Learning outcomes

To demonstrate a conceptual understanding of the function and possibility of identifying primary scenographic elements.
To apply and inter-relate primary scenographic elements in the generation of a fragment of visual performance.
To manifest a particular understanding of, and facility with, the tools and practical methodologies pertaining to three primary elements of scenographic composition.
To critically analyse the function of three primary scenographic elements within a fragment of visual performance.

Aims

To conceptually consider the function and possibility of primary scenographic elements.
To examine the application and inter-relationship of identifying primary scenographic elements within a fragment of visual performance.
To introduce, and actively engage, specific tools and practical methodologies pertaining to four primary elements of scenographic composition.
To facilitate critical analysis of the function of primary scenographic elements within a fragment of visual performance.

Content

Through focussed lecture/workshops and related assignments, this module invites conceptual consideration and practical exploration of the function and possibility of four primary scenographic elements: ‘Space’, ‘Light’, ‘Sound’ and ‘Body’. Whilst retaining an holistic overview, specialist study is made of the particular properties and practical methodologies pertaining to these elements, and their inter-relationship is further examined through the generation of fragments of visual performance. Students may elect to make particular study of any THREE elements. Assessment is made via the conception, realisation and presentation, (conducted in small groups) of a fragment of visual performance, and a written critical analysis of the function of scenographic elements within this event.

Content

LIGHT

Theatre lanterns, their function and status: the construction, primary qualities and use of key lantern types.
Light and darkness, a possible beginning: key notions of light, focus and duration.
Colour temperature: primary structural and ambient principals (1).
Contrast: the primary structural and ambient principals (2).
Direction, intensity, reflection and diffusion: the qualities of light.
Structure, ambient and the dramatic quality of space: primary tasks in the creation of a credible and effective design.
Form and style: light within the definition and animation of a sustained spatial and dramatic construct.
General conventions of a venue based practice.
Towards the construction of a design.
Towards the realisation and manipulation of a design.

BODY

Clothing and social context 1: the language of clothes.
Clothing and social context 2: the resonance of fabrics.
The biography of clothing: reading the history and body memory of clothing.
The body and place: extrapolating from abstracted and actual locations.
The body in performance: from street to stage and from page to stage.
The scenic figure 1: the notion of costume.
The scenic figure 2: dilating the performer.
The scenic figure 3: costume as scenery.
A period perspective: researching historical garments.
Case notes: contemporary costume designs.

SPACE

Objects in space 1: abstract form and structure
Objects in space 2: resonant relationships
Objects in context 1: inhabiting given perimeters
Objects in context 2: defining/delineating place
Space/place/location: the specifics of site - the appropriateness of choice
Shaping space 1: the body and structure – physical and temporal considerations
Shaping space 2: scenographic text - physical and temporal considerations
Mapping space: scale and the virtual site
Conceiving space: tension, balance, juxtaposition, repetition, rhythm, viewpoint
Case notes: 2/3 contemporary practitioners

SOUND

An analysis of the major functions of sound in relation to performance
Uses of sound in modern performance practice
Technical sound requirements within performance production
Requirements and intentions of sound design within modern performance
Assessing the needs, research and sources
Sound generation, manipulation and editing
Sound design: the underlying creative processes
Preparation of a soundscape
Structure and construction of a soundscape
Production and presentation

Criteria for assessment :

i] For the group project assessment will be made upon the basis of the following criteria:
- Conception: relevance, integrity, rigour, originality and creativity of ideas. (40%)
- Realisation: appropriateness of methodology, practical ability. (25%)
- Presentation: relevance, imagination and sophistication of delivery. (25%)
- Group Management: effective organisation, involvement and procedure. (10%)

Assessment weighting within module: 60%

ii] For the individual critical analysis (1800 words) assessment will be made upon the basis of the following criteria:
- Critical analysis of the function of the elements of scenography studied in the module and manifested within the group assignment. (25%)
- An understanding of the holistic employment of the various scenographic elements. (25%)
- Clarity and appropriateness of exposition. (25%)
- Effective articulation of the concepts engaged and applied through the assignment. (25%)

Transferable skills

Reading Lists