ancient theatre tradition steeped in superstition, but based in safety. This video digs into it's history and the supernatural attributes that have been given this symbol that perseveres still, today. Follow Me Around: www.nickach.com nickach nicholasacciani nickach
All About Soft Goods (Theatrical Drapery)
Переглядів 2,5 тис.3 роки тому
Any fabric that shows up on stage (minus the costumes) is called a "Soft Good" and I go through how we use them, and what we call each type of Drapery. Follow Me Around: www.nickach.com nickach nicholasacciani nickach
Working with a Lighting Designer (as a Director)
Переглядів 1,3 тис.3 роки тому
Continuing the series on how to work with Designers when you're Directing a show, here's some helpful ways to communicate what you need to your Lighting Designer to fuel their creativity and get the best looks for your show! Follow Me Around: www.nickach.com nickach nicholasacciani nickach
Theatrical Rigging Systems (Fly Systems)
Переглядів 11 тис.3 роки тому
We went over the "Vocab" for Theatrical Rigging, now I get down and dirty with the actual layout of these fly systems, and how they work! *About 3/4 through the audio stopped recording on my nice mic, so I had to use the audio from my camera. Always fun having "technical difficulties" in a tech video... Follow Me Around: www.nickach.com nickach nicholasacciani instagram...
Working With A Scenic Designer (As A Director)
Переглядів 4663 роки тому
Once you've come up with a VISION, or "how" you want to do a show, you bring on your designers. First up we talk to the Scenic Designer. So what are some things they need to know - without you designing the show for them? Here are some things to think about when you begin working with your Scenic Designer! Follow Me Around: www.nickach.com nickach nicholasacciani instag...
Theatrical Rigging Basic Terms to Know!
Переглядів 14 тис.3 роки тому
When we get into rigging, there are a lot of terms that are thrown around that may seem like a foreign language. Here's a small platter of those terms, with explanations that hopefully anyone can follow! Follow Me Around: www.nickach.com nickach nicholasacciani nickach
All About Stage Directions
Переглядів 5 тис.3 роки тому
"Hey..can you move a little to the right...now my right...no your other right..." Moving around on stage can get confusing, unless you know the right way to go! That's where these standard stage directions come in to play...and, like usual, I tell you way more than you ever wanted to know about them! Follow Me Around: www.nickach.com nickach nicholasacciani instagram.co...
Drafting a Set Groundplan
Переглядів 10 тис.3 роки тому
Here's a simple step by step on how I generally draft out my groundplans (by hand). Follow Me Around: www.nickach.com nickach nicholasacciani nickach
Standard Drafting Symbols for Groundplans
Переглядів 3 тис.3 роки тому
Drafting is all about representing real things, visually...and we use some standard symbols to represent things like walls, doors, hamburgers...well maybe not hamburgers...but there are some standard ways to draw specific scenic elements, and I go through them here! Follow Me Around: www.nickach.com nickach nicholasacciani nickach
Reading Build Plans and Making Cut Lists
Переглядів 4 тис.3 роки тому
Getting build plans from a drafter or TD and interpreting them to build a unit is a major part of any Theatrical Carpenter's day. Here's a quick look on how to read a basic build plate, and most importantly, how to make a Cut List in order to get all the pieces you need. Follow Me Around: www.nickach.com nickach nicholasacciani nickach
Finding the Beats of a Play
Переглядів 3,5 тис.3 роки тому
When Directing a show, finding the "Beats" or the subject of each scene and how they change is an important part of being able to create a vision, direct actors and work with designers. Here they are explained, and how you can figure out where they are in a script. Follow Me Around: www.nickach.com nickach nicholasacciani nickach
Stage Management Roles on a Show
Переглядів 8 тис.3 роки тому
While there is always a "Stage Manager" sometimes you'll see "Production Stage Manager" "Assistant Stage Manager" and other variations on the title. Here I explain the basics of those roles and how they work with one another. Follow Me Around: www.nickach.com nickach nicholasacciani nickach
Creating a Vision (as a Director)
Переглядів 1,7 тис.3 роки тому
When directing a show, having a strong vision creates a unifying anchor for everyone involved to rally behind. It is also the first and best tool a director has to tell the story and curate the audience's experience. Here are a few questions I need to answer to create my own vision for any play or musical. Follow Me Around: www.nickach.com nickach nicholasacciani instag...
