THEATRE DESIGN III – Fall 2012

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 216 - 424-7043

Office Hours: Tues/Thurs: 9:30 – 11:30am, 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: 11:30am-12:30pm, or by appointment

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

A bibliography of reference material is attached to the syllabus.

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.

Note: Two of the projects in this class have been designated as e-portfolio projects. A consent form has been posted to D2L course website.

E-Portfolio:

At UW Oshkosh the ePortfolio section of D2L is a student’s online filing cabinet or “box of stuff” to help collect content or links connected to their studies. In a particular course, such as this one,

the instructor may require students to use ePortfolios as part of the course process. Course instructors will discuss how the ePortfolio and presentations of content from it fit into the syllabus.

Information and resources about ePortfolios at UW Oshkosh, including guides and screencast tutorials, are available at: http://www.uwosh.edu/eportfolio .

Pilot:

The instructor of this course is a part of the UW Oshkosh ePortfolio pilot. The ePortfolio, which is found in the D2L course platform, was recently adopted as a part of the University assessment process. An

ePortfolio is an online mechanism for students to store their work from their courses. Faculty members assess student work and give feedback through the ePortfolio. As a part of the pilot, we may need

to view your portfolio for the purpose of gathering information to answer questions we have about the ePortfolio process and what types of support students and faculty will need to be comfortable with the

ePortfolio. You and your instructor will have the opportunity to assist the University to plan for full implementation of the ePortfolio for all students in the future. This has two main implications for students, both of which unrelated to course assignments.

1) Alongside, but independent of, the course you will be asked to provide feedback about the use of ePortfolios. It is expected that this will involve completing a survey and some students may be asked to discuss their experience of the technology in the course with the pilot steering group.

2) As a pilot study, other staff at the university involved in the pilot may look at your use of the ePortfolio tool within Desire 2. Learn and share anonymized and generalized information about your user behaviour with others. This will not contain any personally identifiable information, will not be shared with your instructor during the course, and is unrelated to the assessment of performance in this course. Please see the more detailed consent form for further information. By completing the consent form and electing to take part in the course you grant us the permissions outlined in that form. Please note that you may take the course and opt out of the pilot.

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

Flash drive

Project Descriptions:

Project 1: Designing for Television: Sitcom Project                                                                    due: 10/10/12

The student will design the set for a generic sitcom set based on the television script provided for The Big Bang Theory. Project guidelines will be posted on D2L. 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.

One design will be chosen and realized as the standard sitcom set for TV studio I. The realization of the set is not part of the grading process, or coursework for this class.

Project 2: Designing for Television: Costume Design                                                             due: 10/26/12

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 will be included in e-portfolio pilot.

Project 3: Designing for Film: Location Scouting                                                                       due: 12/3/12

The student will research and document locations suitable for a film shoot based on a film scenario/script given. 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 4: Designing for Film: Production Design                                                                      due: 12/3/12

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 5: Research Paper: Technology and Special Effects                                                due: 11/19/12

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). Papers will be posted in the D2L dropbox and in your e-portfolio. In addition to the paper, the student will create a presentation for the class which includes visual references with annotated text. Project will be graded on completeness of research, appropriate visual documentation and quality of writing. Project will be included in e-portfolio pilot.

Project 6: Designing for Film: Costume Design                                                         due: 12/12/12

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: Costume Design - Television                     15%

PROJECT 3: Location Scouting                                          15%

PROJECT 4: Production Design- Set                               20%

PROJECT 5: Research Paper                                              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

Theatre Design III SCHEDULE