This lesson is designed to introduce students to the elements of design, specifically within the context of theatre (or film) set design. Students will have an opportunity to learn the process and skills involved in designing sets, and will have the chance to design a set for one scene of a play of their choice.Lesson PlanRequired Materials
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Lesson Process
- View and discuss the elements of design (page here).
That is, what does texture mean in design? Shape? Line? You
might like to brainstorm this with students... try using wallwisher to create an interactive mindmap that you can control and moderate.
- Have students view some video footage about the work of the set designer. You might like to find your own footage about a film or play students have worked on, or try these out for size.
- Have students work individually or in groups to discuss a set design for a scene. This scene could be an excerpt given out (try to use a different one for each group) or it could be from an upcoming student production, or a text that the students are currently studying. Students should use time online to research any contextural elements, such as time and place.
- Have students work together to create a basic birds-eye view design, and an audience view design showing any levels, stairs, furniture etc.
- The students should then create a second annotated audience view design, showing set dressing such as tablecloths, cushions, props etc, and explaining key details such as colour. These can be done with pen and paper, or computer animated drawing (CAD) software if the school has this.
