1. Set Designer What is a set designer and what does it take to be a good one?
A Set Designer is someone who creates the overall look for the production. This job is good particularly for people who are good at drawing and model making. A Set Designer “looks at the details searching for evidence through research to produce conceptual ideas that’s best toward supporting the content and values with visual elements”.
It’s useful to have regular production meetings to discuss any creative ideas you have with the group, and what needs to be made, bought, etc. Having discussions with the costume designers is important as well as you will be able to create a “unified look and feel for the production”.
Research the era of the musical (1960’s), for an idea of what the scene’s would look like. Also, so you are able to create the mood and atmosphere throughout the play.
Make a rough sketch of what you’d like the set to look like – floor plans, different angles, etc. This will help with decision making and knowing how the staging is going to be for particular scenes.
You will need to have creative skills in order to design/paint/draw, as you’ll want the set to look as good as it can be and also be engaging.

2. What Stage Sets looked like in the 60s
Stage Sets from the 60’s were very vibrant, retro and busy at times.
Our staging is going to be bright and colourful as we are doing a pop art theme.

3. Things to decorate the stage with / props to use and their prices.,.
Round table cloths - £5
60s foil balloon - £1.90 & 69p
Wall decor
Retro 1960’s table lamp - £29.99

4. Ensemble Dancer A few popular dances from the 1960’s :
Being part of a dance Ensemble means that you perform with a group of dancers. This role involves regular rehearsals and being dedicated and committed to your role. As you’re dancing as one, it’s important to have good punctuality and attendance as your absence will affect not only yourself, but the other dancers; you may be behind on the choreography and have to waste time learning it. Good musicality is required when being part of a dance ensemble because without good musicality, you will not be in sync with the other dancers as you’ll be dancing to the wrong beat. You’ll need to be enthusiastic and have good concentration, hard working and interpretive skills.
A few popular dances from the 1960’s :
"The Stroll”, although, it first came out in the 50s but remained popular in the 60s.
The “Twist” was a rock and roll dance which was popular in the early 1960s and was originated from the song, The Twist.
“Mashed Potato” was a popular dance craze of 1962.
“The Frug” is a dance craze from the mid 1960s, also referred to as the Surf, Big Bea, and the Thunderbird. The Frug is also in the movie “Sweet Charity”, written in 1969, containing a number called “The Rich Man’s Frug”.

5. Here are some costume ideas for our production, particularly the dances. Dance outfits from the 60’s were very colourful and eye catching which is how our costumes need to be.