Set Design
Can you design a set?
Listen to the scene again and this time think about how Mr Utterson and Mr Enfield see Mr Hyde in the window.
Where should the window be on stage?
What style of window should it be?
What else should be on the stage to tell us about the the play?
Sketch a few ideas in rough to see what works.
Now think about the whole story, what themes do you think are the most important?
Try to communicate the themes of the piece by adding details to your sketches. Can you use texture, colour, shape and scale to create an appropriate mood/atmosphere for the scene?
You can draw simple sketches or make a 3D cardboard model of the set.
We are looking forward to seeing your ideas!
A simple sketch of a set is great at communicating your ideas
A set designer often works with white card and foam board to model their designs
Designing your set
What decisions do the designer make?
A set designer’s job is to make deliberate decisions about what the audience see in the stage space. A set can be the first information that the audience is given about a production, as the set is often the first thing that the audience see in the theatre. Set designers might make decisions related to:
Shape:
the shape of the stage floor, the shape of any platforms, levels, or pieces of scenery and the shape of any stage furniture. Different shapes can have a different effect on the audience or create a different atmosphere: lots of smooth curves look and feel very different to lots of jagged, pointed lines.
Colour:
the colours used on the stage floor, pieces of scenery, stage furniture and backdrop. Colours on stage have many functions: they can be used to reflect colours in real life, create an atmosphere or tell an audience about the mood of a place or the personality of a character.
Scale:
the size of individual items on stage and the relationship between different objects of different sizes. An audience can be told that an object is very important by making it slightly bigger and ‘out of scale’ or a strange atmosphere can be created by varying the scale of different parts of the stage.
Texture:
the textures of surfaces on the stage (the floor or the walls), as well as the texture of the stage furniture. Texture either comes from the materials used to create the set (wood, metal, fabric) or it can be created using paint effects (for example a painted woodgrain effect). Different textures can give the audience information about the setting of the play (ie heavy velvet curtains hanging at a window can tell the audience that the character who lives here is very wealthy) or can help create an atmosphere on stage (ie shiny metal surfaces can give a set a cold and clinical feeling).
In our production of Sweeney Todd the student set designer used swags of blood splattered plastic sheeting to remind the audience of the grim goings on in the barber shop!
Sometimes a simple sketch is really useful when communicating your initial ideas
Your set design can be a simple sketch, a drawing or a 3D card model
At the start of a production the set designer will often present their model box to the rest of the team. This is a great way to see what the final production will look like and for people to share their ideas.
3D Design and CAD
Computer aided design can be daunting but google offer a free simple online system
Log in with a google account, then try out this beginners guide
LCC Backstage Technician and handy man
Joe Moorhead
" If I can do it anyone can! "
Joe's design tips
Try making a mind map of all the things your production needs:
• What different locations do you need?
• Are there any atmospheres you need to create?
• Do scenes take place indoors or outdoors?
• Are any specific items of set or furniture mentioned?
• How many entrances and exits are needed?
• What props and set dressing are required?