University of Technology, Sydney

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88444 Design for Stage and Theatre: Classics

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular semester, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

UTS: Design, Architecture and Building: Design
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Handbook description

This subject introduces students to the specialised area of design for performances in theatre spaces. Using a classic script as a starting point, students learn how to design for a stage production which expresses the script through set and costume design. Delivered to support the design project, a series of lectures, workshops and assignments cover: the design process; the history of appropriate stage and costume design; set design; costume design; script analysis; and associated technologies. The project tests, through the use of a classic script, the understanding that the student has attained in reference to the key areas of theatre design. This is a multi-disciplinary subject that brings together students to solve specific design problems through group and individual tasks.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
1.0 Have an increased awareness of the Performing Arts both within Australia and internationally;
2.0 Understand the basic principles of designing for theatre, involving costume, lighting, set and property design;
3.0 Understand the issues that are pertinent to contemporary design for theatre;
4.0 Demonstrate an ability to analyse scripts both at a fundamental literacy level and for the specific purpose of preparing a theatrical design realisation; and
5.0 Demonstrate a clear and progressive work method throughout each project, by keeping a journal, to encourage organization and logical design process.

Contribution to course aims and graduate attributes

Through a series of lectures, site visits, and design projects, the students will develop their knowledge and expertise in designing for stage and theatre for the classics. The subject will be driven by design projects aimed to broaden the understanding of the professional discipline of theatre and set design. Students will analyse and dissect the inherent complexities of the scripts and produce individual solutions. This subject provides for elective specialisation in Design for Theatre, and forms part of a list of subjects that lead to a sub-major in Design for Theatre. The understanding and skills fostered in these subjects reflect the multidisciplinary nature of design. These subjects contributes knowledge necessary for completion of the Bachelor of Design degree.

Teaching and learning strategies

Face-to-face sessions will incorporate a range of active learning strategies including experimentation, modelling, presentations, videos, simulations, and discussion alongside case studies, field studies, readings and reflection. These will be complemented by independent student engagement with projects through iterative exploration of design propositions, research and development.

Content

This subject addresses the following issues and topics :
1.0 Research techniques used in designing for theatre
2.0 Principles of script analysis
3.0 Site analysis
4.0 Theatre review
5.0 Model-making techniques
6.0 Colour workshop

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Script Analysis and Design Proposal: 1st text

Objective(s):

1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0.

Weighting: 30%

Assessment item 2: Script Analysis and Design Proposal: 2nd text

Objective(s):

1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0.

Weighting: 40%

Assessment item 3: Journal, Process and Participation

Objective(s):

2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0.

Weighting: 30%

Recommended texts

Pecktal, L, c1995, Designing and drawing for the theatre, McGraw Hill, New York

Wallschlaeger, C, 1992, Basic visual concepts and principles for artists, architects, and designers, Wm C Brown Publishers, Dubuque, Iowa

Warre, M, 1966, Designing and making stage scenery, Reinhold, New York

Woodbridge, P, 2000, Designer drafting for the entertainment world, Focal Press, Boston

Wong, W, 1993, Principles of Form and Design, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York