Stage Design: An Essential Introduction for Theatre Enthusiasts

1. Stage Design-an Introduction

2. Why we have Scenery- a few reasons • Historical • Seasons • Time of day • Changes in time during a play • Climate or geography • Cultural setting • Interior or exterior • Real or imaginary • Create mood

3. Accepted conventions of theatre design • Rooms are not real- stir the imagination • All furniture faces the audience • Exterior doors to stage right • Interior doors usually upstage or stage left • Living and dining rooms in one room • Use the least to say the most • Design helps the play never hinders or overshadows • Works with the actors, lights, sound, makeup, and costumes to create a unified effect

4. Terms to know- types of sets Box set- realistic, interior setting made of flats to simulate the three interior walls, and sometimes a ceiling. The audience views the play through the imaginary fourth wall.

5. Types of sets • Unit Set- uses flats, screens, curtains, platforms, and stairs that can be rearranged to change locales

6. Types of sets • Curtain Set- uses the back curtains as the backdrop with platforms and columns. Very stylized

7. Types of sets • Permanent Set- set does not change during the play. One setting is used

8. Types of sets • Skeleton Set- set consists of frames and openings that can be left empty or filled with drapes, backings or doors.

9. More Terms to know • Unity- allelements of the set work together to create the main theme • Emphasis- focuses audience attention on what is important - placement - color - focus as actors speak - special lighting

10. More Terms to know • Proportion- theset is scaled to the people so that it looks realistic- if play is realistic • Balance- equal distribution of emphasis from one side of the stage to the other • Line- gives proportion to the set and can create the psychology on the set

11. Things to consider • Existing set/stage • Budget • The audience