Units of Measure in Theatrical Building (in the US)
Переглядів 1,1 тис.4 роки тому
Units of Measure in Theatrical Building (in the US)
Analyze a Play for Themes (Directors and Designers)
Переглядів 5744 роки тому
Analyze a Play for Themes (Directors and Designers)
Hierarchy of Technical Artisan Roles (in Theatre)
Переглядів 2,4 тис.4 роки тому
Hierarchy of Technical Artisan Roles (in Theatre)
How to Set Up Drafting Plate (with Title Block)
Переглядів 1,6 тис.4 роки тому
How to Set Up Drafting Plate (with Title Block)
Survey Says...My answers to a Stage Management Survey!
Переглядів 2,3 тис.8 років тому
Survey Says...My answers to a Stage Management Survey!
Spend the Night with Me! -Painting a Set
Переглядів 2,9 тис.9 років тому
Spend the Night with Me! -Painting a Set
Really needed the double purchase system, thank you!!
Best yet💙
How would one make a large vase?
How can I create the Venetian effect in a double doorway? I want this effect when we are introduced at our wedding reception.
so i’m the understudy for Maria and Leisl (the two female leads) in the Sound of Music right now, and i was wondering if it’s normal to be assigned to two understudies? also i was only assigned a small part as one of the character nuns, so i’m only in the beginning and end of the show, yet i have to do three times as much work as everyone else. this is high school age btw and i’m kinda scared to do this much especially since i’m in another show right now too. mainly, i’m just disappointed i didnt get a larger role considering how much work i have to do.
First I want to just re-iterate what many Theatre teachers say that there are no small parts! You can take any part and make it your own and memorable - in my acting career both in school and out I mostly had smaller parts, and I was often talked about the most after.. On to the understudying - it is fairly common for one person to understudy multiple roles. Less common in High School, but any Broadway, Touring or major regional production usually has swings, covers, standbys and understudies (similar but not fully the same) and one person will cover multiple roles. It is a lot of work, and often those performers will get a guaranteed performance - I've worked on multiple shows where we had one paid performance that would be understudies - so they have a chance for their friends and family to come see them. That isn't always the case, but finding out if you can actually go on is a big help. If not, I have also worked in places where understudies have gone on with scripts - they still give great performances, but when you're not guaranteed a performance it is hard to ask someone to learn EVERYTHING. My biggest piece of advice is that YOU get to decide. Just because you are offered something or asked to do something, does not mean you are obligated to do it. If you feel like you are not getting anything out of the situation, or that you are to overwhelmed you can absolutely say no. Your health and well being are the most important thing. Lastly - this industry is rife with disappointment. But something to think about - many of my friends who were leads in HS no longer do theater - while I had the reverse and made a career out of it. Just remember, there are always more shows, and more chances to perform. Some of my favorite roles and most cherished productions were post high school.
Thank you so much for your reply!! There is only one performance so I doubt I’ll get to understudy, but I agree that it’s definitely good experience for the future!
Thank you! I've fallen into the stage manager position for our current show, as our group finally has a stage to work on. Real lights! Real sound! Real curtains! It's very exciting, and I'm terrified. XD
Where did you get the bowls. That dip that makes the rim is great
I'm pretty sure I got them at the local dollar store
La vidéo est vraiment pas ouf a étudier en cours d’anglais
White erasers are neat.
Well done. I need these kinds of video for a "drafting club program I am going to develop for grade school. I found out that over 30% of high school students don't known how to use a ruler now.
I spent a whole lesson teaching my Stagecraft 1 (9th and 10th Grades) classes how to read a tape measure!
Thank you so much, I had a cut list for homework, and I had no idea what to do. This made it a little easier to understand.
This is hands down " THE " best video on the subject ! This term is use in so many cases that it is hard to have a solid foundation around it and this make absolute sense with the Robert Mckee use of the term. I would like to suggest to make another video with a summary of this one but a pratical one with the script from the Avengers with maybe the thor / captain america vs thanos scene so we can see action beats and maybe from the same script another scene with more dialogue so we can see dialogue beat that would be 🔥🔥🔥
Can you do a video on the automation of rigging?
I am not super familiar with automation rigging, most of that has been out of the budget for the theaters I've worked with - but I can look into it!
Fantastic explanation Nick. Thanks for making these videos they are of such value!
great stuff Nick, great that you also post the really basic stuff which so often gets ignored.
I'm not in the theatre scene, and always wondered how long it takes to learn a role from scratch. "A week" is at the extreme short end of what I'd have thought reasonable, so "a couple of days" and "a couple of hours" completely blew me away. Is this an emergency situation that is only applicable to someone whos' seen the role a bunch of times, like already acting a different role in the same play, or being part of the crew, etc.? Let's say you've never seen a play and somehow get assigned a role... starting from a completely blank slate, how long does it take normally, and how long in a breakneck emergency type situation?
