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Set Design For Performance Short Course

Course description

This course is an introduction to the creative process of set design for live performance using one example text from theatre, musical or opera as a basis to work from. We explore the designer's vision, creative and practical skills, effective communication and how to develop a critical eye for performance.During the course, learners will be guided through a speculative design project from beginning to end using; helpful exercises, live presentations, online and library research, 1:1 tutorials, and plenty of collective conversations. Your tutor will introduce you to a variety of design approaches and explain their unique way of working in more detail.By the end of this course, learners may have a design that could be used for their portfolio, when applying for further training or even design opportunities. This will depend on the time learners dedicate to their project and can be discussed with the tutor.Who should take this course?This course welcomes learners from a wide range of disciplines, including those wanting to develop, diversify and extend their current creative experience towards set design for performance.It is also suitable for those wishing to strengthen their portfolio for application to higher education studies in design for performance.Entry requirements: None

Level: Beginners

Please note: This course is for students aged 18 and older

Clear, easy to understand lessons:

  • Our tutors will explain things in easy to understand, accessible English. If they need to use any special terminology they will make sure they explain what they mean.
  • New methodologies will be explained or demonstrated
  • We also offer learning resources for you to access outside of the classroom

All our on campus courses include:

  • Network and share ideas with students from across the globe
  • Access the technology and materials relevant to your discipline
  • Shop in our college shops for any materials you might need
  • Ask questions to your tutor in real time
  • Receive feedback and critique on your assignments
  • Experience the many sights of London on your down time

All our online short courses include:

  • Live and interactive online lessons with classmates from around the world
  • The same course content and learning outcomes as our face to face courses
  • Lesson recordings, for review, so you never have to miss a class
  • Access to the virtual learning environment with course content
  • Forums for support
  • 2 weeks online access to the recordings of the live classroom sessions
  • Ask questions to your tutor in real time

A certificate of completion:

  • You've put the work in so we want to make sure you have something to show for it!
  • As long as you attend a minimum of 80% of your classes, we will provide you with a certificate of attendance.
  • However we always recommend you attend all of the classes so that you get the most out of the experience!
  • Certificates are a great addition to your CV

Available dates

It can take a few moments for our course dates to load - if there are no available dates, please contact our customer service team who will help you find a course or email you when new dates become available.
Make an enquiry or call us on 0207 514 7015.

Details

The order of individual aspects of the design process are subject to change and can be adjusted depending on learners preferences.

Session 1
  • What is Design?
  • Role of the Theatre Designer
  • Theatre Space/s Introduction to the text
Session 2
  • Analysing text & drawing out themes
  • Initial visual responses & developing concepts
Session 3
  • Charting the play
  • Preparing for research & exploring resources
Session 4
  • Research tasks & reflection
  • Storyboarding & sketching as an exploratory tool
Session 5
  • Using scale & understanding ground plans
  • Creating a theatre model box
Session 6
  • Sketch modelling
  • Exploring visual language
Session 7
  • Introduction to specialist model materials
  • Environmental responsibilities
  • Developing 3D models
Session 8
  • Storyboarding/Storytelling
  • Thinking about light and how to explore this in your design
Session 9
  • Introduction to technical drawing
  • Completion of 3D models - adding colour and texture and refining ideas.
Session 10
  • Presenting your work
  • Portfolio development
  • Tips for further study & career development

Materials

Onsite short course materials


All Sessions: iPad or computer, sketchbook (A5, A4, or A3) or paper, pencil, learners will need these tools every class
Session 4: scissors, Pritt stick, a variety of art materials of choice, this can be discussed with the tutor in more detail. Basic tools and art materials will be supplied by the tutor.
Session 5: A variety of recycled materials to use in sketch models and collages, a couple of old magazines, this will be discussed and mentioned by the tutor in session 2 and 3, basic materials will be supplied by tutor
Session 5 onwards: learners should adjust their tools according to their projects and preferences, but basic tools from session 1 will still be required
Online short course materials

Please source the following materials:

  • A3 Sketchbook
  • Pencil
  • Coloured pencils
  • Crayons
  • Notebook
  • Pritt stick glue

To take part in the Online sessions you will need:

  • An up-to-date web browser (we recommend Chrome)
  • Microphone and headphones (a headset with a microphone function is recommended. The built-in microphone in your device would also be fine).
  • Webcam
  • Strong Internet connection - we recommend a minimum of 2 Mbps download, and 1 Mbps upload, faster if possible. You can test your network speed here - https://www.speedtest.net
Meet the Tutor:

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An introduction to the creative process of set design for live performance: site-specific work, theatre, musical or opera. We explore the designer's vision, creative and practical skills, effective communication and how to develop a critical eye for performance.

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