Set Design For Performance Short Course
Course description
Course overview
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. It explores the designer's vision, creative and practical skills, effective communication and how to develop a critical eye for performance.
During the course, you'll 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. You'll explore a variety of design approaches and learn about their unique way of working in more detail.
By the end of this course, you may have a design that could be used for a portfolio to apply for further training or even design opportunities. This will depend on the level of dedication you give to your project and can be discussed with the tutor.
This course is available both on campus or online. Please check location assigned to specific dates in the booking section.
Who this course is for
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.
Key information
Topics covered
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 and drawing out themes
- Initial visual responses and developing concepts
Session 3
- Charting the play
- Preparing for research and exploring resources
Session 4
- Research tasks and reflection
- Storyboarding and sketching as an exploratory tool
Session 5
- Using scale and 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 and career development
Learning outcomes
- Understand the practical steps to create a set design for live performance, e.g research, developing ideas, meetings, developing and testing designs, presenting and realising designs
- Understand the skills required to create a set design for theatre and film, e.g. model-making techniques, technical drawings, use of materials, stage craft basics
- Understand different roles available in the live performance industry and film industry
- Have a better understanding on how to tap into your creativity, the creative process and how to take control of your ideas
- Understand design principles
- Understand how to best build and present a portfolio piece to industry professionals to secure work
- Digital badge and certificate of attendance
Materials
On campus
- 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
- A3 Sketchbook
- Pencil
- Coloured pencils
- Crayons
- Notebook
- Pritt stick glue
If you are taking this course online, please see our Guide to taking online short courses.
Tutor
Ioana Andreea Curelea
Ioana Curelea is an award winning set and costume designer (Naomi Wilkinson Award for Stage Design 2019) born and raised in Romania. She studied Fine Art for 10 years in Bucharest, before emigrating to the UK in 2013 to train as a theatre designer. She holds a BA and an MA in Set Design for Theatre from Wimbledon College of Art. Her most recent credits include Told by an Idiot's Charlie and Stan UK tour (Wilton's Music Hall/Theatre Royal Bath/Theatre Royal Plymouth) the self-sustaining intimate touring micro venue Theatre for Two, The Coral (The Finborough Theatre), Riverland (Theatre Alibi Exeter), Ms. Julie (The Place), Metamorphosis (New Diorama/Home MCR), Welcome to the UK (Bunker Theatre), Mohand and Peter (Southwark Playhouse). Ioana is a member of We are Kilter and Collide Theatre companies as well as a visiting lecturer and practitioner at East 15 Acting School, LAMDA and Wimbledon College of Art.
Bettina John
Bettina John is an award-winning, international freelance set and costume designer. She studied fashion design and photography in Germany and later Image and Communication at Goldsmiths University in London. Her first design experience was in the field of contemporary dance and for several years she collaborated with dance artists from the vibrant London scene, such as Arthur Pita, Ben Duke, Tony Adigun and Avant-garde Dance. After having completed a master degree in Theatre Design at Wimbledon College in London, she started working predominantly in musical theatre and opera. Her production of Rape of Lucretia in 2018 as part of the Arcola's Grimeborn Festival in London won the team an Off-West-End Award for best opera production of the year. Since then she has worked on productions in Germany, South-Africa and Russia, as well as continued her work in the UK. Bettina John has been teaching set and costume design at Central Saint Martins since 2018. She was commissioned to write a book about costume design in 2019, which was published in 2022 and is now available from all major bookshops.
www.bettina-john.com
Alison Neighbour
Alison trained as a designer at RADA. She designs for traditional theatre spaces and outdoor and environment-based work, and is especially interested in theatre that has a spirit of play and which gives the audience agency.Alison's work was exhibited at World Stage Design 2013 and Make/Believe 2015.
She is also co-founder of Bread & Goose, a theatre company who make site based work with communities. Alison has taught theatre design at Rose Bruford College, Lewisham College, RADA, University of Creative Arts, University of Hull, and Canterbury Christchurch University, and led artistic residencies at numerous institutions across the UK.
www.alisonneighbourdesign.com
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