Designing Scenery for Theatre Stagecraft- Mr. Wofford Scene (Set) Design Designing Scenery for Theatre Stagecraft- Mr. Wofford

Scene (Set) Design Scene (Set) design is the creation of theatrical, as well as film or television scenery. Traditionally, designers come from a variety of artistic backgrounds, but now they are trained professionals, often with M.F.A. degrees in theatre arts.

What is a set designer? Architect Interior Decorator Model Maker Painter Artist Historian (politics,arts,fashion,architectu re,literature,theatre,film) Sculptor Model Maker Draftsperson Graphic Artist Schmoozer Detective Salesperson

Important Parts: The Script The production is shaped by the needs of the individual script. Many productions are well-defined by the author, to alter them would alter the meaning of the play. Some plays will need more discussion than others.

Two Styles of Design Representational Design- presents the scene in a realistic way. Presentational Design- Does not attempt to recreate “real life”. Designs are more abstract or symbolic

Existing Limitations In some production situations, there are circumstances that shape the discussion of a play. Budget Calendar People-power Flexibility for a travelling production Emphasis on a particular design element Unique space restrictions. Know and discuss the limitations at the very beginning.

The Steps a Designer Takes Takes on the project Reads the Script Researches the play or film Analyzes the Script Place and Locale Time Period Themes Mood

Important Part: The Play Keep the focus on what is “good for the play.” Differences of opinion can be great for collaboration, but it is important to keep the focus on the success of the play. Great collaborative should create energy that takes the project in a new direction. New Idea Director’s Idea Designer’s Idea

Steps Continued… Creative Collaboration Study the Performance Space Sources of inspiration Now the hands-on designing begins Discuss, meet, argue, negotiate, figure it out, compromise Come up with Final Design Communicate Final Design

Steps Continued… Oversee construction, painting, assembling, sewing, sculpting etc… Oversee filming Oversee Tech Rehearsals Fine Tune details Attend the wrap party

Floor plan The groundplan (floor plan) enhances the use of levels and depth for the director and actor; and it serves as a “playground” on which the play unfolds during rehearsals. Some important rules of thumb for working on the groundplan: find lots of interesting diagonals create spaces that are important to individual characters create tension through obstacles whether they are pieces of furniture, stairways, stumps or simply interesting levels. Defining this “playground” is as important as deciding what it will look like in elevation.

Elements and Principles of Design Color Shape Form Line Texture Space Balance Contrast Proportion Emphasis Rhythm Unity

Scene (Set) Design Stagecraft-Mr. Wofford Parts of the Stage Scene (Set) Design Stagecraft-Mr. Wofford

Four types of theatre spaces Proscenium audience views the action from one direction 90% of all theatres Picture Frame Arena audience views the action from four directions Oldest arrangement in history Theatre in the round

Four types of theatre spaces cont. Thrust audience views the action from three direction Most widely used in history Created & Found Spaces each audience member views the action from a unique perspective An attempt to break down audience- actor distance Non-theatre buildings, street theatre, multifocus environments

Scenic Vocabulary backdrop: large sheet of painted canvas or muslin that hangs at the back of a set backing: flats placed behind doors, windows, hallways, etc. to hide the space beyond cutout: scenery cut out of board or fabric representing profiles of trees, buildings, etc. dead-hung: scenery or lighting that is hanging in the air and not designed to be moved during the performance deck: the stage floor, or a temporary floor that has been built on top of the permanent floor

Scenic Vocabulary Erosion cloth: a very loosely woven cloth used to cover freshly seeded ground; used in theater for texture and background. flat: frame constructed of 1-by-3 boards, covered with canvas, painted and used most often for interior and exterior walls of a building in a stage setting ground cloth: a canvas covering the floor of a stage used as a padding for the acting area usually painted to represent grass, stones, etc. levels: steps, platforms, etc. that raise the actor from the stage multi-set show: a show that requires several distinct sets