Course Overview:
This course introduces the ways design is a key part of live performance events. In the course, we cover the foundational aspects of design- elements and principles of design and then spend time in a detailed examination of lighting, sound, scenic environment and clothing. Following the introduction of each design area, students do project work in each of the design areas to gain the applied experience of working with these in a performance project. While theater performance is a major part of the course, the course specifically includes lyric performance, performance art and dance as part of the study and demonstration of design practice and examples for live performance. The course stresses collaborative working models, design concept & ideas, and production process. CLICK ON PROJECT EXAMPLES IN THE LEFT SIDEBAR.
Students engage with the following as part of their project work:
• Performance Analysis for Text-based and non text-based performance projects.
• Computer-Aided design and drafting (CADD) using Vectorworks to create floorplan and elevation drawings.
• Digital Audio Recording and editing.
• Digital Lighting Control system programming, including color choice, angle of light, and cueing.
• Building scale models/ maquettes, working with scale ruler, and performance spaces.
• Visual Presentations for scenery and costume design from digital research.
• Introductory perceptual drawing for costume illustration.
Historical Visual Styles and Interviews with Designers:
Alongside our class sessions and design project work, students encounter interviews with designers and an overview of historical visual styles through readings in two texts that are richly illustrated.
Attendance at live performance:
Students attend the live performance work on campus including theater productions, dance concerts, music concerts and Christmas Festival. Class sessions including the designers and production staff from each event are scheduled to explore the processes, ideas, planning, materials and technology that contribute to each performance.
Below are links to class resources:
Class Schedule example
Class Syllabus example
Texts: • Sculpting Space in the Theater • Essentials of Period Style • Fundamentals of Theatrical Design
Creating Light Images Assignment Sheet
Lighting Project Assignment Sheet
Sound Project Assignment Sheet
Scenery Project Assignment Sheet
Costume Project Assignment Sheet