The Scenographic Space of Performance

DESCRIPTION: 
The course examines the history, practice and key developments of 20th and 21st century scenography, charts its links with theatre architecture and dramatic space and identifies key scenographic theories and approaches. Students complete a design process in order to gain experience in the skills required of the scenographer, including 3D modelling and portfolio.

RATIONALE: 
The course develops from the introduction to theatre space in DR2011 and looks specifically at scenographic design as a particular practice and as a key compositional element within theatre. The course focuses on 20th-21st century key scenographic practitioners in order to understand how developments in technology and materials have expanded the definition of ‘theatre’ shifting from the literary approaches of the 19th century to a theatre defined by ‘spatial practices’ Students will gain experience in following a complete design process from analysis of text, to storyboard and model box production which will give them the option of continuing into post graduate studies in design or further professional training.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
As a result of taking this course, the student should be able to:
1. Identify practitioners and the main aesthetic motifs and scenographic designs associated to them in order to discuss and analyse scenographic history and theory.
2. Analyze the dramatic, mimetic and diegetic spaces of important play texts of the 20th century in order to realize design possibilities of a play text andother sources for performance.
3. Experiment with a variety of methods to approach model making and other visual representations in order to develop studio craft skills.
4. Improve their skills in Communication through models, visual material, essays and oral presentations.
5. Develop their ability to contextualize their creative practice and relate their work to historical and contemporary theories and aesthetics.

METHOD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING:
In congruence with the teaching and learning strategy of the college, the following tools are used:
- Class lectures, interactive learning (class discussions, group work), and video presentations.
- Workshops
- Office hours: students are encouraged to make full use of instructor’s office hours for questions, to see their exams/papers, and/or go over lecture material. 

Use of a Blackboard site where lecture notes, assignment instructions, announcements, and other materials related to the module are posted.