Scene Design

By Angela Chen & Whitney Hsu

Outline

FFuunnccttiioonn

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SScceenne e DDeesisigngn

The FFuunnccttiioonn of Scene Design

• It defines the performance space used for

dramatic action

• It creates a floor plan that which all the

settings are of great importance to

blocking and movement onstage

• It characterizes the acting space

Scene Designer’s SSkkiillll• Architecture -Designer must be concerned with the structure's function, size and

visual appearance

• Painting (sketches & drawings) -serves as the primary way to discuss and communicate with the

director and other designers

• Interior Design -lay out the details here in order to give a clear picture of how the

props and drapes set

• History of Art -a knowledge of art history allows designers to draw upon various

styles and the decorative motifs in need

Basic Scenic EElleemmeennttss • Soft-Scenery Units -provide a large area of scenery that can be moved, folded up and

stored easily ex: drops, draperies, scrim and cycloramas

• Framed Units -relatively small, self-supporting, and can be combined to create

bigger surface ex: flats with an opening

• Three-Dimensional Units -usually support considerable weight ex: steps, ramps, platforms

• Innovative Materials and Methods -coexist with traditional stagecraft to create new style

ex: Styrofoam, thermoplastics, and Plexiglas

Examples

Notre-Dame de Paris Video ---and introduction

Directed by Gilles Maheu

Scrim

The Lion KingVideo ---and introduction

Directed by Julie Taymor

RentVideo ---and introduction

Set design Paul Clay

Drop