Chapter 15: Scene Design

Transcription

1 Chapter 15: Scene Design Functions of scene design: Defines performance space Creates a floor plan Characterizes the acting space visually Makes a strong interpretational statement Creates mood and atmosphere Functions in conjunction with other design and production elements

2 Scene Design Floor Plan provides opportunities for: Movement Composition Character interaction Stage business

3 The Scene Designer s Skills Scene Designers are: Architects Painter/Artist Interior Decorator Actor Art Historian Stage Historian Knowledgeable about: scenery construction, painting methods, and technology

4 Working Plans and Procedures Design Process varies, but generally includes: Preliminary Designs Sketches Scale Model Final Designs Perspective Color Rendering Floor Plan 3-D Scale Model

5 Basic Scenic Elements Soft Scenery Units: Made of unframed cloth, suspended Drops may enclose setting; may be painted with scenes Draperies may mask the sides of the stage, may be painted and hung to create stylized backgrounds Scrim specialized curtain made of gauze; opaque when lighted from front; transparent when lighted from behind Cyclorama any arrangement of curtains that surround the stage area on 3 sides

6 Basic Scenic Elements Framed Units: Flats basic framed units; wooden or metal frame covered by a relatively flat surface of cloth or thin wood; painted or treated texturally Screens typical framed units since 1960s; rest on floor or are suspended; any shape or size; any material; used for projection

7 Basic Scenic Elements 3-Dimensional Units: Often must support considerable weight Used extensively in proscenium and flexible spaces Used sparingly in thrust and arena stages 3-D units include: Steps Ramps Platforms 3-D objects: Furniture, Rocks, Trees, etc.

8 Innovative Materials and Methods Use of nontraditional materials and unconventional structural methods Styrofoam Thermoplastics Molded Plexiglas Wood substitutes Steel, aluminum, other metal alloys Fiberglass Styrofoam and urethane

9 Painting Scenery Scene Painting Techniques Base coat - ensures a flat, neutral surface upon which other techniques and paint will be applied Overpainting adds texture, shading, details Spattering - flicking small drops of paint from a brush onto the base coat Sponging - dipping a natural sponge in paint and patting it over the surface of the base coat Scumbling - simultaneously applying and blending more than one shade of paint on the same surface to give a mottled effect Lining - creating with painted lines the semblance of molding, paneling, door trim, and other details

10 Shifting Scenery on Stage When using multiple settings, units must be shifted Methods used for shifting scenery include: Manual : scenic units moved by stagehands Flying: suspending scenic elements above the stage and raising or lowering them as needed Wagon: a platform on casters Revolve: revolving stage turned by electric motors Elevator Stage: raises and lowers segments of the stage

11 Set Decoration and Properties 2 types of Properties: Set Props = attached to setting or function as part of scenic design, i.e.: table lamps, plants, pillows, etc. Hand Props = used by actors in stage business, i.e.: silverware, notebook, playing cards, etc. Some hand props might be considered costume props, i.e.: pocket watch, handkerchief, parasol, etc.

12 Technical Rehearsals, Dress Rehearsals, and Performance Technical Rehearsals: Focuses on all of the technical elements; Scenery, Lighting, and Sound, to ensure elements are functioning properly Dress Rehearsals: Adds the costumes which allows the scene designer to see the settings in relation to all elements of production

13 The Scene Designer s Assistants and Coworkers Design Assistants: may make working drawings, construct models, search for furniture and properties Technical Director: often independent of designer and of equal status; responsible for building, assembling, and painting scenery Scenic Crews: Construction, Assembly, Painting, Shifting