Set Design Examples

In every set design, the designer is trying to give clues to the audience about the space. Most often, these clues give you an understanding of:

*The Place -- Where exactly is the story taking place?
*The Time
    a) Era -- Is it set in the future? In a historical period? In contemporary times?
    b) Time of Day / Season
* The Mood -- How does it feel to be in this place?

Here are some of the set designs for you to analyze. LINK HERE.

Inspiration Notebook: 
In order to build your repertoire of Theatrical Set Design, I'd like you do some Visual Research in which you find sets that are interesting and intriguing. These can be from shows that you've seen (or not). Just be sure to include the correct citation.

Be sure to include an explanation as to why you were inspired to choose this particular set and what stands out for you. Label each image according to which criteria you used.  

Ensure that the images are in the LARGEST setting possible (without overtaking the whole page).  Each piece must must include the following citing information: 

1) Source (What website did you get it from?)

2) Title of the Play that the Set Design 

*3) Theatre Company that produced the play

*4) Set Designer

*5) Date of Production

You can find the images anywhere, but here is a link to Set Designers may be helpful (but be aware that you might need to click around): Theatre Links. 

Try to find 10 Sets that meet the following criteria:

1) Set that clearly demonstrates MOOD
2) Set that excels with its use of a strong COLOR SCHEME
3) Set that uses LIGHT (and/or Shadow) to set the stage

4) Set that with a strong sense of LINES
5) Set that uses TEXTURE effectively

6) Set that clearly marks MODERN REALITY  (REALISM)

7) Set that show the REALITY of a HISTORICAL TIME PERIOD (REALISM)
8) Set that shows an ABSTRACT idea or CONCEPT (SYMBOLIC)

9) 2 sets that you particularly enjoy 

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FOR EXAMPLE: 

"Medea" designed by Richard Finkelstein for James Mason University's production in 2007
(Image courtesy of: rfdesigns.org)

Abstract Design: This is an abstract design because the broken tiles, along with the gauzy background is not realistic. I really appreciate this design because it puts in a place, with space to work in without being a realistic. The tiles suggest a Mediterranean locale-- Greece? One assumes with the Greek myth of Medea this is Greece. The broken pieces and fractured stage also suggests that the time period is turbulent and falling apart.  I'm sure it was an extremely time consuming process to realize (especially the design within the tiles).