Thr 371 Design Studio I
THEATRE DESIGN I: PROCESS – Fall 2011
Theatre 371-001
M/W/F: 9:10AM – 10:10AM
Room: ACW 16
Instructors:
Roy Hoglund
e-mail: hoglund@uwosh.edu
Office: AC/W 216 - 424-7043
Office Hours: Tues/Thurs 9:00 – 11:00am, 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: 8:00-9:00am, 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
Additional Required Reading:
Marisol by Jose Rivera
Lost in Yonkers by Neil Simon
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 be able to analyze and communicate a dramatic text to an audience; 3.To make effective use of the research tools available to the theatre artist, critic and historian; 4.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.
Objective:
The goals listed above will be achieved through the following objective of this course. This course will focus on the further development of the designer's skills of visual communication, and the process of design for the Theatre. The course will explore advanced color theory, element of texture, rendering techniques, computer assisted drafting, and model making for Theatre. These principles will be demonstrated and tested through projects (both realized and paper) and presentations. In order to pass this class the student must demonstrate a proficiency in both scenic and costume design in concept and practice.
Instruction:
A series of lectures will accompany each of the projects. It is important to realize that this time will be spent establishing the base of knowledge required to execute the project. Additional studio time is required of the student to work on the projects or class exercises assigned.
Attendance Policy:
Consistent attendance in studio is critical to understanding the process and techniques of design. If a student is going to be absent for a lecture, they need to contact the professors in advance of the class. The student is also responsible for getting the material that was covered, and be prepared for the next class. Two unexcused class absences will not affect grade, however unexcused absences in excess of two will decrease your overall class grade by two 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 Students policy on absences.
Materials: (must be brought to every class)
Projects:
Five projects are required in the Theatre Design 1 class. The purpose of these projects is to introduce the student to the process of design and techniques of communicating design. Each project is designed to challenge the student in different areas of theatrical design. Each project will be critiqued on the day it is due by the entire class. Class participation is mandatory.
Project Descriptions:
Project 1: Exploring the Element of Color - Theory and Technique (Due: 9/19/11)
The objective of this project is to introduce the student to color theory and it’s application to costume and scenic design. Student will explore color applications in theatre design using the watercolor technique of rendering. Project will consist of rendering samples relating to the application of color theory to theatre design. Project will be graded on creativity and application of color theory and technique.
Project 2: Exploring the Element of Texture in Design (Due: 9/19/11)
The objective of this project is to introduce the student to the element of texture and it’s application to costume and scenic design. Project will consist of collecting samples of material illustrating a variety of textures and relating them back to design choices in theatre. Project will be graded on creativity and application of theory as it relates to texture.
Project 3: Costume Design for Marisol by Jose Rivera (Due: 10/24/11)
The objective of this project is to design the costumes for the selected play. The student must provide all appropriate paperwork as it relates to this area:
Project 4: Scenic Design for Lost in Yonkers by Neil Simon (Due: 12/5/11)
The objective of this project is to learn the process of scenic design and design the scenery for the selected play. Scenery project breakdown includes the following:
Project will be graded on neatness, clarity of presentation and creative approach.
Project 5: Lighting Design: Sunrise on Earth (Due: 12/14/11)
The objective of this project is to introduce the student to the effects of Lighting on Scenic and Costume Design. The project will explore modeling objects and fabric with light, and explore the use of color in lighting to enhance the production values of a theatrical production. The project will be graded on creative approach, and application of lighting theory and technique.
Attendance at Department Performances:
The student is required to attend the three department productions this semester: The Thousand Pound Marriage and The Children’s Hour. A class discussion relating to design elements in the production will follow the closing of the production.
Grades:
15% Project 1: Color Theory and Technique
10% Project 2: Texture in Design
25% Project 3: Costume Design for Marisol
25% Project 4: Scenic Design for Lost in Yonkers
25% Project 5: Lighting Design
100%
CLASS SCHEDULE
Theatre 371-001
M/W/F: 9:10AM – 10:10AM
Room: ACW 16
Instructors:
Roy Hoglund
e-mail: hoglund@uwosh.edu
Office: AC/W 216 - 424-7043
Office Hours: Tues/Thurs 9:00 – 11:00am, 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: 8:00-9:00am, 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
Additional Required Reading:
Marisol by Jose Rivera
Lost in Yonkers by Neil Simon
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 be able to analyze and communicate a dramatic text to an audience; 3.To make effective use of the research tools available to the theatre artist, critic and historian; 4.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.
Objective:
The goals listed above will be achieved through the following objective of this course. This course will focus on the further development of the designer's skills of visual communication, and the process of design for the Theatre. The course will explore advanced color theory, element of texture, rendering techniques, computer assisted drafting, and model making for Theatre. These principles will be demonstrated and tested through projects (both realized and paper) and presentations. In order to pass this class the student must demonstrate a proficiency in both scenic and costume design in concept and practice.
Instruction:
A series of lectures will accompany each of the projects. It is important to realize that this time will be spent establishing the base of knowledge required to execute the project. Additional studio time is required of the student to work on the projects or class exercises assigned.
