set design webquest arts and humanities dakin/menendez t2 2012 created by sarah ryan dakin...
TRANSCRIPT
Set Design WebQuest Arts and Humanities
Dakin/Menendez T2 2012
Created by Sarah Ryan [email protected]
Introduction
We've seen images and video, and discussed the technical elements of theatre in different historical periods. Now it's
your turn... To apply your knowledge about types of stages To use arts terminology in a real-world task To work collaboratively to create a set design
TaskGroup members will independently explore the Kentucky stages featured in this WebQuest and read synopses of performances we’ve discussed in class. Group members may divide and conquer and report back to the group on specific sections, or everyone can skim for important information on all sites. Decide your group's plan. Then, your group will come together as a production staff to choose a scene and compare and contrast the virtues of two venues as you choose the best possible stage.
Finally, each group member will fulfill a specific role as the team designs a set for the chosen scene.
Tools you may need
Vocabulary:
downstage, upstage, stage left, stage right,
drop, fly, entrance, exit, wing, leg, main curtain,
hydraulic, thrust, proscenium, arena School email: Yours follows this format
[email protected] paper is available for your design.
Process
The following slides will guide you through these specific steps of the WebQuest process:
Stage exploration: including images, diagrams, and
written descriptions of technical specifications (tech specs)
Synopsis perusal Compare and Contrast Production staff roles: including job descriptions Set design documents
Stage Exploration
Take some time to review the photos, stage schematics, and written descriptions of the following Kentucky stages:
1. Hardin County Schools PAC: facility rental , tech specs , images
2. Concert Hall, Singletary Center for the Arts: tech specs , images
3. Bingham Theatre, Actors Theatre: stage schematics , seating
4. Historic State Theater: stage schematics , images
Synopsis PerusalWhen deciding which performances to produce, directors order “perusal copies” to read. Visualize the set as you peruse these:
1. Tragedy: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
2. Comedy: The Tempest by William Shakespeare
3. History: King Henry VIII by William Shakespeare
4. Dramatic Comedy: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Dale Wasserman
5. Musical Theatre: Into the Woods by James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim
Meet with your group NOW to choose ONE scene from ONE performance for your set design (ex. Romeo and Juliet meeting at the party or the Prince bringing the slipper for Cinderella’s step-sisters to
try on).
Compare and ContrastChoose TWO of the featured stages and discuss the potential pros and cons of creating a set for your scene on each. Be sure to include what style each stage is. Compare and contrast the benefits and drawbacks of the two stages in writing. Which is more appropriate for your performance? Are there other aspects of the location besides the stage itself you should consider? You may create a graphic organizer in Word or simply record your discussion in paragraph form. Send me ONE email containing your comparison and the names of all group members before you move on.
Production Staff rolesAssign each role to one group member as you prepare to design your set for the ONE best stage for your scene.Stage manager: Keep all team members on task and help them understand what they need to do. Explain how set pieces will be moved into place, using appropriate vocabulary, and describe the context of what's happening in the scene your team is designing.Set designer: Sketch the stage with all set pieces in place (platforms, flats, backdrops, buildings, etc). Label points for performers' entrances and exits and audience seating. Set dresser: Work with the set designer to add furniture, decorations, paint colors, etc. to create a detailed and realistic
set. Add these to sketch. Lighting designer: Choose colors that accentuate the scene content and set design. Explain when light changes would take
place during scene.
Set design documentsEach group will submit the following documents via email
or hard copy:
1. Written explanation of set change and context of scene (What do stage hands have to do? What has happened just before this scene in the plot?)
2.Set design sketch including set pieces, set dressing, and entrance, exit, and audience labels
3.Written explanation of lighting colors and changes
4. All documents labeled with title of performance and name of stage
These documents are not meant to be polished works of art, but conceptual tools. Work efficiently in your group.
EvaluationRubric for Set Design WebQuest:1. Group members on-task throughout 20 pointsexploration and perusal phases2. Compare/contrast email includes evidence 10 pointsof similarities of staging potential of 2 venues3. Compare/contrast email includes evidence 10 pointsof differences in staging potential of 2 venues4. Complete set design documents 40 points5. Evidence of logical stage and performance 10 pointsmatching6. Evidence of novel & creative approach to 10 pointsdesign ________
100 points
ConclusionYou have just had a taste of the many critical decisions that contribute to the performing arts. You have used stage vocabulary in context and have worked as a creative team. If you would like to explore these skills further, you can contact me for information about CHHS Drama Club's projects: [email protected]
If you would like to see performances on these stages, and more, check out the links below for season event details:
Hardin County Schools PACSingletary Center for the ArtsActors Theatre of Louisville
Historic State Theater