Analysis and Research for Theatre

Analysis  Read the Script ( multiple times )  Analyze the Script Plot Dramatic Structure Given Circumstances Characters Ideas Moods Tempo  Think Like a Theatre Artist  Question  Talk it Over

Analysis  Analyze the Script Dramatic Structure: Climactic or Episodic  Exposition  Inciting Incident  Rising Action  Crisis  Climax  Denouement Given Circumstances  Who: Class, Religion, Economic, Social, Education  What: Type of action  Where: Country, State or Province, Town/City, Specific Room(s)  When: Season, Month, Date, Time of day(s)

Research  Background Research Start from general to and go to specific. Research as much about the time period, culture and people in the play not just your design area. Try to use as many primary sources as possible. Playwright’s Intent  Conceptual Research Find your design image. Use to help shape your ideas on color, texture, line, shape, and mass.  Share

Research cont.  Things to be wary of: What you search for Where you search Title or Keywords Other Interpretations Past Productions

Incubation  Let your subconscious mind do the work  Come back to the design with a fresh eye.

Selection  Sift through the data about the play.  Eliminate needless information that doesn’t support the action, ideas or vision of the play.  Create a design concept for the play.  Share! Don’t design in a vacuum!

Selection: The Design Concept  What is a design concept? It is a real image that explains the designer’s approach to the play. A communications tool An organizational device