KRISTA D. PRICE

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learning about SET (SCENIC) design

 

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complete before CLASS-time ON FRIDAY, 11/20:

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Do (Formative Grade):  Create your own SET "NEEDS" spreadsheet (by carefully reading the script for costume needs). 

Be sure you've listed on your spreadsheet all stated set needs, the implied set needs, and any items needed to furnish the set (set dressing).  You may also need to consider if/when the set needs affect other teams, such as props. Once your Set List is complete, turn it in to KP for a grade.  See IAWL - Design Spreadsheet in Google Classroom.  (Note:  This assignment was given on 11/11/20 and won't be accepted past 11/20/20.)

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complete before CLASS-time ON tuesday, 11/24:

 

Understand: All design begins with reading the SCRIPT. 

From there, designers INTERPRET the script (and also meet with the director to understand her/his vision), do RESEARCH for their designs (i.e. time period, style, etc.), come up with an overall DESIGN CONCEPT (to make all designs cohesive), create preliminary SKETCHES, and then create PROTOTYPES, DESIGN BOARDS, RENDERINGS and/or MODELS (so that others will understand what the final product will look like and how it will function).  This is the DESIGN PROCESS that we will also be using in Advanced Acting for our show - regardless of the design area you chose.

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Watch: Designing Theatre: Comedy of Errors (4:57)

(Google Classroom) Process Journal Entry Title: Scenic Design (Bunny Christie)  (week 13)

1.  What is the MAIN role of a set designer?  (it's stated right before the title is shown on the video)

2.  What does the designer in this video DO when she reads a script? (be specific)

3.  What does the designer look at and collect to develop her ideas? 

4. How is theatre design different than film design?

     (Notice how the "feel" of the show leads to the LOOK of the show.  This is ALWAYS true in design.)

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Watch:  David Rockwell's Set Design - On the Twentieth Century (2:33)  (week 13)

(Google Classroom) Process Journal Entry Title: Scenic Design (David Rockwell)

1.  What is the role of set design? (stated right away in video)

2. Any theatre project starts out with lots of what?  

4. What is the role of collaboration in theatre?   Risk?

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Watch:  American Theatre Wing - Scenic Design (7:21)  (week 13)

(Google Classroom) Process Journal Entry Title: Scenic Design (Riccardo Hernandez)

1. What does this scenic designer LIKE and NOT like?  

2. What does the scenic designer GRAVITATE toward?  

3. For a scenic designer, what is the first meeting with the director about?

   (Notice: how the MEANING and "heart" of the text leads to the LOOK of the shows.)

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Do:  Create prototypes of the WBFR sign for the set (according to dimensions given). Provide Ms. Price with at least 3 different looks/images based on your RESEARCH of the time period, of radio studios, and of signs of that time.  (Prototypes due by Wednesday 12/2...be prepared to stay on at the end of the Zoom class on 12/2 to show Ms. Price your prototypes.)  Upload images of your prototypes to Google Classroom (Assignment:  SET DESIGN: Prototypes & Research - week 14)

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Do:  Start the process of researching and finding period-specific set items needed, including the wall clock, 2 matching sconces, chairs, rugs, etc.  Also start researching the best ways to create snowy windows, etc.  (See set "to-do list" below.)  If you need any materials or money to purchase items you find, communicate with Ms. Price ASAP.

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complete before CLASS-time ON WEDNESDAY, 12/2:

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Watch:  Building Broadway: Hamilton Set Designer David Korins (3:10)  (week 14)

(Google Classroom) Process Journal Entry Title:  Scenic Design (David Korins - Hamilton)

1.  What were David Korin's first thoughts about designing Hamilton?

2.  What IMAGES inspired Korin's designs?

3.  What specific design elements on stage spoke to the greater MEANING of the show?  

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Watch:   David Korins, Set Designer of Dear Evan Hansen (3:43)   (week 14)

(Google Classroom) Process Journal Entry Title: Scenic Design (David Korins - Evan Hansen)

1.  WHERE did Korin's design ideas (for Evan Hansen) come from?  

2.  Who ultimately determined WHICH of Korin's ideas would "come to life" in Hansen?  In Hamilton? 

    (Advice:  Never be afraid to explore "I'm not sure why, but I really FEEL like...") 

