Unit 2: Set Production

Unit Overview: The "Set Production" unit offers high school students a deep dive into the art and craft of designing and constructing theatrical sets. This unit provides students with practical knowledge, technical skills, and creative insights required for the successful creation of stage sets. By the end of the unit, students will have the expertise and experience to bring their creative visions to life on the stage.

Unit Objectives:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles and techniques of set design.

• Master the use of various tools, materials, and construction methods for building sets.

• Explore the collaborative aspects of set production and teamwork within the theater community.

• Apply design and technical skills to plan and construct a set for a theatrical production.

Unit Outline: Week 1: Introduction to Set Design

• Define key terminology in set design.

• Explore the relationship between set design, storytelling, and character development.

• Analyze the historical and cultural aspects of set design.

Week 2: The Creative Process

• Learn how to brainstorm, conceptualize, and sketch set design ideas.

• Study the importance of research and inspiration in set production.

• Begin brainstorming ideas for a collaborative class project.

Week 3: Design Principles

• Explore principles of composition, balance, and spatial aesthetics in set design.

• Discuss the effective use of color, texture, and scale in set production.

• Develop a set design concept for the class project.

Week 4: Tools and Techniques

• Familiarize students with the tools, materials, and construction methods used in set production.

• Practice safe handling of tools and equipment.

• Begin hands-on work with construction techniques.

Week 5: Collaboration and Teamwork

• Examine the role of set designers within a theatrical production team.

• Emphasize effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

• Collaboratively plan and allocate tasks for the class project.

Week 6: Set Construction and Execution

• Begin constructing the set based on the design concept developed in earlier weeks.

• Learn the importance of precision, safety, and quality in set production.

• Continue working on the class project, applying design principles and construction techniques.

Week 7-8: Finalizing and Presenting the Set

• Complete the construction of the class project set.

• Discuss the importance of lighting, paint, and finishing touches in set production.

• Present the finished set to the class and potentially showcase it in a theater production.

Assessment: Students will be assessed based on their participation in class activities, the quality of their set design concept, their role in the collaborative class project, and their ability to apply design principles and construction techniques effectively. The final presentation of the completed set will serve as a major assessment component, providing students with an opportunity to showcase their creative and technical abilities.

The "Set Production" unit is designed to equip high school students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the world of set design and construction. By encouraging creative expression, technical proficiency, and teamwork, this unit offers students a comprehensive foundation for pursuing a future in theatrical set production.