I KNOW. I'm rehearsing as an understudy for a character, and I got told I was going to be an understudy only a couple days after the main actors were told they were going to be in it (It's a school performance, and the understudies are chosen at the same time as the main actors to make sure they're ready if they need to be called in) and the show is in a few months. I can't imagine being told HOURS beforehand with little if any rehearsal time
It honestly depends on the performer, the type of production and a lot of other factors - there are stories of people who have learned roles in a day, while the quickest I've had to do it was a week. If you are great at memorization or remembering choreo, etc - or even if you've done the show before, you might be able to do it faster than someone who is not as quick at those things.
Love your TARDIS
I can't see shit
i wonder if this phenomenon influenced the cars short in anyway
cant see.. try this again standing up!!
So cool. Thank you! I’ve been working as a stage hand but haven’t taken any classes yet so this is a great introduction that they don’t usually have time for at work. Very interesting.
Thanks so much for making these videos! I teach at a community college and it is difficult to show students what I am talking about without actually taking them to the stage and doing it. You make it fun and relatable! I appreciate what you do!
While I understand the - sections - but I think it’s better to keep actors, costumes, props, set pieces, sound and music - on the opposite page (in a two page layout) WITH the script ie dialogue… that way you have everything sync’d with the words to facilitate queuing… As for blocking, I like using an Insta360 to record blocking as the rehearsals progress and as blocking changes… with the understanding that the video will only be used for the production stage “book” and will not appear in any other venue (unless there full agreement with the actors and any compensation… and IF EQUITY doesn’t like that… I get non-Equity talent for the production!)
i found thus very helpful - i’m from the uk and one of my a levels is theatre and for one of our exams we each have to create our own vision for the play the crucible by arthur miller. i’ve got my basic vision but these questions helped me to develop my thought process further so i do thank you for this video :)
In South Africa we hardly ever talk about Left or Right, but rather Prompt and OP (Opposite Prompt).
Talking a little too fast for me
Thanks for this video I am a constolden for a school district and I used alot of cables that I need to wrap and I never know how to do it
You can also do this of shows you want to see and already have seen/ plays and musical theather
This is a great channel! Going back to local 33 after a few years off and really appreciate the refresher’s!
Thank you! This would help my students!
"BRAVO Darling... Bravo" Excellent video... Thank you for sharing this great video.
I've been shown this technique and tried to master before but to no avail. That's until now after watching your fantastic break down. Thank you very much
Thanks Nick! I’m sharing this with my Acting 1 students!
Love it! Yes, I always ask myself…”why this show?” “Why should we present this show now?” I love to consider the impact, discussion, healing or change a play can make within my community as well. You got my Director’s brain going! I’m such a Theatre generalist, but I love directing because of the vision aspect and helping to retell or create a new world and invite others in. Lol.
Love it! Great advice. Can you update any major SM extras you have in your bag now that you didn’t years ago?
Love this! Thank you!
Thanks for this - teaching stagecraft and this is exactly what I needed for Monday!
Needed this today! Diving into stage management and lordy what was I thinking hahahaha
OR buy a motorized hoist.
You are so smart wow i learn so much from this video thank you so much
I love your videos ,please recommend a theatre school for me
I feel like this video is staged.
BAHAHAHAHAHA
Did you forget something?
Nice!
Thank youuu for this.....
Hahaha that is so American 😅 In Germany you would get your ass kicked for even trying to sue for something like this 🤣 But you do have the right to do so but you would not win the case 😂 That is just darn outrageous...
I also mention to my acting students that where there are beat changes, is where they might forget their line. The change of subject breaks the thought process. I have them create a mental transition between the change of subject. Example: Talking to a friend about her family. I change the subject to ask about her job. Mental transition: she mentioned her mother which reminded me that my mom wanted to know if she still worked at the same insurance agency.
Thanks elizabeth
This is great!
looser no commemnts exept me
Hi Nicholas. I'm a teacher in Cincinnati at an arts school. I teach Scenic Design and Technology to 7-12 graders.. This is my 27th year at the school. I have even written a stage hand book myself for my classes because I struggled finding good content to share with my high school students. Much was written for a professional in theater. With our school going remote over the last few years off and on your videos have been such a great help to quickly share a lot of great information! So much of what you cover is spot on to what I teach every single day. Theses have to be my favorite videos. I just want to take a moment and thank you for sharing these.