decorwisselingen

Decorwisselingen are the coordinated transformations of stage scenery during a performance. They create new settings, locations or time periods without stopping the show. The term covers changes to backdrops, walls, platforms, doors and furniture, as well as scenery elements that are moved in relation to the audience. Lighting, projections and sound cues are often integrated with the decorwissel to enhance the transition.

Typical methods range from manual changes by stagehands to automated systems. In traditional theatres, scenery is mounted on wheeled wagons or flown in and out using a fly system and moved during a blackout or a cue. Modern productions often use motorized flats, wagons on rails, turntables, and computer-controlled automation to speed changes while keeping precision and safety.

Planning and roles: The stage manager, scenographers and technical crew prepare a cue list that specifies when a decorwissel is triggered, which pieces move and how lighting and sound shift. The director and set designer outline the visual requirements, while rehearsals test timing and impact. Changes are timed to minimize downtime between scenes.

Safety and logistics: decorwisselingen require clear backstage access, well-secured scenery, and adherence to load limits and movement sequences. The team coordinates with actors and lighting to prevent collisions and ensure smooth transitions. Regular rehearsals and technical runs help refine timing and reduce the risk of delays during performances.

History and evolution: In historical theatre, decorwisselingen could be lengthy and involve series of separate scenes; with the advent of proscenium stages and revolving stages, changes could be made offstage or behind the curtain. In contemporary theatre and film, advances in automation have shortened change times and expanded possibilities.