Theatre and set design from edX

The scope of this course is to provide the students with the basic geometrical principals on the planning and management of those theatrical scenes characterized by the stage’s architecture and illusion spaces’ perspective effects.

Theatrical scenography is made of several complex phases aiming at recreating an intended illusory effect sketched first by the scenographer. The sketch is made in perspective and it consists in a painting containing all the instructions needed for its exact implementation on the stage. In fact, the planning, control and reproduction of a specific desidered illusion in a scene has been granted for centuries now, by perspective. This MOOC will present some of the essential geometric principles on the accelerated solid perspective, i.e. an illusory method used for the construction of a physical space tricking the audience with greater depths than there actually are on the stage. Moreover, the students will master the geometry behind the scenic reproduction of the sketch: from the two-dimensional painting to the three-dimensional space of the stage, by going on a short journey through the historical phases of scenography from the XVIth century to today and through the acquisition of fundamental concepts of this discipline.

This course will finally show how the conscious use of the perspective processes applied to the theatrical scene has led to the stage implementation of three graduation thesis proposals in three famous operas: Aida, Tosca and Madam Butterfly.

What's inside

Learning objectives

The history of scenography
Hints of stagecraft

The basic geometrical principles for the planning and management of the theatrical scenes

The history of scenography
Hints of stagecraft
The basic geometrical principles for the planning and management of the theatrical scenes

Good to know

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Develops basic geometric principles in theatrical scene planning

Examines historical phases of scenography from the 16th century to present day

Taught by instructors with expertise in theatrical scenography

Provides insights into舞台工艺

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Theatre and set design with these activities:

Watch video tutorials on perspective drawing

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Enhance your understanding of perspective drawing by watching video tutorials from experienced artists.

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Search for video tutorials on perspective drawing on platforms like YouTube.
Choose a tutorial that suits your learning style and skill level.
Watch the tutorial and follow along with the artist's instructions.

Read 'Perspective for Artists' by Rex Vicat Cole

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Gain a deeper understanding of perspective drawing techniques and their application in theatrical scenography.

View Perspective for Artists (Dover Art Instruction) on Amazon

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Acquire a copy of 'Perspective for Artists' by Rex Vicat Cole.
Read through the book carefully, paying attention to the explanations and illustrations.

Review Euclidean geometry

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Review key geometrical concepts involved in scenography, such as lines, angles, arcs, circles, and conic sections.

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Read through your high school or college geometry textbook.
Take practice problems and quizzes on Euclidean geometry.

Seven other activities

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Analyze perspective in famous paintings

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Develop your understanding of perspective by studying how it is used in famous paintings. Identify the vanishing points and horizon lines, and analyze how they create the illusion of depth.

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Choose a famous painting with a strong use of perspective.
Identify the vanishing points and horizon line.
Analyze how the artist used perspective to create the illusion of depth.

Geometric Solid Perspective Practice

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Apply the geometric principles learned to practice drawing accelerated solid perspective.

Browse courses on Perspective

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Learn the basics of accelerated solid perspective
Draw a series of simple objects using accelerated solid perspective
Combine different objects to create more complex scenes
Practice drawing accelerated solid perspective from different angles

Sketch a perspective projection

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Practice drawing a perspective projection of a simple object using the principles of accelerated solid perspective.

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Choose a simple object to draw, such as a cube or a sphere.
Determine the vanishing points and horizon line.
Draw the object in perspective using the vanishing points and horizon line as guides.

Discuss perspective concepts with classmates

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Engage in discussions with classmates to clarify concepts related to perspective, exchange ideas, and provide feedback on each other's work.

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Form a study group with classmates.
Meet regularly to discuss perspective concepts, share your understanding, and critique each other's work.

Design a Theatrical Scene

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Create a theatrical scene using the principles of perspective and scenography.

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Choose a play or opera to design a scene for
Read the play or opera and analyze the setting
Sketch out a design for the scene using perspective principles
Create a scale model of the scene
Build the scene using the scale model as a guide

Design a stage set for a play

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Apply the principles of theatrical scenography to design a stage set for a specific play. Consider the play's themes, characters, and setting.

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Read the play and analyze its themes, characters, and setting.
Research different stage design styles and techniques.
Create a sketch of your stage design, including the layout of the set, the lighting, and the props.

Contribute to open-source projects related to perspective drawing

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Deepen your understanding of perspective drawing and contribute to the community by participating in open-source projects.

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Search for open-source projects related to perspective drawing on platforms like GitHub.
Choose a project that aligns with your interests and skill level.
Contact the project maintainers and express your interest in contributing.

