1. Architecture, Furniture and Props
Set Design Research
Architecture, Furniture and Props

2. Objective
Students will understand the importance of historical research in design.
Students will understand how set design helps ground the overall production in a historical time and place.
Students will understand how set design conveys emotions, meaning and style in a theatrical production.

3. Include photos to back up your research.
Architecture
Consider the location of the play : The library of a mansion in Chappaqua, New York, owned by Elsa von Grosenknutten.
Research interior architecture of the specific location in the correct time period. Look for the location that is represented in the play. For example, you would not need to research kitchens in the 1940’s because we never see the kitchen in the production, it is only referenced.
Consider the time period in which the location was built, not just the time period when the play takes place.
Research how the rooms would look, what type of doors and windows there might be, the colors that were common both in the time the location was built and the time the play takes place, what flooring was common, what wall coverings and drapes were common, etc.
Include photos to back up your research.

4. Refer back to your script analysis worksheet and/or the play script.
Furniture
Refer back to your script analysis worksheet and/or the play script.
Research the specific furniture items that need to be included in the room for the play to take place.
Make sure research is time period specific.
Discuss style choice, color choice, etc.
Make sure you can relate your furniture design choices to the play.
Include images for each item. This may take up more than one slide.

5. Make sure research is time period specific.
Props
Refer back to your script analysis worksheet and/or the play script. (Hint, there is a complete props list in the back of the script)
Research the props (both set and hand) that need to be included in the room for the play to take place.
Make sure research is time period specific.
Discuss style choice, color choice, etc.
Make sure you can relate your prop choices to the character who owns and/or uses the specific props.
Include images for each item. This may take up more than one slide.

6. To Sum UP:
Interior Design/Architecture Research – Discuss how it relates to the play and include photos with captions. 5 Images Minimum
Furniture Research – Include ALL necessary furniture for the room and discuss how it works within the play. Including bookcases
Props Research – Include all IMPORTANT props for the production. 10 props minimum.
Consider style, historical period, elements of design, characters in the play, the mood of the play, etc.