Year 1 - Preliminary Designs

As we are working to create the set design, I would like you to think about how you can incorporate the Director's Concept with the requirements of the play. Please make sure you have a sketch to share and explain at the start of class on Monday, Feb. 19.

Director's Concept

Throughout the play, I would like all aspects of design and acting to use the theme of  "Things are not as they seem" to inspire the work. I would like the idea of duality, hidden meaning, etc. to be emphasized seem in your work. 

I would like to use STEAMPUNK specifically with the costumes (and perhaps with the set, but only if it's an effective choice). I would like to emphasize the DARK side of this story--more FRACTURED fairy tale.

Space: Auditorium (Proscenium Stage)

Interesting Elements of Space:

• Side Doors with areas that can be opened/closed with curtains
• Curtains that can open and close
• Apron
• Stage Extension that can vary
• 3 Aisles
• Proscenium arch from which things might be hung
• Storage for Set changes in wings

Needs:

• Area for musicians to perform
• Levels
• Exits / entrances for actors
• Versatility (using pieces in different ways--turn it around, upside down, remove or add something)

Requirements: 

1. Wooded Area
2. Baker's Area
3. Rapunzel in a tower with one window 
4. Cinderella's Stepmom/sister's home/space
5. Space that could be Cinderella at the palace steps
6. Tree (Cinderella's Mother)
7. Jack / Jack's Mother Space with beanstalk that grows/cut down
8. Granny's House / Bed
9. Spaces for ensemble, narrator to be/pop out of

Things to think about:

1. What were some of the materials we could use to show the idea of duality? Hidden? Uncovering? (We brainstormed use of mirrors, glass, shadows, etc.)
2. Think about how we can use the ensemble team (about 14 people)-- to change the set, to move pieces, to BE the set, to be puppeteers?

Where to Start?

1. Look for inspirational images (like the steampunk image I have in this post) that meet the requirements about the director's concept and requirements from the script. Hopefully these will give you some ideas, even if it's doesn't answer all of the problems we have. 
2. Even if you can't get a final preliminary design, come with lots of of your inspirational images and ideas of how to use it. This will help us to collaborate and bring ideas for our final ideas.