Spring 2010

Theatre 473 - 001

M/W/F 9:10am – 10:10am

Room: AC/W - 16

Instructors:

Roy Hoglund

e-mail: hoglund@uwosh.edu

Office: AC/W 103 - 424-7043

Office Hours: Tues/Thurs 10:00 – 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: 10:00am – 11:00am, or by appointment

TEXT: Robert Olson: Art Direction for Film and Video ,2/e

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 objective of this class is to introduce the theatrical design student to the principles of production design as it relates to the camera. These principles will be demonstrated through projects, presentations, and practical application. In order to pass this class, the student must demonstrate proficiency in set and costume design for camera, both in theory and practical application.

Projects:

Six projects are required in the Design Studio III class. The purpose of these projects is to introduce the student to the theory and process of production design for camera, and develop the skills necessary to communicate ideas to other members of a creative team. Each project is designed to challenge the student in different aspects of theory and process. Each project will be critiqued on the day it is due by the entire class. Class participation in the critique process is mandatory. Because many different experiences are covered in the class in a timely fashion, no late projects will be accepted.

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.

Attendance:

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; be 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. Excused absences require documentation in accordance with the Dean of Student’s policy on absences.

Materials:

Drawing paper or Newsprint Pad (12” x 18”)

Drawing pencils (ebony, HB, 2B or 4B)

Color media (pan watercolor or gouache)- recommended brands “Pelikan” or “Grumbacher”

Brushes for watercolor - thin (1), medium (6), flat wash brush (13)

Rendering paper or board at least 11” x 15”

Drafting tools as required in Design Skills class

Notebook

Project Descriptions:

Project 1: Designing for Television: Game Show Project

due: 3/29/10

The student will design the set for a new game show based on the board game of Monopoly. Design will consist of: concept statement, rough sketches, groundplan, elevation, model, and painter elevations. Project will be graded on: creativity, completeness and quality of presentation.

Project 2: Designing for Film: Location Scouting

due: 3/12/10 for review

due: 4/9/10 for presentation

In this project, the student will be working with the Cinema Production class to produce a 5 minute film. The student will research and document locations suitable for a film shoot based on the script in consultation with the production director and team. Project will include research into the time period and architectural detail appropriate to the film, and a collection of documented photographs of at least three suitable locations. The student is responsible for taking the photos and getting them printed. Project will be graded on: appropriateness and accuracy of research, and quality of presentation.

Project 3: Designing for Film: Production Design

due: 4/9/10

The student will design the set for a film based on a script and location shots used in Project 2. Design will include: script breakdown, concept statement, research, thumbnail sketches, storyboards, and a rendering with color. Additional time, beyond the class period, will be required to meet with the production team, pull and coordinate scenic items, and oversee the film shoot. Project will be graded on: creativity, completeness of design, and quality of presentation.

Project 4: Research Paper: Technology and Special Effects

due: 4/23/10

The student will produce a research paper on the technology used in the creation of design and special effects for a recent film. Student should choose 2-3 effects so that they can be discussed in detail. Paper should be 5-7 pages, double-spaced, and include annotated images relating to effects covered in paper, and a bibliography of sources (minimum of three sources). Project will be graded on completeness of research, appropriate visual documentation and quality of writing.

Project 5: Designing for Television: Costume Design

due: 4/28/10

The student will design the costumes for four characters in a television situation comedy or drama. Design will include: character analysis, research collage and rendering with color for each character. The research collages will include clothing for casual, work attire and formal dress. Project will be graded on: creativity, completeness and quality of presentation.

Project 6: Designing for Film: Costume Design

due: 5/12/10

The student will design the costumes for characters in a film version of a script provided. Design will included: concept statement, character analysis, research collages, line sketches, color boards and color renderings with fabric swatches. Project will be graded on: creativity, completeness and quality of presentation.

GRADING:

PROJECT 1: Game Show Project 15%

PROJECT 2: Location Scouting 15%

PROJECT 3: Production Design- Set 20%

PROJECT 4: Research Paper 15%

PROJECT 5: Costume Design - Television 15%

PROJECT 6: Costume Design - Film 20%

100%

Grading 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

Schedule