THEA 507 Advanced Scene Design                         9:35-10:50 WF

 

Ron Naversen                          2230 Comm.                rnav@siu.edu               453-3076

 

Advanced Scene Design is now offered as part of THEA 516 Advanced Theatrical Design, which is a team-taught seminar composed of advanced Design and Production students working on collaborative projects in their various specializations.

 

Objectives

The goal of this course is to continue the student's education in scenic design and to identify gaps in the knowledge of design students by providing individual attention to these areas.  These areas include but are not limited to: working knowledge of the elements of visual design, script analysis, period research, theatre graphics, the presentation of design ideas or concepts, design for children’s theater, musicals, opera, ballet, television, film, etc.. There will be opportunities to work collaboratively with students in costume, light design and technical direction on various projects.  Portfolios will be shown the first week of class and a schedule of projects will be determined from these showings based upon the students’ needs and interests. These projects may include designs for opera, period shows, musicals, television productions, etc..

 

Requirements

1) Water color brushes and paints, drafting equipment, drafting vellum (not tracing paper), cold press illustration board or heavyweight watercolor paper.

2) Attendance is mandatory  (see Departmental Attendance Policy in student handbooks). You cannot learn if you are not here and your fellow students are deprived of your insights and contributions. 

3) Attendance at Department of Theater productions.  You are part of a theater community and as such should exposing yourself to the work of others to expand your appreciation of the art and craft. We will also make reference to the design work during class.

4) Assigned Readings

 

Evaluation

4 Projects will be graded the week they are due.  Students will have the opportunity to raise their grades by reworking the projects and turning them in at the end of the semester.  Late projects will be reduced one letter grade, which cannot be raised if a project is resubmitted at the end of the semester. Students are graded individually on their ability to grasp basic functions and aesthetics of scenic design as well as demonstrated growth and development of their graphic skills.

 

Projects

80%     4 Projects to be determined after portfolio presentation

20%     Oral Research Reports into the work, history, design philosophy, and contributions of 20th Century and contemporary scenic designers.  Each report 20 minutes.

Report I:  20th Century Designers

Report II: Contemporary Designers   

 

Required Readings

American Set Design                Arnold Aronsen

American Set Design 2             Ronn Smith

 

Suggested Resource Reading

Scenery for the Theater                                                          Burris-Meyer, & Cole             

Designing & Drawing for the Theater                                    Pecktal, Lynn                          

Designing & Painting for the Theater                                    Pecktal, Lynn.                         

Scene & Lighting Design for Theater                                     Parker & Wolf.                       

The Scenic Imagination                                                          Payne, Darwin.                        

Theory and Craft of the Sceonographic Model                      Payne, Darwin.                        

 

Individuals who have any disability, either permanent or temporary, which might affect their ability to execute projects in this class are encouraged to inform the instructor at the beginning of the semester.  The instructor will adapt the class for these individuals as necessary.  The instructor reserves the right to alter the course content to benefit the class.