PROJECT NAME (for ease of discussion): Commandery Drop
CLIENT: Dayton Masonic Center
VENUE (Name, City/State): The Schiewetz Auditorium in the Dayton Masonic Center, Dayton, Ohio
YEAR: 2024
Preserving a Historic Theatrical Backdrop Through Scenic Recreation
Scenic Solutions partnered with the Dayton Masonic Center to create an identical replacement for a historic Commandery cut drop used in the Schiewetz Auditorium. The original backdrop had become too damaged to remain in service, and the client wanted to preserve the artistic and historical significance of the piece by recreating it using traditional scenic painting techniques.
Recreating a Historic Scenic Drop
Faithfully Replicating the Original Artwork
The original cut drop had survived the 1913 Dayton flood after being stored in an upstairs room. Over time, repeated repairs left the drop no longer suitable for continued use, creating the need for a carefully crafted replacement.
- Created an identical replacement for the original historic cut drop.
- Reproduced the original cut-out sections reinforced with scenery netting that reveal another drop positioned upstage.
- Preserved the visual character and historical significance of the original artwork for future generations.
Traditional Scenic Painting Techniques
The recreation combined historic painting methods with modern scenic materials to accurately reproduce the appearance of the original drop.
- Used the original drop as a visual reference by hanging it from the paint shop’s moveable truss during the painting process.
- Applied the same scenic painting techniques originally used more than 100 years ago while utilizing today’s improved scenic paints and materials.
- Matched the original artwork using the complete Rosco Off Broadway paint palette, with the exception of black.
Precision Craftsmanship Throughout the Recreation Process
Careful Layout and Painting
The project required extensive planning and collaboration to accurately transfer the original artwork to a new scenic drop.
- Layout of the replacement drop required approximately one week using a three-person crew.
- Painting required approximately three weeks with three scenic artists.
- Applied scenery netting using the same process as the original construction with a three-person crew.
Supporting Historic Preservation
Scenic Solutions has partnered with the Dayton Masonic Center for more than a decade to help remake, recreate, and revitalize its collection of historic scenic drops. This project continues that commitment by preserving an important piece of theatrical history through expert scenic craftsmanship.
Ensuring the Legacy of Historic Stage Scenery
The completed Commandery Drop preserves the appearance and function of an important historic theatrical backdrop while providing a durable replacement for continued performances and ceremonies. By combining traditional scenic artistry with modern materials, Scenic Solutions helped ensure this significant work can continue serving the Dayton Masonic Center for years to come.
Scenic Solutions: Historic Scenic Drop Recreation Specialists
Scenic Solutions specializes in recreating historic scenic artwork through traditional painting techniques, precise color matching, and expert scenic fabrication. This project demonstrates our ability to preserve theatrical history by producing faithful replacements that honor the craftsmanship of the original while providing the durability needed for continued use.