THETR 151: Introduction to Design
Course Schedule
9/8 TH
In Class:
Introduction, schedules. The class web site. Grading, syllabus, art supplies, the textbook, etc.
The final project: Show binder examples.
Home:
Get books and supplies
Read R.E Jones handout
REVIEW: THE THEATRE AND THE STAGE
9/13 T Last day to Add/Register (including waitlists)
In Class:
Discuss R.E.Jones text
Types of theatres and characteristics of each: Proscenium, thrust, arena, black box. Sight lines and masking, parts of the stage, stage directions.
Home:
Read: Stage Configurations: http://www.ia470.com/primer/theatres.htm
Read: Theatrical Design Ch. 7 Set Design (pg. 129-134: 30 min.)
Bring tape measures and scale rulers to class.
MEASURING and THE ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
MEASURING in INCHES Visit from Jim Bernhardt and/or Shannon Mcintosh
9/15 TH
Due:
Bring architect's scale ruler and tape measure to class.
In Class:
Introduction to Measuring: the ruler, tape measure, and fractions.
Measuring in inches work sheets: group
Measuring and proportion.
Measure things in the studio with tape measures.
Home:
Watch Video review (6 min.): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQOBkOJQFwE
Measuring in inches homework #1
Bring tape measures and scale rulers to class.
Read: Theatrical Design Ch. 5: Design Elements (pg. 88-98: 30 min.)
9/20 T
Due:
Measuring in inches #1 homework
In Class:
Go over measuring in inches homework #1 in class. Group.
The Elements of Design Lecture: Point/Line, Shape, Form/Mass, Value, Color, Texture, Space.
Home:
Measuring in inches homework #1
Measuring in inches homework #2
Bring scale rulers to class.
Bring Bristol pads, pencils, ruler to next class.
We will be returning to measuring, in inches and in scale, later in the semester. If you have trouble, there is tutoring support at CLAS: http://www.suffolk.edu/academics/53809.php
DRAWING
9/22 TH
Due:
Bristol pads, pencils, ruler.
In Class:
Four simple drawings.
Beginning drawing and visual thinking: lines, line weight, looking vs. seeing, gridding a drawing.
The concept of negative space. The concept of scale.
Make a 3/4” grid on paper from the center out.
Begin transferring a gridded drawing in class.
Home:
Complete the transfer of the gridded drawing from class.
Bring drawing supplies to next class.
9/27 T Last Day to Drop 22/FA Without "W" Grade
Due:
Drawing Supplies
Gridded drawing.
In Class:
Negative space, the viewfinder, proportion, drawing basic shapes.
Making a geometric drawing using a viewfinder.
Home:
One negative-space geometric drawings of complex objects using a viewfinder. Use 1/2 sheet of Bristol.
Bring drawing supplies to next class.
9/29 TH
Due:
Drawing Supplies
One negative-space geometric drawing of a complex object using a viewfinder.
One line-drawing “scaled up” from 3/4” to 1" grids onto Bristol board.
In Class:
Grey scales in class.
Home:
One line-drawing “scaled up” from 3/4” to 1" grids onto full sheet of Bristol board.
Grey scale w/ thirteen chips in pencil. Follow the "Grey Scale Layout" assignment example on the class web site www.richardchambers.net
Bring scale rulers to next class
MEASURING II: SCALE
10/4 T Visit from Jim Bernhardt Class Meets in Samia 115!!
Due:
Grey scale in pencil.
One line-drawing “scaled up” from 3/4” to 1" grids onto full sheet of Bristol board.
Bring scale rulers to class
In Class:
Review measuring in inches and the tape measure:
Scale/proportion, the scaled drawing, reading a scale ruler:
In-class scale project.
Home:
Review measuring in inches and the tape measure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQOBkOJQFwE
Scale/proportion, the scaled drawing, reading a scale ruler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrbjWgyZlFc
Measuring in 1” scale homework.
