Set Design Procedures in Scenic Design Goal To enhance the production by creating a functional background for the action but does not intrude on the action. A Set May Have aesthetic appeal Establish tone and atmosphere Convey symbolism Aid in expression of theme Steps to Designing a Set 1. Read the script several times and discuss the play and style of the production with the director. 2. Obtain a basic foundation for design from the director. The foundation should include a basic floor plan. Steps to Designing a Set 3.Make a pencil sketch or water color called a rendering, that scenically expresses the meaning and spirit of the play. 4.Work out a detailed floor plan. 5.Build a model set. 6.Draft elevation and working drawings these are construction blueprints. Pre-design Considerations 1.Know the size and shape of the auditorium, whether the floor is raked and the type of seating arrangement 2.Determine what space and what equipment will be available for the production Pre-design Considerations 3.Consider lighting equipment and its flexibility 4.Determine the budget the budget will greatly effect the design as well as the number and kinds of sets to be used 5.Plan for weight and mobility of scenic units and the availability of apron space for acting during scene changes Basic Principles 1.Consider the scenic design of the play 2.Be aware of important scenes, special effects and lighting 3.Consider the actor when designing the set 4.Design a set with and without people 5.Consider the audience Artistic Consideration 2 most important design principles 1. Unity demands that all elements of the set form a perfect whole, centering around the main idea of the play. 2. Emphasis Focuses audience attention on some part of the stage, a piece of furniture or an object on the set Artistic Consideration Other principles to consider 3. Proportion takes the human being and uses it as the unit of measurement 4. Balance asymmetrical is preferred to symmetrical unless it is a stylized setting 5. Central axis the focal point in design usually the deepest point just off center Artistic Consideration 6. Line the use of lines alters the sense of proportion and affects the observer psychologically Types of Lines Vertical suggest dignity, elevation, hope or spirituality Horizontal emotional levelers brings about calm, evenness and tranquility Diagonal suggest driving force, strife, uncertainty or concentration Curved give the impression of ease, wealth and expanse Types of Lines Curves and angles along with strong contrasting colors give a sense of excitement Crooked or jagged lines suggest chaos, shattered dreams, injustice or pain Artistic Consideration 7. Mass takes into consideration the concepts of bulk and weight, which is difficult to determine without testing under the lights 8. Shape influences both the concept of mass and the psychological reaction to objects on the stage Color Various Colors and their combinations can produce very emotional effects Color can establish the mood and atmosphere for each scene as well as the whole play Color Colors are referred to as warm or cool Warm = red, orange, yellow Cool = blue, green, violet Color Warm Colors Advance, or move forward in space, because they attract attention quickly Cool Colors Recede, or move back in space, because they are less noticeable Color Certain stage traditions are based on know reactions to color Blue- calm, cold, formal, spiritual, pure, truthful, depressing Orange exhilarating, cheerful, lively Red aggressive, passionate, bloody, angry, strong Yellow cheerful, happy, youthful, cowardly Color Pink fanciful, romantic Green youthful, eternal, reborn, jealous Soft Green restful, soothing, tranquil Purple mournful, mystic, regal Gray neutral, depressing, negative, somber Brown earthy, common, poverty-stricken Color Black melancholic, tragic, gloomy, deathlike White truthful, pure, chaste, innocent, peaceful Floor Plan SET MODEL EXAMPLES Rendering Finished Model Model Finished Set MORE EXAMPLES!