FUNDAMENTALS OF DESIGN – SPRING 2013

Theatre 203-001
Mon/Wed/Fri: 10:20am – 11:20am
Room: AC/W-16

Instructors:
Roy Hoglund e-mail: hoglund@uwosh.edu
Office: AC/W 216 - 424-7043
Office Hours: Tues/Thurs: 9:00am – 11:00am, or by appointment

Kathleen Donnelly e-mail: donnelly@uwosh.edu
Office: AC/W 220 - 424-7127
Office Hours: Wed 11:30am – 12:30pm, Tues/Thurs 9:00am – 10:00am, or by appointment

Text: There is no required text for this class. Recommended reference books:

• J. Michael Gillette: Theatrical Design and Production, 5/e
• Rebecca Cunningham: The Magic Garment: Principles of Costume Design, 2/e

Plays:

• Selected scenes from Almost Maine by John Cariani (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: Basic Skills - Due: Feb. 15th

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.

Project 2: Script Analysis: selected scene from Almost, Maine- Scenic – Due: Feb 18th

The objective of this project is to analyze the selected scene from the script: Almost, Maine in preparation to design the scenic elements of 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 3: SCENIC DESIGN for selected scene from Almost, Maine by John Cariani

Project presentation will include: Research collage, Groundplan, Elevation and Color samples of key elements in design. Due: April 1st

Project 3A: Scenic Research and Design - Due: March 1st

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 printed/scanned images of architecture, furniture and decor appropriate for the play. Color images should be provided to help understand the color palette choice for the design. Project will be graded neatness and appropriateness of research material.

Project 3B: Groundplan - Due: March 13th

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 3C: Elevation - Due: April 1st

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 4: Script Analysis: selected scene from Almost, Maine -Costume – Due: April 3rd

The objective of this project is to analyze the selected scene from the script: Almost, Maine in preparation to design the costumes in 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 5: COSTUME DESIGN for selected scene from Almost, Maine by John Cariani

Project presentation will include: figure drawings, research collages, costume drawings and color samples for each costume design. Due: April 29th

Project 5A: Costume Research - Due: April 10th

• The student will create a 12” x 18” research collage for the characters in the given script. The collages will be created from a compilation of magazine clippings of clothing, or scanned/downloaded images appropriate for the characters in this script. The images should be in color and large enough to see the details of the garment you have chosen. The collages should include research for clothing, footwear, and accessories. Upon completion the student will acquire basic research skills that are needed to develop costume designs. Project will be graded on the thoroughness, variety and appropriateness of the research material to script.

Project 5B: Figure and Costume Drawing - Due: April 17th

• 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. It is expected that the student produce multiple drawings (at least 3) for each pose and gender.
• The student will draw a self-portrait of their face including hairstyle in order to better understand the proportions and perspective of facial drawings as it applies to costume designs.
• The student will use the croquis developed to sketch garments onto the figures in order to better understand how clothing and certain fashion silhouettes relate to the figure. Upon completion the student will acquire the basic skills of figure and costume drawing that is needed to visually communicate costume design ideas to directors and other designers. Projects will be graded on proportion, and neatness.

Project 5C: Costume Design - Due: April 29th

• The objective of this project is to develop a costume drawing for each of the two characters in the selected scene. The student will use the research collages from project #5A, and the figure croquis from project #5B, to create costume drawings that best illustrates their design approach. The student will also provide color samples to indicate color palette for costumes. At the completion of this project, the student will acquire the design skills needed to visually communicate their costume design ideas to directors and other design team members.

Project 6: LIGHT AND SHADOW - Due: May 8th

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

Grade Scale:

A 94 - 100%

A- 90 - 93.9%

B+ 87 - 89.9%

B 84 - 86.9%

B- 80 - 83.9%

C+ 77 - 79.9%

C 74 - 76.9%

C- 70 - 73.9%

D+ 67 - 69.9%

D 64 - 66.9%

D- 60 - 63.9%

F Below 60