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Stagecraft Week 14  (Virtual)

(November 30-Dec 4, 2020)

Important terms/concepts/info are in RED.

Google Classroom assignments are in BLUE.

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In this Stagecraft unit, we are learning about THE PROCESS OF DESIGN.

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So far we've discussed that most design starts with defining what something should "feel" like (or how we want the audience to "feel").  However, all things that are designed in the world MUST also satisfy certain NEEDS.  Consider "needs" and "feelings" as the yin and the yang of design. They help the design to remain balanced - purposeful yet artistic. (In the 'real world', you may have heard the phrase "form vs. function".  Theatre demands BOTH.)

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When designing for the stage, designers MUST FIRST determine the NEEDS of the script.  In other words, what does the SCRIPT define as what's NEEDED for the telling of the story, location, characters, time of day/year, theme, etc.

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In theatrical design, there is NO shortcut for this step.  All designers (set, costume, props, make-up, hair, lighting, sound, etc.) MUST carefully read the script in its entirety, taking notes about all the information in the script that could impact the design.  Sometimes the needs of the script are stated (ex:  in a playwright notes about setting, for example), and sometimes the needs are implied (ex: in a character's line or lyric).  Ultimately, designers are "clue-finders" when reading scripts, locating all the "needs" before beginning their designs.

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Once a designer has determined all of the script's NEEDS, (s)he often speaks with the director. This, too, is a "need" when designing because it is the director who has created an overall "vision" for the his/her telling of the story.

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This week's unit is focused on...  

PROCESS OF (SCENIC) DESIGN: 

READING A SCRIPT / NEEDS OF THE SCRIPT

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This week's self-directed learning (to be completed by class on 12/4):

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1. Read:  ALL Information written above (if you haven't already) for this unit.

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2.  Choose your INDIVIDUAL focus for the week and write it in your Process Journal in Google Classroom under Week 14.

 

3. Watch:  Designing Theatre: The Comedy of Errors (4:41)

Google Classroom Journal Title: Scenic Design (Comedy of Errors)  (week 14 - day 1)

1.) What does the designer do when she FIRST reads a script?

2.)  What does she do after that? 

3.) What are some feeling/mood/style words given that guided her design?

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4. Watch:  Tony Nominee Tobin Ost Discusses the Set Design of "Newsies" (4:42) 

Google Classroom Journal Title:  Scenic Design (Newsies)  (week 14 - day 2)

1.)  What NEEDS of the script/action did the set design of Newsies satisfy?

2.)  What RESEARCH did the designers do to make the design historically accurate?

3.) What was the "STARTING POINT" that inspired the rest of the design?

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5. Read (if you haven't already) the ASSIGNMENT for your final Stagecraft Project HERE

6. Read (if you haven't already) the RUBRIC for your  Final Stagecraft Project HERE.  

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7.  Read/Listen to the musical script that you chose (and got approved by Ms. Price).  You can find your script uploaded to Google Classroom (under week 14).  You must read your ENTIRE musical script, AND listen to the musical numbers WHILE reading. (Click on your musical's soundtrack below, and follow along in the script; Ms. Price has indicated in your script when to push play on each track.)  WHILE reading, also pay attention to story, mood, style, characters, and what the script states and implies you may NEED for your set.  You can not "skim" a script if you're a designer...you must read carefully with the set's needs in mind.  Be sure you read any Author's Notes (before the script begins), the characters' dialog, the musical dialog (songs), and all italicized notes in the text.

Required:  As you read, create a list of all the script's set "Needs".  (See #8 below.)  

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8.  While reading your script (and listening to the music), create a "Needs of my Script" list.  Use the spreadsheet provided in Google Classroom (SCENIC NEEDS - Musical Design Project).   This is a graded assignment, so be sure you read your script and complete this assignment carefully.  (Note:  If you're able to print your script, you may find it easiest to read and highlight any needs as you read - THEN fill out your spreadsheet later.  This will prevent you from interrupting your reading to fill out a spreadsheet.  If you can't print and still prefer a paper copy of the script, contact Ms. Price ASAP and she will drive one to your home...but you must let her know by Wednesday afternoon, 11/25/20.)

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9.  Reflect on your INDIVIDUAL focus for the week (after Friday's Zoom class on 12/4) and write about it in your Process Journal in Google Classroom under Week 14 (end-of-week reflection)

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This week's ZOOM classes:

Day 1:  Tuesday, December 1 @ 12:50  (Check-in & guidelines for this week's learning - REQUIRED attendance)

Day 2:  Friday, December 4 @ 10:40  (Quick Check-in so you have time to continue reading/listening to your musical.  Be sure to have above Items #1-6 complete by today's class.)

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