DESIGN SKILLS – Fall 2009
Theatre 203-001
Mon/Wed/Fri: 9:10 - 10:10am
Room: AC/W-16

Instructors:
Roy Hoglund
e-mail: hoglund@uwosh.edu
Office: AC/W 103 - 424-7043
Office Hours: Tues/Thurs: 10:00am-11:30am or by appointment

Kathleen Donnelly
e-mail: donnelly@uwosh.edu
Office: AC/W 220 - 424-7127
Office Hours: M/W 11:30am-12:30pm; Tues 11:15am - 12:15pm, or by appointment

Text: There is no required text for this class.
Recommended reference text: J. Michael Gillette: Theatrical Design and Production, 5/e

Play: Alone at Last by Gina Barnett (scripts will be provided)

Goals:
Based on goals established by the Theatre Program, the goals of this course, for the student, are: 1. To have a broad knowledge of the processes of theatrical production; 2.To develop a commitment to the pursuit of artistic excellence and integrity.

Theatre is a collaborative creative process requiring a broad knowledge of the human condition to be successful. The importance of theatre in society is well documented, and understanding the role it plays in society contributes to the development of a well- rounded citizen. Theatre, as with all areas of the Liberal Arts, is most effectively employed when it is built on a broad base of knowledge.

Course Objective:
This class is a prerequisite to the Design Studio series and a technology elective for the Theatre major. The goal of the course is to equip the student with the visual communication skills needed by the scenic, costume, and lighting designer.

Lecture/Demonstration:
At the beginning of each project, a lecture/demonstration will be given to familiarize the student with the purpose, demands, and techniques required of a project. Although at this time no test of this information will be required, it is important to realize that this time will be spent establishing the base of knowledge required to execute the project.

Projects:
Six projects, some with multiple parts, are required in the Design Skills class. The purpose is to introduce the design student to the techniques of visual communication used by designers in scenery, costumes and lighting. Because many different experiences are covered in class in a timely fashion, no late projects will be accepted.

Attendance:
Attendance will be taken. Two unexcused class absences will not affect grade, however unexcused absences in excess of two, will decrease your overall class grade by 2 points, for each absence thereafter. Because it is important to keep up with the time schedule allotted, no late projects will be accepted without documentation in accordance with the Dean of Student’s policy on absences.

Materials needed:
Adjustable Triangle (8-12”)
Lead holder with #2H lead sticks
Architects rule
Eraser holder and erasers (white)
Ebony pencil
Newsprint pad (18” x 24”)
Notebook for class notes
Lead pointer to sharpen drafting pencils (optional)

Project Descriptions:

Project 1: Design Theory and Elements of Design - Due: 9/16/09
The objective of this project is to learn about basic elements of design by creating a visual environment based on a piece of music. The collage will be based on the piece of music: In the Hall of the Mountain King (Peer Gynt) by Edvard Grieg. The student will construct a two-dimensional collage, 15” x 22” using two geometric shapes in a variety of sizes. Colors are limited to black, white and grey. The collage will serve as a backdrop for a dance performance. A dancer figure will be placed in the collage to explore proportion. Project will be graded on neatness, clarity of presentation, and creative approach.

Project 2: Basic Skills - Due: 9/30/09
The objective of this project is to complete a drafting plate illustrating basic drafting elements, such as: line weights, lettering, title block, and basic shapes. Student will acquire basic drafting skills needed to produce a drafting plate for theatre design. Project will be graded on neatness, clarity of information and attention to detail.

Projects # 3-5 will be based on the script: Alone at Last by Gina Barnett

Project 3: Script Analysis - Due: 10/2/09
The objective of this project is to analyze the script as a preparation to design the play. Student will provide a typed analysis that answers the questions: Who, What, When, Where and Why. Project will be graded on completeness and comprehension.

Project 4: SCENIC DESIGN
Project presentation will include: Research collage, Groundplan, Elevation and Color samples of key elements in design.

     Project 4A: Scenic Collage - Due: 10/12/09
The objective of this project is to acquire basic research skills that are needed to develop designs for scenery. The student will create a scenic collage for the setting of the play. The 18” x 24” collage will be created from magazine clippings and print images of architecture, furniture and decor appropriate for the play. Project will be graded neatness and appropriateness of research material.

    Project 4B: Groundplan - Due: 10/23/09
The objective of this project is to draft a 1/4” ground plan of a room for the script given. Students will acquire the necessary skills needed to draft groundplans for set designs. Project will be graded on accuracy of measurements, neatness, clarity of information, and attention to detail.

    Project 4C: Elevation - Due: 10/30/09
The objective of this project is to use the 1/4” groundplan previously drafted in Project #4A to develop a 1/2” elevation of the same room. Student will acquire the necessary skills needed to draft an elevation of a ground plan as needed in construction of sets. Project will be graded on accuracy of measurements, neatness, clarity of information, and attention to detail.

Project 5: COSTUME DESIGN
Project presentation will include: figure drawings, research collages, costume drawings and color samples for each costume design.

     Project 5A: Costume collage - Due: 11/13/09
The student will create a 12” x 18” research collage for each of the following characters in the given script: Boy, Girl, one other male, and one other female. The collages will be created from a compilation of magazine images of clothing appropriate for the characters in this script. The collages should include research for clothing, footwear, and accessories. Student will acquire basic research skills that are needed to develop designs for the costumes. Project will be graded on the thoroughness, variety and appropriateness of the research material.

    Project 5B: Croqui Drawing - Due: 11/20/09
The student will create 10” male and 10” female croqui figures in two poses (front and turned) to be used in developing the costume designs for Project #5C. Student will acquire the techniques of figure drawing that is needed to visually communicate design ideas to directors and designers. Projects will be graded on proportion, and neatness.

    Project 5C: Costume Drawing - Due: 12/4/09
The objective of this project is to develop a costume drawing for each of the four characters from Project #5B. The student will use the croquis from project #5A, and the research collages from project #5B as the basis for the costume drawings. Student will acquire techniques of figure and costume drawing needed to visually communicate design ideas to directors and designers in costume design. Project will be graded on neatness, creativity and relationship to script.

Project 6: LIGHT AND SHADOW - Due: 12/16/09
The objective of this project is to illustrate the properties of light and shadow and perspective, and develop a group of freehand drawings of the setting provided. Black and white media will be used to create this effect. Student will acquire the techniques of perspective drawing, using light and shadow, which is needed to visually communicate design ideas to directors and designers in scenic, lighting and costume design. Project will be graded on proportion, neatness and fluid style.

Grading:
Each project carries a weight of 10% of the total grade of 100%. Absences in excess of 2 will lower the final grade for the class.

New Letter Grade Scale:

97-203 Design Skills - Class Schedule