Basic Design for Theater

Basic Design for Theater

Have you ever wondered how theatrical designers generate dynamic, unusual and extraordinary ideas? This hands-on virtual seminar provides an introduction to the process of design development through research, sketching and collaboration. It is geared towards all skill levels and is an essential workshop for students interested in exploring their analytical skills and creative abilities.

The workshop emphasizes cultivation of creativity and development of ideas. Participants learn the process of artistic collaboration, paying particular attention to the relationship between the director, designer, and lead artisans. Class work is focused on the practice of basic design and construction techniques including perspective sketching, figure drawing, painting, construction, model-making, rendering, and technical drafting skills. Guided activities help students learn to devise concepts and create inspired visual imagery with ease and efficiency.

The 10-week course focuses on careful analysis, research and creation of a visual field that supports and enhances a narrative. All students will be required to think about scenic, costumes and lighting design as emphasis is placed on creation of the “overall environment” of a play.

Students are encouraged to use the full extent of their creative ability and to unleash their imaginations in order to realize a broad range of aptitude and potential as artists and critical thinkers.

Description of Work

• Students will research and create scenic and costume designs for assigned scripts. All designs will be presented formally to the class and receive a verbal critique and a grade evaluation. In this case, students will design No Exit by Jean Paul Sartre. All projects will involve written, oral, and visual work.
• The class culminates with a portfolio review of the student’s best work in a virtual display that measures 48” X 48”.
• All participants are encouraged to complete at least 1 large-scale drawing in a sketchbook (at least 11” x 17”) per week. The subject matter must be people, architecture or objects observed in everyday life. Sketchbooks will be assessed throughout the course for evaluation of progress. The best of the student’s work from the sketchbook will be displayed at final portfolio review.

Topics Covered

• Elements of Design: Line, Shape, Form, Color, Value, Texture, and Space
• Principles of Design: Pattern, Contrast, Emphasis, Balance, Scale, Harmony, Rhythm / Movement, Unity, & Variety
• Sources of Design / Inspiration: history, research, photos, poems, music, works of art, nature
• The design / production profession: processes and procedures
• Scenic & Costume design, construction and painting techniques
• Noteworthy Stage designers & relevant historical periods