Set Designer

Process Notebook and Viva

BACK

All candidates will need to keep a log of the process. The contents will be skill specific.

It is advisable that all details of the process are kept in a complete folder out of which material can then be selected for more specific submissions such as:

  • Creative Logs
  • Evaluations

Content may include:

General to ALL design and acting candidates:

  • annotated research
  • diagrams
  • photographs
  • sketches
  • charts
  • visual images
  • digital media, including brief recordings of sections of a rehearsal or material appropriate to the skill area e.g. sound clips. These should be no longer than one minute.

Specific to SET DESIGN:

  • evidence of exploring different levels
  • furniture
  • props – large ones within the set and smaller functional props
  • images of development of set model
  • different materials used e.g. wood, metal, fabrics
  • colour swatches e.g. paints
  • construction information

Viva

Design candidates should prepare and be able to talk about:

Response for choice of stimulus including:

  • Initial responses
  • Inspirations
  • How the stimulus or chosen STYLE/ PRACTITIONER or THEATRE COMPANY prompted design process

Discussion of TEXT and choice of STYLE / PRACTITIONER or THEATRE COMPANY including:

  • Key elements of the style selected
  • Application to design skill e.g. how the style can be applied to set, lighting, sound or costume
  • Group work and contributions made by the designer
  • Development during rehearsals

Discussion of DEVISED and choice of STYLE / PRACTITIONER or THEATRE COMPANY including:

  • Key elements of the style / practitioner / company selected
  • Application to design skill e.g. how the style / practitioner / company techniques can be applied to set or lighting or sound or costume
  • Group work and contributions made by the designer
  • Development during rehearsals

Specific design elements including, for example:

SET

  • Needs of both pieces
  • Use of space and stage configuration
  • Materials used, choice of colour etc.
  • Furniture and set elements e.g. flats, levels
  • Props
  • Style, practitioner/company influences

Design process including:

  • Adapting ideas
  • How the designs grew / developed through the rehearsal process

Clear links between
DESIGN
and STYLE or PRACTITIONER / COMPANY
and STIMULUS

The quality of the design skill is assessed during the performance. In the viva, learners may also demonstrate:

SET

  • Set model;
  • Accurate attention to scale;
  • All elements present in the model including furniture – candidates cannot simply present a black-box;
  • Awareness of audience positioning;
  • Awareness of relationship with the audience;
  • Folder of design/ concept work – this could be in paper form OR electronic i.e. designs executed through a design package e.g. CAD;
  • Evidence of the process e.g. swatches, colour samples, research;
  • Evidence of collaboration with the actors e.g. rehearsal notes, production meeting notes.

All relevant to the chosen practitioner / company or style for each piece.