Set Design
Introduction
Creating the world of the play--from the walls to the stairs to the furniture--is the task of the scenic designer. In addition to artistic vision, the scenic design considers building materials, budget, and the specific requirements of both the show and theatrical space. This guide will provide an overview of the principles and process of scenic design.
Terminology
- CAD: Computer-aided design, like Vectorworks or AutoCAD.
- Scenic Designer: The person who designs the set.
- Scale Drawings: Drawings of the set done by the scenic designer to scale ¼ scale in USA and 1:50 scale in Europe.
- Rendering: A detailed drawing, usually in color, of a technical design.
- Scale Man: A ¼-scale man standing 6 feet tall in a rendering or on a model to help to show scale.
- Scale Model: A ¼-scale model of the set to be used by the director to plan blocking and for the technical director to redraw the set for the scene shop.
Context & Analysis
Set design is the product of the scenic designer. The set is all the walls and scenery on stage during a production. The purpose of a set is to give the audience context about the performance. It all starts with the script of the production. Scenic designers read the script many times to decipher the needs of the production. The scenic designer works with the other
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- Career Guide: Scenic Designer
- Tech Production Guide: Set Construction
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Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress