Stage Design

SECENIC DESIGN
Scenic design in general
SECENIC DESIGN which is also known as stage design, set design is the creation of theatrical, stage
designs have traditionally come from a variety of artistic background
Set designing is nothing but the searching for evidences through the research to produce conceptual ideas
that best work towards supporting the content and values with visual elements. How do we generate
creative ideas? is a very legitimate question. We need to think beyond the conservative mindset and
should start exploring novel ideas. And to attain that we need to break the shackles and should start to
engage in exploring different aspects to get innovative ideas. We should develop an attitude towards
learning, seeking and engaging in every aspect. We should be eager to do something new, inquisitive and
curious. A human mind has wayward imaginations. Architecture of a great building or scenic design is
process of discovery what will best clarify and support the story being told
We need to establish an overall visual concept for the specific purpose considering the surroundings
around the stage. In stage designing one of the important aspects is collaborating with theatre director and
the other members of the production design team to create an environment for the production.
Stage design varies with the type of performance. We need to utilize the sets according to our needs such
as we will need different type of stage design for drama and there will be different need of stage design for
concerts.

KEY FACTORS FOR STAGE DESIGNING

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1- Functions of stage design are

Defining performance spaces.
Creating floor plans.
Creating acting space or performing space visually.
These factors enhance the mood and set atmosphere rolling.
2- in stage designing one thing should be taken into consideration that, all the action in the play must
work around architectural space designed so care forethought can resolve artistic and directional
problems later
3- kind of box sets, unit sets , suggested sets
Box set- usually involves walls that enclose playing space. This type sets are generally realistic
and detailed
Unit sets composed of unit s that can be moved on and off the stage. Musical are considered as
unit sets
Suggested sets- these type of sets are created by suggested environment

The scenic designer works with the director and other designers to establish an overall visual concept
for the production and design the stage environment the open stage is not widely accepted category in
auditorium but the use of term for auditorium with non existing proscenium opening is useful the open
stage can be seen as hybrid between the proscenium and thrust stage .the forestage creates initiate
relation between actors and audience whilst flying facilities over the main stage avoid the rather stark
character of the thrust stage productions. The potential dramatic rewards of the open stage firm are
considerable allowing for high degree of flexibility in staging in acoustic terms the situation can be
expected to intermediate between the proscenium and the thrust stage

The set of drawings that may be required for stage design are as follows

basic ground plan showing all stationary scenic elements;

composite ground plan showing all moving scenic elements, indicating both their onstage and
storage positions;

section of the stage space incorporating all elements;

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front elevations of every scenic element, and additional elevations or sections of units as required

Materials to be used in stage design depend on the type of performance will take place on the stage. It can
vary according to performers or it can vary with the demand of performers too.
In stage designing light plays an important role. Several different types of instruments are used in stage
lighting which creates special effects to the stage. Basic principle is that it should be such that viewers can
see the characters or performers clearly. While Lighting Design is an art form, there is a modern movement
that simply states that the Lighting Design helps to create the environment in which the action takes place
while supporting the style of the piece. "Oomph" is arguable while the environment is essential.
5 things that will be taken into consideration in design
1- stage will designed flexibly which can be changed or some changes can be done in stage according to
the venues
2-

while designing stage performers point of view should be taken into consideration

3- Lighting should be such that which will highlight the performers according to the need of the script
4- Aisles should not be provided in the middle of the auditorium
5- Height of the stage should be comfortable so that viewers can easily see the play on the stage

Lighting
Lighting design of the stage must satisfy the requirements by the performers and effective use of different
lighting instruments and color should be used.
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All the performances are performed on the stage. Spectators have glued their eyes to the stage. So it
should be aesthetically appealing; which will make the eye clinching performance a spectacle. The last but
not the least thing is the height of the stage. It should be such that every viewer can see the performances
on the stage.
Set design plays an all important part in the enormous success of a performance.

References
Scenery and stage design- author- Diana belly(2010), page no-6, 7 TITLE-scenery &stage design pub-the
rosen publishing group
2)author tonny davis, page no- 10 TITLE-stage design pub-crowood press lim. 1999

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