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Do:  If you haven't already, show Ms. Price your prototypes of the WBFR sign for the set. Begin building/creating the approved sign. (Be prepared to stay on at the end of the Zoom class on 12/2 to show Ms. Price your prototypes and get approval.  Include images of your prototypes in the slides on Google Classroom (Assignment:  SET DESIGN: Prototypes & Research - week 14)

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Do:  Continue  researching and finding period-specific set items needed, including the wall clock, 2 matching sconces, chairs, rugs, etc.  Also start researching the best ways to create snowy windows, etc.  (See set "to-do list" below.)  Document your research, findings and inspiration in Google Classroom (Assignment:  SET DESIGN: Prototypes & Research - week 14)  If you need any materials, or money to purchase items you find, communicate with Ms. Price ASAP.  Anything that needs to be ordered, should be ordered no later than class-time on 12/2 (or earlier).  All set items should be acquired and AT the school by 12/9.  (Communicate with Ms. Price as needed.)

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complete before CLASS-time ON FRIDAY, 12/4:

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Watch:   Set, Scenic Art & Props - Sweeney Todd

(Google Classroom) Process Journal Entry Title:  Risk-Taking in Design   (week 14)

1.  What did the leader of the set construction DO with the designer's drawings?  

2.  What research images did the designer use as inspiration?

3. What materials were used to create decaying walls for the set?

4. What is the role of risk-taking and "play" in designing a set?

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Do:  Make your WBFR sign - due BEFORE 12/9.

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Do:  As a team, create a Deadline Calendar for completing the set.  (Google Classroom - Set Deadline Calendar- week 14)  Assign set gathering/ordering/making/building tasks among your team. Consider each other's strengths when assigning tasks. Your set building deadlines should include all of the following items:

• research / locate period-specific wall clock - see Ms. Price for ordering or paying (do this EARLY!)

• research / locate period-specific wall sconces (2 matching) - see Ms. Price for ordering or paying (do this EARLY!)

• research / locate period-specific chairs (13 total needed)

• research / locate 4 period-specific rugs (should coordinate, but not necessarily "match")

• research best way to create snow covered window panes (materials to use, how to make it realistic, etc.)

• obtain large wreath with red bow

• obtain or make period-specific large table for SFX (has to comfortably fit on 4x8 platform)

• measure for all trim and baseboards needed (including window, door, and chair rail trim)

• build two flats (height should be according to Ms. Price's measurements)

• build brick wall "backing flats)

• paint walls (including side flats)

• install side flats (with jacks - be sure each is plumb)

• woodgrain* doors

• woodgrain* 1/2 wall below chair rail 

• woodgrain* platforms

• leg platforms & install (remember, 2 legs from the tallest platform will sit on top of the 2 lower platforms)

• cut all baseboards and trim

• paint all baseboards and trim

• install all baseboards & trim

• install and wire wall sconces to light board*

• install backing flats outside SL door

• install WBFR sign

• hang clock and wreath

• anything I've missed?

*You may want to share the above list with John.  He's taught his Adv. Stagecraft students many of these skills (including how to woodgrain), so Adv. Acting may be able to help during their class-time or after school, BUT don't count on it unless you plan for it in advance.  (Note:  Nathan is also in Adv. Stagecraft.)

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NOTE:  THE ENTIRE SET MUST BE COMPLETED (built, painted, woodgrained, furnished) BY MONDAY, DECEMBER 14!

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complete before CLASS-time ON wednesday, 12/9:

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Watch:  Behind the Scenes at Disney's Aladdin

(Google Classroom) Process Journal Entry Title:  Calltime​ / Pre-Show Checklist  (week 15)

1. In professional theatre, as shown in this video, what are the (specific) tasks performed by YOUR assigned role prior to a show?  

2.  What are some of the things that YOU could put on YOUR Pre-Show checklist to be sure our show runs smoothly?  (Think of ALL the things necessary from the time you enter the black box until the show starts, including things like "Where do I put my personal belongings?" or "Where should this prop be pre-set?" or "What's the best place for this quick change to happen?" Etc.  Don't forget to include "sign in" on your checklist.)

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Do (Formative Grade):  You will create YOUR Pre-Show Checklist with ALL tasks to consider prior to the show.  This MUST be well-thought out and completed/hung up PRIOR to the FIRST dress/tech rehearsal.  (You will also create a copy in Google Classroom - "Pre-Show Personal Checklist - will be uploaded by Friday 11/20" Type and print your checklist (with your name in large font at the top) and hang in a designated area backstage.  (Keep in mind that you will most likely need to add to this list from things you learn or are reminded of in dress/tech rehearsals.

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