Lesson 4 - Process of Design - 22/11/16

Steps to Design

Step 1 - Read Script/ Commitment

This is the first interaction the designer will have with the project. Upon reading the script they will decide whether or not to work on the project. They will also decide if it is within their capabilities.

Step 2 - Analysis

This stage is for the creation of questions and ideas. It's all about exploration and the designer must try not to limit themselves. It is during this early stage that the designer will ask the director any questions they may have about the script, and begin to do their own research into the plots, themes and characters of the piece.

"The way i have been taught to read a script is:

read it once just to take in the story.

then read it a second time to analyze characters, plot, message, era ect.

Then a third time to take notes on props, set, costume any possible sound and light effects." - Hadley Taylor

Step 3 - Research

This is the point at which the designer would do their own research into the time period, as well as grow any existing ideas. It is important to get outside and look at external influences, such as architecture and natural formations, than to spend all your time looking at a computer screen. At this stage it is important to not limit yourself and to come up with as many ideas as possible. They may want to look at previous productions of the play and look at the theatrical style and genre.

Step 4 - Incubation

During the incubation period the designer continues to process ideas. They may start to create mood boards and look at the types of emotions they want to inspire.

Step 5 - Selection

At this point the designer is ready to start selecting and trimming down the ideas they want to use for the production. They will meet with the director to discuss their ideas and together they will choose the designs that most fit the director's vision. Choices will be more instinctive.

Step 6 - Implementation

This is the implementation of the ideas for the actual performance. The creative team will choose the mediums (wood, tiling, foam...) to be used, in addition to beginning to source anything that will be needed for the production. A materials list may be written up.

Step 7 - Evaluation

At the end of each production it is a good idea for the designer to look back over the production and think about the areas that worked well, as well as the ones that didn't. This will allow them to improve for the next production they work on, in addition to helping them develop their own style.

Study Task

Read and respond to Henry V

Scene 1

Archbishop of Canterbury speaks to Ely about possible tax that would leave church penniless. There's a plot to instead get Henry to invade France.

Henry's birthright - Henry is entitled to rule France through his mother's side. The French kings are pretenders that have less right to the throne.

Henry is backed by his younger brothers who fill him with fiery pride.

French ambassadors mock Henry by giving him tennis balls. Henry declares that he is coming for France and sends the diplomats on their way.

Scene 2

NYM, BARDOLPH and PISTOL

Context that PISTOL married the woman that NYM was previously engaged to. They threaten each other but are eventually subdued by BARDOLPH.

Three traitors:

Richard Earl of Cambridge

Henry Lord Scroop of Masham

Sir Thomas Grey, knight, of Northumberland

All are brought before Henry and their treason is revealed. They had all given information to the French in return for money. He sentences them to death.

Throne room

DAUPHIN wants war, while the French king is more concerned with defensive measures. A diplomat from England arrives. Speech of consequences should the King fail to turn over his crown.

France offers tiny dukedoms and one of his daughter's hands in marriage. Henry rejects this deal.

I thoroughly enjoyed the script because of the colourful language and use of rousing speeches to highlight the charisma of the leaders and the patriotic feelings of the general population. 

Extras

They Shoot Horses, Don't They?

Simple design consisting of a thrust stage layout, a wooden frame with fairy lights, and a basic platform with a microphone. Most of the scene changes rely on the position of props to break up the set and represent different areas. I thought that this was a great move as it was a simple but efficient way to take the audience to the different rooms. Props and scene decoration reminiscent of the 1920s when the play is set. 

I liked the set because of it's simplicity and faithfulness to the time period. I feel like they really captured the look and feel of a 1920s dance hall. I thought that the acting was superb and really helped transform the set from a theatre to dance hall. After reading Henry V and reflecting on the piece I felt that the opening chorus from Henry V also fit well with this production as imagination and dialogue played an important role in transporting the audience back in time. 

Lighting Designer - Marty Langthorne

When starting a new show, Marty Langthorne will begin by getting an understanding of the ideas and themes of the show. This is obtained by speaking to key cast and crew, as well as going to as many rehearsals as possible. He tries to get to know the artist to try and see where their vision comes from. This dialogue serves to "focus his thoughts on the central ideas of the piece." - Analysis 

Research is important to see background and context. - Research

When creativity is stifled or he is struggling to solve an issue he goes to as many art shows as possible to try to unlock those creative juices. He regularly looks at oil paintings and old masters. He will also explore some form of colour pallet for the show through a painting. - Incubation

When looking at art he keeps an eye out for how light is represented in paintings. In reference to one particular piece he looked at images of natural landscapes and used fluorescent tubes to recreate colour combinations. 

References

Online, L.S. (2016) LampShopOnline meets Marty Langthorne. Available at: https://www.lampshoponline.com/advice/we-meet-marty-langthorne/ (Accessed: 28 November 2016).