Following the Ground Plan, the next most important drawings are the Elevations. An elevation is a term drawn from architecture referring to drawings of the walls as if facing them, in effect “elevating” the ground plan into the third dimension. Elevations become the framework for detail drawings, painter's elevations, and construction drawings. Elevations are most evidently useful for box settings, wing-and-drop shows, and other productions emphasizing two-dimensional scenery. Three-dimensional scenery is illustrated with orthographic and view drawings.

Front elevations are scaled mechanical drawings showing the front views of all the scenery. The setting is flattened out and each visible surface is drawn in a single plane. The ground plan provides the horizontal dimensions, permitting the designer to concentrate in the elevation on designing the vertical proportions and relationships of the various parts of the setting in exact dimensions. The designer is concerned with the composition of areas: the size and nature of the decoration, wallpaper patterns, and architectural trim. Elevations include window draperies, wall hangings, set dressings, and furniture or objects placed on or against the walls.

Front elevations:

1. Scale: ˝”=1'0” or larger.
2. True shape of scenic pieces. (Solid construction lines)
3. Location of all applied detail, including trims and hangings. (Lighter, often dotted lines)
4. Full dimensions of all components. (Lighter, information lines)
5. Notes regarding all elements of appearance.
6. Views in an orderly arrangement. In a box set, sequentially from DSR to DSL, showing walls meeting.
7. Often featuring the plan view below the elevation for clarity.

Detail Drawings:

If the scale is inadequate for details of a fireplace, door panel, trim piece, or similar small items, a detail drawing is done in larger scale. The detail drawing can appear on the same plate as the elevation, typically off to the side of the elevation drawing.

1. Scale 1”=1'-0” or larger.
2. Various drawing techniques, elevation, orthographic, view, or section, as appropriate.
3. Detailed notes.

Painter's Elevations:

The scenic designer also provides painter's elevations. These drawings are scaled front elevations rendered in color to aid scenic artists in the layout and painting of the scenery. They include the proportions, colors, appropriate highlight and shadow tones, wallpaper designs, cartooning, and ornamentations.

Construction Drawings:

Construction drawings are created by the technicians from the elevations to plan and provide the building details and specifications. For flat walls the drawings take the form of rear elevations showing the unfinished side of the scenery where construction details may be seen. The drawings illustrate the way in which stock scenery is assembled to create the unit shown. Construction drawings provide information on all materials, hardware and methods of construction, including joining, bracing, stiffening, rigging, and shifting details. Dimensions are complete and accurate. Specifications and notes are provided on the drawing describing special construction, unfamiliar procedures, and materials.

Elevation Assignment:

Provide on one plate complete elevations for one scenic unit in your design for This Property Is Condemned . Grading will be based on completeness and correctness, adherence to standards, accuracy and precision, and cleanliness. Unless otherwise specified, the unit should be the house.