Bring scale rulers to next class
10/6 TH Visit from Jim Bernhardt and/ or Shannon Mcintosh Class Meets in Samia 115!!
Due:
Bring scale rulers to class
Measuring in 1” scale homework.
In Class:
Questions about scale homework.
Measuring in 1/2” and 1/4” scale
Multiple scale practice
Look at some scaled drawings
Home:
Measuring in multiple scales assignment (handout).
REMINDER: Bring painting supplies to next class.
Watch Scenic Artist Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2FMNNXODr0
10/ 10 M October Break Day—University Closed
COLOR AND PAINTING
10/11 T Class Meets in Samia 115!!
Due:
Painting supplies
Measuring in multiple scales assignment
Scenic Artist Video watched
In Class:
Discuss Scenic Artist Video
Basic paint techniques. Watercolor: wet in wet, wet in dry, dry-brush, Opaque: impasto, scumbling. Work in class.
Home:
“Monochromatic” (one color) samples of each paint technique (watercolor and opaque).
Use 1/2 sheet of Bristol board for each. Follow the assignment example on the class web site. Bring painting supplies to next class.
10/13 TH
Due:
Painting supplies
Monochromatic painting technique homework.
In Class:
Check-in with painting supplies.
The Color Lecture: Basic color theory of pigment: Primary/ secondary/ tertiary, complimentary colors, tint/shade/intensity (chroma)/hue. Handout of terms and color wheel. Mix "red'. Mix "blue".
Home:
Make color wheels of primary, secondary, and tertiary colors using paint. Follow the handout and the assignment example on the class web site.
Bring painting supplies to class.
10/18 T
Due:
Color wheels
In Class:
Relativity of color and color contrast.
Mix colors to match color swatches in class.
Home:
Mix to match three color swatches. Follow the assignment example on the class web site.
10/20 TH
Due:
Three color swatches with matched chips.
In Class:
Discuss homework
Components of paint
Cut and Paste: Two-dimensional design and color as story-telling project in class.
Home: Read Theatrical Design Chapter 6: Design Principles and Composition (pg. 105-119: 30 min.)
10/24 Advising Begins
COMPOSITION
10/25 T
Due:
In Class:
Elements of classical composition: Balance, symmetry/asymmetry, proportion, rhythm, variation/contrast, unity/harmony, positive/ negative space. Handouts.
Home:
Analyze three color paintings from the "Morgue of Composition Examples" on the class web site using terms from class as well as clearly written descriptions.
Follow the assignment sheet on the class web site.
DRAFTING AND SCALED PLANS
10/27 TH
Due:
Composition analysis of three works of art from web site using terms from class.
Student visits class?
In class:
The theatre ground plan, section, and elevation. Examine examples of each basic drawing type in scale.
Basic drafting symbols. (Handout)
Measure a few elements of the Studio Theatre and represent them with basic symbols on the white board.
Home:
Measure your dorm room (or bedroom) and make a “napkin sketch” of it with basic dimensions. Review the example on the class web site.
Watch theatre designer video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2K_ugDZ394
Read Theatrical Design Chapter 7: Scenic Design: Communicating Ideas (pg.141-150: 30 min.)
11/ 1 T
Due:
Napkin sketch of your room.
Class:
Assign play. Discuss the remainder of the course.
Home:
Convert napkin sketch to scaled ground plan of your room with dimensions. Follow the assignment example on the class web site. Use the drafting symbol handout. Talk about "given circumstances" in the script.
Read Play (Reunion by David Mamet)
Watch theatre drafting video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bd8NZcFJ4C8Theatre
Read Scenic Design Ch. 7 Set Design: The Scenic Designer's Process (pg. 135-140: 15 min.) Review pg. 141-150
11/3 TH
SET DESIGN 1
Due:
Play read
Scaled ground plan on graph paper with dimensions and napkin sketch of your room.
In Class:
The Elements of Set Design: structure, mood, environment, action, etc.
Script analysis, research, and the Design Approach Statement.