Career center

Learners who complete Theatre and set design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Scenic Designer

Scenic designers create the sets for plays, operas, and other live performances. They use their knowledge of space planning, design, and construction to create sets that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Theatre and set design would be an essential course for a scenic designer, as it would provide them with the foundational knowledge and skills they need to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Scenic Designer

Architect

Architects design buildings and structures for a variety of purposes, including homes, businesses, and schools. They use mathematical principles and geometry to create blueprints and plans that can be used to construct buildings that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Theatre and set design would be an excellent foundation for this career, as it teaches the principles of perspective and space planning, which are essential skills for architects.

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Production Designer

Production designers are responsible for the overall look and feel of a film, television show, or commercial. They work with the director, cinematographer, and other members of the creative team to create a cohesive visual style for the project. Theatre and set design would be a valuable course for a production designer, as it would provide them with a solid understanding of the principles of perspective and space planning, which are essential for creating visually appealing and effective sets and props.

See salaries and explore the career path for Production Designer

Art Director

Art directors oversee the visual aspects of creative projects, such as films, television shows, and commercials. They work with other members of the creative team to develop the overall look and feel of a project, and they may also be responsible for designing and executing specific visuals, such as sets, costumes, and props. Theatre and set design would be a valuable course for an art director, as it would provide them with a solid understanding of the principles of perspective and space planning, which are essential for creating visually appealing and effective sets and props.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

Exhibition Designer

Exhibition designers create and design exhibits for museums, galleries, and other public spaces. They use their knowledge of space planning, design, and construction to create exhibits that are both informative and engaging. Theatre and set design would be a helpful course for an exhibition designer, as it would provide them with a foundation in the principles of perspective and space planning, which are essential for creating exhibits that are visually appealing and effective.

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Stage Manager

Stage managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a theatre production. They work with the director, actors, and other members of the production team to ensure that the production runs smoothly. Theatre and set design would be a helpful course for a stage manager, as it would provide them with a foundation in the principles of perspective and space planning, which are essential for creating a successful production.

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Interior designer

Interior designers plan and design the interiors of buildings, including homes, businesses, and schools. They use their knowledge of space planning, design, and construction to create interiors that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Theatre and set design may be a helpful course for an interior designer, as it would provide them with a foundation in the principles of perspective and space planning, which are essential for creating interiors that are visually appealing and effective.

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Landscape Architect

Landscape architects design and plan outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and other public areas. They use their knowledge of plants, soil, and construction to create spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Theatre and set design may be a helpful course for a landscape architect, as it would provide them with a foundation in the principles of perspective and space planning, which are essential for creating outdoor spaces that are visually appealing and effective.

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Museum curator

Museum curators are responsible for the care and management of museum collections. They work with other members of the museum staff to develop and implement exhibits and programs that are both educational and engaging. Theatre and set design would be a helpful course for a museum curator, as it would provide them with a foundation in the principles of perspective and space planning, which are essential for creating exhibits that are visually appealing and effective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Tour Manager

Tour managers are responsible for the planning and execution of concert tours and other live events. They work with the artist, venue staff, and other members of the production team to ensure that the tour runs smoothly. Theatre and set design may be a helpful course for a tour manager, as it would provide them with a foundation in the principles of perspective and space planning, which are essential for creating effective tour plans.

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Photographer

Photographers use cameras to capture images of people, places, and things. They use their knowledge of composition, lighting, and perspective to create images that are both visually appealing and informative. Theatre and set design may be a helpful course for a photographer, as it would provide them with a foundation in the principles of perspective and space planning, which are essential for creating photographs that are visually appealing and effective.

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Video Editor

Video editors use software to edit and assemble video footage into a cohesive story. They use their knowledge of composition, lighting, and perspective to create videos that are both visually appealing and informative. Theatre and set design may be a helpful course for a video editor, as it would provide them with a foundation in the principles of perspective and space planning, which are essential for creating videos that are visually appealing and effective.

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Web Designer

Web designers create and design websites. They use their knowledge of design, typography, and coding to create websites that are both visually appealing and easy to use. Theatre and set design may be a helpful course for a web designer, as it would provide them with a foundation in the principles of perspective and space planning, which are essential for creating websites that are visually appealing and effective.

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Teacher

Teachers instruct students in academic subjects, such as math, science, and history. They use their knowledge of the subject matter and pedagogy to create lesson plans and activities that are both educational and engaging. Theatre and set design may be a helpful course for a teacher, as it would provide them with a foundation in the principles of perspective and space planning, which are essential for creating effective lesson plans and activities.

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Writer

Writers create written content, such as books, articles, and speeches. They use their knowledge of language and storytelling to create content that is both informative and engaging. Theatre and set design may be a helpful course for a writer, as it would provide them with a foundation in the principles of perspective and space planning, which are essential for creating believable and immersive settings for their stories.

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