Introduction to Theater Design Concepts and Process

Flashcards reviewing key concepts, steps, and examples from Chapter 1 through Chapter 6 on theater design and production.

What is the primary role of theater designers in a production?

To create the physical world of the story that the characters inhabit.

How does a lighting designer direct the focus of the audience on stage?

Through movement and light manipulation, such as turning off lights on one side of the stage and turning them on on the other side.

Why is texture an important design element specifically for costume designers?

Costume designers work directly with fabric textures and how those fabrics move through space and are interpreted by the audience.

What cultural difference in wedding attire colors is highlighted in the lecture?

Western traditional weddings typically feature a bride in white, whereas an Indian or Chinese wedding features a bride in red.

What design elements are noted in the Van Gogh painting discussed in the lecture?

Variations in line and shape, repetitive circular shapes, sweeping lines, organic shapes, and calming colors.

How do the design choices for Edward Scissorhands communicate aspects of his character?

Hard lines, hard textures like knives and scissors, leather, and smooth textures combine to make him look unhuggable and heighten his tragic nature.

What portfolio materials do designers present during interviews instead of auditioning?

A portfolio or website with production pictures, renderings, drawings, or lighting plots, alongside a theater resume.

What is the main objective of a designer's initial script reading?

To understand the overall story, central themes, characters, and character relationships.

Why do designers read the script multiple times after the initial reading?

To gather practical requirements such as scene count, locations, and costume changes, ensuring every decision supports the storyline.

What is a designer's concept?

An explanation of why design choices are made, including color usage, linking characters, and establishing the world characters live in.

What activities occur during the build or construction time of a production?

Scenery construction, costume making and fittings, hanging lighting instruments, and microphone and speaker placement.

What are the primary objectives of a scenic designer?

To develop the environment or world, determine style, mood, atmosphere, time, and place, and support the director's concept or metaphor.

What specific aspects of a character does costume design communicate?

Character relationships, social status, occupation, and character psychology.

What are the two primary objectives of lighting design?

Providing visibility to direct audience attention, and establishing rhythm, movement, mood, atmosphere, and inner feelings of characters.

What emotion or state might a saturated red light convey on stage?

That a character is feeling angry or scared.

What production is cited as an example of non-realistic costume design?

Julie Taymor's production of The Lion King.

Which play is referenced as an example of realistic historical costume design?

Chekhov's Three Sisters.

How did one design example combine realism and non-realism on stage?

By using real grass on the ground alongside a simple outline of a door.

What set design elements can establish a 1970s or contemporary office environment?

An exit sign, a drop ceiling suggesting fluorescent lighting, and period-specific tiles and colors.

How is the focus of this introductory lecture distinguished from upcoming design lectures?

This lecture covers the 'what' (making decisions to tell a story), whereas upcoming lectures address the 'how' (physically altering the space).