Discuss final show “binder” project.
Home:
Design Approach Statement and research.
Watch Set Designer Video Beowolf Borrit and Amy Lein: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXYX5YXjYaA
11/8 T
SET DESIGN 2
Due:
Rough Design Approach Statement and research
In Class:
Guest Lyndsay Cox, Director of Chicken and Biscuits visits class.
Share partial Design Approach Statements and discuss
Talk about research
Discuss Set Design Video
Home:
Finish Design Approach Statement and research.
11/10 TH
Share Design Approach Statements and research.
The difference between a room and a set.
Review Composition
Read Theatrical Design Chapter 9: Lighting Design (pg. 187-197: 30 min.)
Registration : 11/14-11/18
11/15 T
COSTUMES 1 Leslie Held Visits via Zoom
Due:
Final Design Approach Statement and research.
Class:
The elements of Costume Design: given circumstances, research, costume plot/list, etc.
Home:
Read Play, specifically noting costumes.
Begin research (in color), given circumstances, and costume list for each character.
Follow assignment on class web site.
Read Theatrical Design Chapter 8: Costume Design (pg. 152-164: 25 min.)
11/17 TH
COSTUMES 2 Leslie Held Visits
Due:
Beginning research, given circumstances, and costume list for script
In Class:
Questions about homework
The costume shop personnel: who does what. Fittings, dressers, etc.
Home:
Finish research, given circumstances, and costume list for script.
Follow the assignment example on the class web site.
Read Theatrical Design Chapter 9: Costume Design: Solving Practical Problems (pg. 165-184: 60 min.)
Watch costume design video—Jane Greenwood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOWOwzGw6C0
11/22 T YES, there will be class today. Alison Perrone Visits.
PROPS
Due:
Finish research, given circumstances that support choices, and costume list for script.
In Class:
Definition of props, typs of props, and the Prop List
Review the Final Binder Project Assignment
Home:
Prop list for Play
Watch props video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xWMtFtzRC0
11/23-11/25 THANKSGIVING BREAK
11/29 T
LIGHTING 1 Shannon McIntosh Visits
Due:
Final Design Approach Statement and research.
In Class:
The Elements of Lighting Design:
Controllable qualities of light: color, intensity, angle, texture, movement.
Demonstrate color and texture using lighting instruments.
Home:
Analyze and discuss three pictures of light from the class web site in terms of 5 controllables and 3 objectives. Follow the assignment example on the class web site.
Watch lighting design video—Natasha Katz & Howell Binkley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqMYsjHU5rU
Read Theatrical Design Chapter 9: Lighting Design: Physical Impact of Space on Lighting (pg. 197-217: 80 min.)
12/1 TH
LIGHTING 2 Shannon McIntosh Visits
Due:
Analysis of pictures of light.
In Class:
Types of lighting instruments, hanging and focusing, lighting cues and cue sheets.
Home:
Lighting cues for script.
Follow the assignment example on the class web site.
12/6 T
SOUND 1 Shannon McIntosh Visits
Due:
Research, given circumstances, and costume list for script.
In Class:
The Elements of Sound Design: Sounds, cues, Mood, etc. and cue sheets.
Home:
Start plotting sound cues for script
Watch sound designer video; Otts Munderloh: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9xN-MUYpq4
12/8 TH
SOUND 2 Shannon Visits
Due:
Rough sound cues for script
In Class:
Discuss sound designer video; Otts Munderloh
Questions about sound cues.
The theatre sound system
Home:
Finish sound cues for script.
Due:
Sound cues for script. (You likely will not receive this homework back before the binder is due.)
Compile the Show Binder to present at the final exam. Follow the assignment example on the class
web site and the example binders shown in class
Final Exam: Wednesday, 12/14/22, 2:00PM - 04:30PM Studio Theatre
Additional American Theatre Wing videos:
Robin Wagner, set design: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKZkUXoN58g
Rodger Morgan, theatre consultant: Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imEaWRV3CCM