Course Description:

An introduction to the world of theatrical design and production, including excursions into sound, lighting, projection, set and costume design. Students will learn how to read and understand a play from a design angle, developing research skills to fully conceptualize the visual, audial, and emotional world of a play onstage. Focus will be centred on using a strong design concept to create and realize a theatrical world.

Students will dive into a variety of softwares that open and make creativity more accessible to those without a distinct fine arts background. Course will investigate design philosophies for disparate styles of Theatre.

ASSIGNMENTSAND GRADING BREAKDOWN:

Design Research Project 10%

- In this assignment you will choose, read and research a text to form your own design concept for the play. This will be communicated in the form  of a collage, mood-board, slideshow, or other applicable way of communicated your concept and intent. Focus is to be placed on the overarching idea behind this production; you are encouraged to play both director and designer in formulating these ideas. A brief write-up detailing your research and intent will be included.

Due date: September 17

3D Sketch Model Project 15%

- Create a sketch model for a set based on your chosen text using Sketchup. Remember, this doesn’t need to be a finished product, but an  initial sketch that would be used to communicate your ideas to a director.

Due Date: October 1

Soundscape Project 15%

- In this assignment you will use a DAW (digital audio workstation) app create a soundscape based on your chosen text. You will be graded on the use of ambience, sound effects, and musical underscoring with the goal of supporting the narrative laid out in the text.

Due date: October 15

Video OR Costume project 15%

- Students will choose between Costume or Projection design for their chosen script. Submission will include video materials for one scene, OR 2-3 costume sketches.

Due date: November 12

Written Play Reaction 10%

- See a live theatre performance (play TBD) and pick one design element to follow. You’ll write a brief reaction (500-1000 words) responding to this design element.

Due date: December 10

Final Project: Group Design Presentations 25%

- You’ll form production groups to formulate a central design concept and tackle individual design disciplines, culminating in a group design presentation for a play of your choosing. There are two elements — a presentation, and additional paperwork for each design discipline, to be handed in after the end of classes.

Presentations on November 26

Due date for additional paperwork and design materials: December 3

Participation/Attendance 10%

-  This one is easy. Show up on time, and engage with the material and other classmates for perfect marks here. Refer to earlier in the syllabus for attendance policy.