Attendance Policy:
Consistent attendance in studio is critical to understanding the process and techniques of design. If a student is going to be absent for a lecture, they need to contact the professors in advance of the class. The student is also responsible for getting the material that was covered, and be prepared for the next class. Two unexcused class absences will not affect grade, however unexcused absences in excess of two will decrease your overall class grade by two 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 Students policy on absences.
Materials: (must be brought to every class)
18” x 24” rough newsprint pad /sketch book
Drawing Pencils: Ebony, or HB
White gum eraser
Color media: pan or tube watercolor (Pelikan or Grumbacher (24 colors) is recommended)
Brushes: #6 watercolor brush, and 3/4” camel hair watercolor brush.
Watercolor paper, pad 11” x 14” (Avoid pre blocked pad)
Brown paper portfolio envelope - large enough to hold 18” x 24” paper/board
Thumb drive
Drawing Pencils: Ebony, or HB
White gum eraser
Color media: pan or tube watercolor (Pelikan or Grumbacher (24 colors) is recommended)
Brushes: #6 watercolor brush, and 3/4” camel hair watercolor brush.
Watercolor paper, pad 11” x 14” (Avoid pre blocked pad)
Brown paper portfolio envelope - large enough to hold 18” x 24” paper/board
Thumb drive
Projects:
Five projects are required in the Theatre Design 1 class. The purpose of these projects is to introduce the student to the process of design and techniques of communicating design. Each project is designed to challenge the student in different areas of theatrical design. Each project will be critiqued on the day it is due by the entire class. Class participation is mandatory.
Project Descriptions:
Project 1: Exploring the Element of Color - Theory and Technique (Due: 9/19/11)
The objective of this project is to introduce the student to color theory and it’s application to costume and scenic design. Student will explore color applications in theatre design using the watercolor technique of rendering. Project will consist of rendering samples relating to the application of color theory to theatre design. Project will be graded on creativity and application of color theory and technique.
Project 2: Exploring the Element of Texture in Design (Due: 9/19/11)
The objective of this project is to introduce the student to the element of texture and it’s application to costume and scenic design. Project will consist of collecting samples of material illustrating a variety of textures and relating them back to design choices in theatre. Project will be graded on creativity and application of theory as it relates to texture.
Project 3: Costume Design for Marisol by Jose Rivera (Due: 10/24/11)
The objective of this project is to design the costumes for the selected play. The student must provide all appropriate paperwork as it relates to this area:
- Character Analysis: Read the play and create a character description for each of the characters in the play. The character analysis should include: gender, age, marital status, occupation, socio-economic status and personality and should be based on the information given in the script.
- Concept Statement: Choose a modern painting (with color) that represents the mood of the play. Use that painting to develop an approach to the play that will focus the concept statement and inspire the design.
- Costume Plot: Create a spreadsheet that plots the characters and scenes in which they appear. This aids the designer in calculating how many costumes each character has and which characters are on stage at the same time.
- Research Collage: Create a collage using magazine clippings and Xerox copies of clothing, accessories hair and makeup for six characters as it relates to your concept. The six characters should include: Marisol, Angel, and four others. Each collage should be 12” x 18” and contain the name of the play and the character.
- Line Sketches: Create sketches for each character based on the research collage in step 3. You should try to create more than one idea for each. You can use the croquis that you developed in Design Skills as a basis for these sketches. Meet with the instructor to go over the ideas and choose one for each.
- Color Boards: Layout a sheet of pastel paper or drawing paper (18” x 24”) and divide the paper into 8 boxes. The first box will be your title box. The remaining boxes will be used for your costume drawings for the six characters selected in step 4. Transfer the final drawings using transfer graphite paper onto the color board. Choose fabric to represent each of your drawings. Using color pencils, pastel or other dry media, color the line drawings to represent the fabric choices you have decided upon.
- Renderings: Create a layout for the renderings that includes title of play, character name, and your drawings from step 5.Choose four of the characters from your color boards and create 10-12” drawings of your design and transfer to watercolor paper once your layout has been decided upon. Using watercolor media, render the costume design and attach fabric swatches representative of the color and pattern in your design.
- Project will be graded on neatness, clarity of presentation and creative approach. This project is eligible to be entered into the KCACTF Regional Design Projects at the festival in January.
