Course Description
Scenic design for the entertainment arts, emphasizing conceptualization and application for basic research and technology to meet dramatic needs.
Athena Title
Scenic Design
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1. Develop an understanding of design practices utilized in theatrical scenic design. 2. Learn to analyze a script from a scenic design perspective. 3. Develop research skills in scenic design. 4. Develop a scenic design process. 5. Develop skills in representing initial design decisions through thumbnail sketches. 6. Develop skills in making representations of final design decisions through creating theatrical floorplans, perspective sketches, and renderings or models.
Topical Outline
I. Portfolio Show and Tell II. Sketching A. The Basics B. Thumbnail Sketching -1; Thumbnail Sketching -2; C. Sketching for Period Detailing D. Sketching Architectural Details and Foliage E. Perspective Sketching Foundations F. Perspective Sketch Transfer G. Landscape Sketching Exercise H. Golberg Exercise in Invention III. Design Elements and Principles IV. Functions and Process of Scene Design V. Analysis for Scenic Design VI. Drafting A. Overview and Tools B. Drafting Foundations C. Drafting Floorplans and USITT D. Drafting Elevations E. Drafting Sections and Details VII. Design Research A. Styles and Scenic Needs VIII. Light and Shadow Detailing (Pastel Exercise) A. Mood and Music Exercise IX. Designing Interiors, Box Settings, and Simultaneous Settings A. Design Packet for Project 1 B. 3-D Space and Performance C. Space Manipulation Exercise D. Designing Minimal Scenery E. Unique Materials and Construction Techniques F. Designing for Alternative Spaces G. Photocopying for Scenic Design H. Multi-Set Design and Solutions I. Portals, Headers, Drops, Scrims and Translucent Drops J. Props and Set Dressing X. Basics of Watercolor (transparent and gouache) A. Watercolor Techniques and Detailing Exercises B. Rendering Textures in Watercolor C. Color Pencil Basics D. Mixing Watercolor and Pencil Techniques E. Rendering Foliage and Texture F. Introduction to Markers G. Pastel Techniques for Rendering XI. Design Project 1 Initial Conferences A. Design Project 1A Studio Day B. Design Project 1A (Perspective Sketch) Presentation C. Design Project 1B Studio Day D. Design Project 1B (Rendering) Presentation E. Design Packet for Project 1 F. Design Project 2 Initial Conferences G. Design Project 2 Studio Day H. Design Project 2 Presentation, Designer Reports Due I. Design Pack for Project 3 J. Markers in Rendering and Detailing K. Design Project 3 Initial Conferences L. Design Project 3 Studio Day M. Real Examples of Scenic Solution XII. CAD Basics A. The Computer in Scenic Design and Rendering B. Scene Painting Fundamentals XIII. Matting and Mounting Artwork XIV. Design Project Presentation