Design Flashcards
proscenium
- type of stage
- frame or arch separating the stage from auditorium
- ancient greek theatre = row of colonnades supporting a raised acting platform
- first modern proscenium was built in Italy at the Farnese Theatre in 1618-19
- main purpose was to provide a sense of spectacle
- stage curtains were not used to hide scene changes until the 18th C
- popular from late 17th - early 20th C
- 4th wall, picture-frame stage, illusion of reality, audience felt like they were spying
Thrust
- type of stage
- aka open stage or platform stage
- no proscenium and projects into the audience, with audience surrounding the 3 sides of the stage
- 1570, used int he corrales of Spain’s Golden Age of theatre and in Noh Theatre.
- first used in London in the Globe Theatre
- pop in the 20th C in productions that focused on actor-audience contact
- more intimate
Arena
- type of stage
- aka theatre-in-the-round
- came from the circus, bullring, boxing, and wrestling
- ceremonial and ritualistic heritage and experience
- basis for early forms of theatre
- 1930, arena theatre gained popularity because of Nikolay Pavlovich Okhlopkov’s productions at his Realistic Theatre in Moscow
- popular with experimental theatre troupes in the 60s, reject bourgeois illusionism
Alley (tennis court)
- type of stage
- converted into theatres in the 1600s
- many in England because it was a popular sport
- just add a platform
Environmental
- term coined by Richard Schechner
- a performance site can be anywhere
1) events on a continuum of pure/art (traditional theatre) ….impure/life (happenings, protests)
2) all space is for performance and for audience. spectators are scene makers AND watchers
3) can be in totally transformed space or found space
4) focus is flexible and variable
5) “all production elements speak their own language” and are not just supporting the text
6) “text need be neither the starting point or goal of a production. there may be no text at all”.
4 functions of stage lighting
- Selective Visibility
- Revelation of form (make the performer the focus and appear natural)
- Mood
- Composition
- Reinforcement (them or purpose of scene)
attributes of successful stage lighting
- pull all aspects of staging together
- convey sense and feeling
- support a scene
roles and responsibilities of a stage manager
- record director’s decisions in blocking, light, sound, set change cues in master copy of script (prompt book)
- logistic scheduling details
- communicate director’s wishes to designers and crafts people
- coordinate work of stage crew
- calling cues and possibly actors’ entrances
- oversee entire show
During rehersals
- mark out dimensions of the set on the fl
- make sure rehearsal props and sets are available
- attend all rehearsals
- notify designers and crafts people of changes
elements in a costume bible
- costume plot (clothing and accessory)
- research notes
- measurements
- receipts and rental contracts
- budget
- materials
- sketches
- swatches
- deadlines
- cast list and production contacts
practical considerations about costumes
needs of actor production venue budget rent/buy modify stock construction demands
vital elements, application and purposes of makeup
painting, enhancing, altering the face, hair or body with cosmetics or plastic materials
purpose:
- transform appearance
- be seen clearly by audience (dependent on distance) and not be washed out by lighting
Application:
- character analysis
- character research
- facial anatomy
- physiognomy (facial feature/expression)
elements:
- skin tone
- face shape
- highlight and shadow
- blending
- correction and unifying
- safety and hygiene
vital elements, application and purposes of makeup
painting, enhancing, altering the face, hair (wigs) or body with cosmetics or plastic materials
purpose:
- transform appearance
- be seen clearly by audience (dependent on distance) and not be washed out by lighting
Application:
- character analysis
- character research
- facial anatomy
- physiognomy (facial feature/expression)
elements:
- skin tone
- face shape
- highlight and shadow
- blending
- correction and unifying
- safety and hygiene
element of costume design: color
hue (name of color)
value (brightness or darkness of hue)
element of costume design: fit
1) poor (too baggy/tight)
2) rack (fit but not for specific person)
3) tailored (1 specific person)
movement*
element of costume design: silhouette
shape or style of clothing (line and mass)
1) historical period
2) occupation
3) time of year
4) time of day
