Design Resources:   Design Intro Course Index
Design Index
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Arthur Dirks        Professor of Theatre Arts, Bridgewater State College Print This Page


Introduction to Design

Purposes and function of design

[An outline]

A. Design for Utility

-Define the space
  • -Clothe the actors
  • -Make the action visible
-Focus attention

B. Design for Information

-Stage the story
  • Time
  • Locale
  • Atmosphere
-Define character

C. Design for Background

-Evoke mood
-Support themes and motifs
-Appeal to the senses

Design Process

Designer:
  1. Script analysis and conferences
  2. Research
  3. Sketches and preliminary plans
  4. Conferences
  5. Perspective drawings and models
  6. Final approval
  7. Technical communication:
    • -Ground plans
    • -Elevations and details
    • -Paint elevations
Technical Director:
  1. Detail and construction drawings
  2. Construction
  3. Painting and finishing
  4. Set-up (load-in)
Designer & Technical Director:
  1. Set dressing and finishing
  2. Technical rehearsals
  3. Run
Technical Director:
  1. Strike

Design process according to Gillette:

  • Commitment:
  • Analysis
    • -Script analysis: 3 readings
  • Research
    • -Background research
    -Conceptual research
  • Incubation
  • Selection
    • -Sketches and models
  • Implementation
    • -Technical communication
Elements of Composition
  • Line
  • Form or shape
  • Mass or volume
  • Value
  • Color
  • Texture



Red rule

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All original content protected by copyright © Arthur L. Dirks, Taunton, MA., 1995-2000.
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