Laying out a Perspective Grid

In the center of your sheet of paper, draw an 8" x 18" rectangle. (ABCD) This represents, in half-inch scale, a 16' (high) x 36' (wide) proscenium arch. See Figure 1.
Draw the two diagonials, AC and BD.
The center vanishing point (CVP) is located where the two diagonals intersect (E). Draw a vertical line through the CVP. This will be the center line of your drawing.
Locate a point (F) approximately two inches above the bottom edge of the drawing (CD).
Through this point draw a horizontal line. It should cross both diagonals, AC and BD at points G and H. This line represents the back wall of your stage.
Draw a diagonal line from point G to point C. This is the mitre line.
Divide the bottom line of the drawing (CD) into 36 -- 1/2" spaces. Each space equals one foot in half inch scale.
Draw a line from each of these points to the CVP. Only two (8R and 6L) of these lines are included in the illustration.
Where each of these lines intersect the mitre line (CG) draw a horizontal line. These lines indicate the distance upstage of the picture plane (or proscenium arch). For example, because point 6L is 12' from the right end of the floor line (C), the horizontal line located at the intersection of 6L-CVP with the mitre line (CG) is 12' up stage of the proscenium.
When completed, you will have a perspective grid of a 36' x 36' square acting area.
Figure 1. Perspective Grid
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E-mail questions and comments to Larry Wild at wildl@northern.edu.
Last updated: December 26, 2001
© 2001 by Larry Wild, Northern State University