Project 4: Scenic Design for Lost in Yonkers by Neil Simon (Due: 12/5/11)
The objective of this project is to learn the process of scenic design and design the scenery for the selected play. Scenery project breakdown includes the following:
- Read the play and create a scene breakdown listing scenic requirements for each scene. Create a scenic analysis of play that includes: year, season, socio-economic level, and geographical location. (due: 10/28)
- Get research for scenic design. This should include many pictures of neighborhoods, houses, interiors and furniture. You should include color indications for the time period. In addition to this, you should create a rough layout of the real house. In the final stage, this research should be laid out and mounted onto a board for viewing and include the title of the play and your name. Working with an 1/8” groundplan of the Fredric March Theatre, create a rough groundplan of the scenic design. Illustrate through rough sketches how each scene would look based on the groundplan. (due: 10/31)
- Create a ¼” scale groundplan . This groundplan may either be done on the computer or through hand drafting. The plan should include all levels, steps (including escape stairs), doors, windows, dimensioning and furniture. (due: 11/9)
- Create a ½”scale elevation of significant walls, which includes all doors and windows. Elevation will be transferred to watercolor paper for next step. (due: 11/14)
- Create a 1/4”scale white model using the groundplan and elevation created in previous steps. Print out groundplan and mount on foam core board. Model will include all platforms, stairs and levels. Reduce Elevation to ¼” scale and transfer to Bristol board to create the walls in the model. Proscenium arch, masking and figure to scale should be included. Elevation previously transferred to watercolor paper is to be used to create painter elevations indicating colors and patterns that would be used for walls, doors, and floors. (due: 12/5)
Project will be graded on neatness, clarity of presentation and creative approach.
Project 5: Lighting Design: Sunrise on Earth (Due: 12/14/11)
The objective of this project is to introduce the student to the effects of Lighting on Scenic and Costume Design. The project will explore modeling objects and fabric with light, and explore the use of color in lighting to enhance the production values of a theatrical production. The project will be graded on creative approach, and application of lighting theory and technique.
Attendance at Department Performances:
The student is required to attend the three department productions this semester: The Thousand Pound Marriage and The Children’s Hour. A class discussion relating to design elements in the production will follow the closing of the production.
Grades:
15% Project 1: Color Theory and Technique
10% Project 2: Texture in Design
25% Project 3: Costume Design for Marisol
25% Project 4: Scenic Design for Lost in Yonkers
25% Project 5: Lighting Design
100%
CLASS SCHEDULE
| Day | Date | Class Content | Notes |
| Wednesday | 7-Sep | Intro to Course/ Intro to Project I - color theory | |
| Friday | 9-Sep | Color Theory and Technique | |
| Monday | 12-Sep | Color Theory and Technique | |
| Wednesday | 14-Sep | Exploring Texture | |
| Friday | 16-Sep | Exploring Texture | |
| Monday | 19-Sep | Project #1 and #2 Due | |
| Wednesday | 21-Sep | Intro to the Design Process | |
| Friday | 23-Sep | Intro to Project #3: Costume Design for Marisol/ Character Analysis | |
| Tech: Thousand Pound Marriage | |||
| Monday | 26-Sep | Costume Design / concept statements | |
| Wednesday | 28-Sep | Costume Paperwork/ plots and lists | Open: Thousand Pound Marriage |
| Friday | 30-Sep | Research techniques/trip to library | |
| Monday | 3-Oct | Research Collage Workday | |
| Wednesday | 5-Oct | Sketching in the design process / Review of Figure Drawing | |
| Friday | 7-Oct | Costume Design/ rough sketches | |
| Monday | 10-Oct | Costume Design/ final line drawings | |
| Wednesday | 12-Oct | Costume Design/ color plots and boards | |
| Friday | 14-Oct | Costume Design / color boards /fabric selection | |
| Monday | 17-Oct | Costume Design / transfer to water color paper | |
| Wednesday | 19-Oct | Costume Design Workday/ renderings | |
| Friday | 21-Oct | Costume Design Workday/ renderings | |
| Monday | 24-Oct | Presentation of Project #3: Costume Design for Marisol | |
| Wednesday | 26-Oct | Intro to Proj #4: Scenic Design for Lost in Yonkers / concept and research | |
| Friday | 28-Oct | Intro to Scenic Design styles/ types of scenery | |
| Monday | 31-Oct | Scenic Design / floor plans and rough sketches | |
| Wednesday | 2-Nov | Scenic Design/ rough sketches | |
| Friday | 4-Nov | Scenic Design/ groundplan | |
| Tech: The Children's Hour | |||
| Monday | 7-Nov | Scenic Design/ groundplan | |
| Wednesday | 9-Nov | Scenic Design/ elevation | Open: The Children's Hour |
| Friday | 11-Nov | Scenic Design/ elevation | |
| Monday | 14-Nov | Scenic Design/ model making | |
| Wednesday | 16-Nov | Scenic Design/ model making | |
| Friday | 18-Nov | Scenic Design/ model making | |
| Monday | 21-Nov | Scenic Design/ model making/ color plot | |
| Wednesday | 23-Nov | THANKSGIVING BREAK | |
| Friday | 25-Nov | THANKSGIVING BREAK | |
| Monday | 28-Nov | Scenic Design / Painter elevations | |
| Wednesday | 30-Nov | Scenic Design/ Painter elevations | |
| Friday | 2-Dec | Intro to Project #5: Lighting Design | Kathleen gone - KC/ACTF Mtg |
| Monday | 5-Dec | Presentation of Project #4: Scenic Design for Lost in Yonkers | |
| Wednesday | 7-Dec | Lighting Design Workday | |
| Friday | 9-Dec | Lighting Design workday | |
| Monday | 12-Dec | Lighting Design workday | |
| Wednesday | 14-Dec | Presentation of Project #5: Lighting Design | |
| Friday | 16-Dec | FINAL CLASS MEETING |

