Basics of Scene Design

NPHS Technical Theatre Class

How to get started Start by writing down critical information regarding the play…

1 Write down background information about the playwright.

2. What is the social and political climate of the period the play is set in?

3. What is the color palette?

4. What are the basic set design needs?

5. What are the basic costume design elements?

6. What props and sets are need? What do you have in inventory that works?

7. Are there specific lighting requirements?

8. Is there period music being used or other sound cues?

9. What are basic choreography or staging concepts?

Create a design board

Design boards include…

1. Your color palette

2. Basic costume styles

3. Historical and Political influences to the time period

4. Concepts that effect the behaviors of the characters

The board should give the designers a overall feel for the play. A design board is critical to the “Cinergy” of the production. It allows all managers to “get on the

same page” so to speak.

Plotting the basic design

Upstage

Downstage

Stage LeftStage Right

1st Know your blocking

Upstage

USR USC USL

CSR CS CSL

DSR DSC DSL

Downstage

Stage LeftStage Right

Add shapes for your large set pieces. A key should be included in one of the bottom corners. This should be drawn

in pencil so you can adjust for changes at a later date.

US

DS

× ×

Turn your design into a 3D drawing

Example 1

More examples…

Example 2

Internet design examples

http://johnburnsillustration.com/gd/setdesign.html

http://www.tombuderwitz.com/clients/buderwitzt/nav/frameset.shtml

http://www.paulshorttdesign.com/clients/shorttp/nav/frameset.shtml

http://www.conwaydesign.com/clients/conwayd/nav/frameset.shtml

Assignment #1

Read the scene description from…

Create a basic design with symbols and a key for the set pieces.

Draw or use computer software to create a scene design.

Due: Wednesday September 4th