Facebook Pixel Skip to main content

Part of the Stagecraft Without a Theatre Curriculum

Scenic Design

Created by Karen Loftus

Scenic Design

Students will explore the creation of an environment through the art of scenic design. They will identify what scenic design is and how it helps to tell a story in theatre. Students will also identify and demonstrate some skills of a scenic designer as they analyze an excerpt of a script for scenic clues and demonstrate basic drafting and rendering.

Overview
The overview lays out the objective of the unit, the timeline and list of lessons, and assessment plan.
1: What is Scenic Design?
Students explore the effect scenic design can have on storytelling using designed environments from known TV shows and movies.
2: The Scenic Design Process
Students explore the process of scenic design so they: • Have a guided path for work that they might create. • Understand what information designers need in order to create.
3: Utilizing the Script
Students analyze a script to determine scenic needs. They utilize thumbnail sketches to explore potential designs for a play.
4: Drafting - Part 1
Students explore an element of scenic design and apply their knowledge in a drafting exercise. They will use this information when they create a ground plan as part of their scenic design.
5: Drafting - Part 2
Students apply their knowledge by creating a ground plan.
6: Rendering
Students explore an element of scenic design and apply their knowledge to create a rendering.

Standards Addressed

National Core Arts Standards

Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 6

TH:Cr1.1.6.b - Identify solutions to design challenges in a drama/theatre work.

Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 7

TH:Cr1.1.7.b - Explain and present solutions to design challenges in a drama/ theatre work.

Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Proficient

TH:Cr1.1.HSI.a - Apply basic research to construct ideas about the visual composition of a drama/theatre work.

Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 7

TH:Pr5.1.7.b - Choose a variety of technical elements that can be applied to a design in a drama/theatre work.

Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Proficient

TH:Cr3.1.HSI.c - Refine technical design choices to support the story and emotional impact of a devised or scripted drama/ theatre work.

Get instant access to this and everything else in the Drama Teacher Academy