Set Design WebQuest Arts and Humanities Created by Sarah Ryan Dakin

Introduction We've seen images and video, and discussed the technical elements of theatre in different historical periods. Now it's your turn...  To apply your knowledge about types of stages  To use arts terminology in a real-world task  To work collaboratively to create a set design

Task  Group members will independently explore the Kentucky stages featured in this WebQuest and read synopses of performances we’ve discussed in class. Group members may divide and conquer and report back to the group on specific sections, or everyone can skim for important information on all sites. Decide your group's plan.  Then, your group will come together as a production staff to choose a scene and compare and contrast the virtues of two venues as you choose the best possible stage.  Finally, each group member will fulfill a specific role as the team designs a set for the chosen scene.

Tools you may need  Vocabulary: downstage, upstage, stage left, stage right, drop, fly, entrance, exit, wing, leg, main curtain, hydraulic, thrust, proscenium, arena  School Yours follows this format  Drawing paper is available for your design.

Process The following slides will guide you through these specific steps of the WebQuest process:  Stage exploration: including images, diagrams, and written descriptions of technical specifications (tech specs)  Synopsis perusal  Compare and Contrast  Production staff roles: including job descriptions  Set design documents

Stage Exploration Take some time to review the photos, stage schematics, and written descriptions of the following Kentucky stages: 1. Hardin County Schools PAC: facility rental, tech specs, imagesfacility rental tech specs images 2. Concert Hall, Singletary Center for the Arts: tech specs, imagestech specs images 3. Bingham Theatre, Actors Theatre: images, seatingimagesseating 4. Historic State Theater: stage schematics, imagesstage schematics images

Synopsis Perusal When deciding which performances to produce, directors order “perusal copies” to read. Visualize the set as you peruse these: 1. Tragedy: Romeo and Juliet by William ShakespeareRomeo and Juliet 2. Comedy: The Tempest by William ShakespeareThe Tempest 3. History: King Henry VIII by William ShakespeareKing Henry VIII 4. Dramatic Comedy: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Dale WassermanOne Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest 5. Musical Theatre: Into the Woods by James Lapine and Stephen SondheimInto the Woods Meet with your group NOW to choose ONE scene from ONE performance for your set design (ex. Romeo and Juliet meeting at the party or the Prince bringing the slipper for Cinderella’s step-sisters to try on).

Compare and Contrast  Choose TWO of the featured stages and discuss the potential pros and cons of creating a set for your scene on each. Be sure to include what style each stage is.  Compare and contrast the benefits and drawbacks of the two stages in writing. Which is more appropriate for your performance? Are there other aspects of the location besides the stage itself you should consider? You may create a graphic organizer in Word or simply record your discussion in paragraph form.  Send me ONE containing your comparison and the names of all group members before you move on.

Production Staff roles Assign each role to one group member as you prepare to design your set for the ONE best stage for your scene.  Stage manager: Keep all team members on task and help them understand what they need to do. Explain how set pieces will be moved into place, using appropriate vocabulary, and describe the context of what's happening in the scene your team is designing.  Set designer: Sketch the stage with all set pieces in place (platforms, flats, backdrops, buildings, etc). Label points for performers' entrances and exits and audience seating.  Set dresser: Work with the set designer to add furniture, decorations, paint colors, etc. to create a detailed and realistic set. Add these to sketch. Lighting designer: Choose colors that accentuate the scene content and set design. Explain when light changes would take place during scene.

Set design documents Each group will submit the following documents via or hard copy: 1. Written explanation of set change and context of scene (What do stage hands have to do? What has happened just before this scene in the plot?) 2.Set design sketch including set pieces, set dressing, and entrance, exit, and audience labels 3.Written explanation of lighting colors and changes 4. All documents labeled with title of performance and name of stage These documents are not meant to be polished works of art, but conceptual tools. Work efficiently in your group.

Evaluation Rubric for Set Design WebQuest: 1. Group members on-task throughout 20 points exploration and perusal phases 2. Compare/contrast includes evidence 10 points of similarities of staging potential of 2 venues 3. Compare/contrast includes evidence 10 points of differences in staging potential of 2 venues 4. Complete set design documents40 points 5. Evidence of logical stage and performance10 points matching 6. Evidence of novel & creative approach to 10 points design________ 100 points

Conclusion  You have just had a taste of the many critical decisions that contribute to the performing arts. You have used stage vocabulary in context and have worked as a creative team. If you would like to explore these skills further, you can contact me for information about CHHS Drama Club's projects:  If you would like to see performances on these stages, and more, check out the links below for season event details: Hardin County Schools PAC Singletary Center for the Arts Actors Theatre of Louisville Historic State Theater