Stanford University

ABOUT THE TAPS SCENE SHOP

Much of theater is an act of transformation, and the Scene Shop plays a significant role in transforming our spaces into a thousand and one different worlds. Starting with the design of the set, in which they transform the words of the show into an artistic scenic vision, through the model-making and blueprints, and finally to the construction and finishing of each set piece, the Scene Shop brings the actors and audience into the world of the show.

We also believe in the importance of developing practical theater-makers, and the Scene Shop works with students every day to build their shop skills. Students work directly on the Department’s shows, and they have an enormous part in building the sets. From engineers with no background in theater to actors interested in what it takes behind the scenes of a show, the Shop provides an opportunity for students to engage in hands-on projects and learn useful skills applicable to the theater and other areas of their lives.

The Scene Shop is located just off of Memorial Auditorium main stage, with an offshoot space at Roble Gym behind the Harry J. Elam, Jr. Theater (formerly Roble Studio Theater). Main offices for shop staff are in the Upper and Lower Scene Shops in Memorial Auditorium.

PRODUCTION DESIGN + BUILD
The Scene Shop designs, plans, and ultimately builds the set and scenery that create the world of each story we tell on stage. A diversity of talent means our shop can create anything from stage automation technology to period furniture, completely transforming our performance spaces time and again.
EDUCATION + ADVISING
Our shop staff have decades of professional experience in stage technology, set construction, set painting, and stage electrics. From teaching students how to weld to working through a design sketch or blueprint, our shop staff gives students the skills they need to realize their own design visions.
STUDENT SUPERVISION
The Scene Shop staff provides expert safety training and supervision to keep us all safe in our facilities. Students often need assistance with mounting their productions, as building and moving sets can be dangerous. Shop staff also oversee students in our complex and fragile performance spaces.