THD 171- Design for the Theatre

Prof. Kristeen Crosser
Office HAC Scene Shop

Course Objective:
1. To explore visual design in relationship to a written text.
2. To relate the theatrical design process to the theatre production as a whole.
3. To reveal the interrelationships of the various aspects of theatrical design.

Method of Study:
Readings, Discussions, Lectures, Projects

Texts:
A Piece of my Heart, Shirley Lauro
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Tennessee Williams
Merchant of Venice, William Shakespeare
Theatrical Design and Production, J. Michael Gillette

Attendance Policy:
3 excused absences are allowed; each absence beyond the 3 will result in a grade reduction of one full letter

Grading Criteria:
Reaction Paper, A Piece of my Heart 25pts
Discussion Participation 25pts
Concept Paper 50pts
Elements of design Project, A Piece of My Heart 100pts
Total 200pts

Reaction Paper, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof 50pts
Discussion Participation 25pts
Concept Paper 50pts
Research Project, A Piece of My Heart 150pts
Total 275pts

Reaction Paper, Merchant of Venice 75pts
Discussion Participation 25pts
Concept Paper 50pts
Scenic Model/ Costume Renderings, Merchant of Venice 200pts
Total 350pts

Lighting Diary 150pts

Production Design Analysis, Rimers of Eldritch 50pts
Production Design Analysis, Nutcracker 50pts

Total points for course 1075
Grading Scale:
999-1075pts 93-100% A
967-998 pts 90-92% AB
892-966 pts 83-89% B
860-891 pts 80-82% BC
784-859pts 73-79% C
752-783pts 70-72% CD
677-751pts 63-69% D
645-676pts 60-62% DE

Statement of Academic Dishonesty:
All faculty and staff of Alma College take any sort of deception used to obtain an unearned grade, very seriously. Any evidence of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Provost’s Office, and may have consequences from Instructor up to and including failure. More severe penalties may be levied or explored by the Provost.

Project Descriptions
Late Projects will NOT be accepted

Reaction Paper:
A four page paper outlining your reaction to the play. It should include your ideas on; the theme, the characters, the action, and the environment of the play. This is required for each play we read for class.

Design Analysis Paper:
A written assessment of the costume, scenic, sound and lighting designs for selected Alma College Theatre and Dance Productions. This analysis should discuss all elements of design and how they worked in the production. Care should be given to how the design elements correspond to the play text and overall design concept. Attendance at the production is required.

Lighting Diary:
A daily diary containing descriptions of light. You will need to find specific types of light and write descriptions of the light. Use specific adjectives; try to find new words. Each entry may be brief but it must be thorough. Students will be asked to read to the class from their diary. Diary due on the last day of class. Dec. 6.

Elements of Design Project:
Create a three dimensional collage utilizing all the elements of design that represents the overall mood of the play. Some aspect of the collage should represent each character, the environment, and the concept. A one-page concept statement is required as well as a one-page statement about the design choices made. The project is based on A Piece of My Heart by Shirley Lauro. Project Due Oct. 7th.

Research Project:
A series of three, 18”x24” mat board collages of images. The images should be of photographic or artistic research. You must research the time period, place, environment, mood, color, people, and quality of light. One board should be research for the scenic environment, one for the costumes for each character, and one for the quality of light. A one-page concept statement is required. This project is based on Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, by Tennessee Williams. Project Due Nov. 1st.

Model and Costume Renderings:
A color scenic model representing a scenic environment for William Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice of your choice. Also 6 costume renderings should be done for characters of your choice. Finally, a 3-minute tape or CD of environmental sounds that would enhance the particular scene or environment you chose. The sounds can be several sound effects or a single piece of music. This project should include elements from previous projects. Research is an important part of this project. A one-page concept statement and a three-page paper outlining the choices made for this project is required. I want to see every aspect of the design process. Project Due at final exam period. Dec 9 2-4pm.