ARTICULATION DOCUMENT
T222 Production Design
MODULE STRUCTURE
Module Category: Discipline
Level (year of study): 2
Credit Units: 4 Modular Credits
Curriculum Hours: <90>
Contact Hours: <60 over 15 weeks (4 hours per week)>
Module Assessment: Continuous Assessment: <40%>
- 15 Daily Grades
Summative Assessment: <60%>
<Understanding Test 1: 15% (paper)
<Understanding Test 2: 15% (paper)
<Understanding Test 3: 30% (paper)
SECTION 2: MODULE OVERVIEW
Students will explore basic principles of spatial and visual approaches to scenographic
design and examine the organization of scenographic and performative material. This will
include the discovery of the artistic and aesthetic aspects of performance design, which
includes the development of set, sound, costume and lighting. This module will also draw
upon historical and contemporary examples of performance design that will lead to the
investigation of the genre, style and representations of text.
School of Technology for the Arts, Republic Polytechnic
STA DTA – T222 (Principles of Scenography)
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Students will read and analyse performances from the perspective of a designer and will
supplement that study with practical experiences relating to productions, in hope of
extending creative potential towards scenographic innovations.
They will be encouraged to engage and develop modes of scenographic practices explored,
through participation, presentation and creation of theatrical aesthetics.
This module aims to converge with subsequent DTA modules of design significance and to
introduce, and actively engage, specific tools and practical methodologies pertaining to four
primary elements of scenographic composition. i.e. - 1) Scenic Design 2) Costume Design
and Make-up 3) Lighting Design 4) Sound Design
Students will work in teams in order to develop appropriate performance and analytical skills
to represent the spatial and visual aspects within scenography. Their teamwork will also
contribute towards a dynamic understanding of collaboration processes within theatre.
Students will have proper documentations, recordings, and evaluation of process work
progressively through Design Process Journal
The module aims to reinforce the impact of visual elements in performance design in order
to affect the audience, create a mood, and reinforce the message of a production.
MODULE OUTCOMES AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
Allocated time per day
Module Coverage
Discussions in
Study Cluster
1. Understand the role and function
of script analysis and notations,
design and production
meetings, technical analysis
and rehearsal proper.
2. Involve critical and analytical
responses to performances and
Resource
gathering
and team
work
Skills acquisition
and practice
3
4
4
3
4
5
School of Technology for the Arts, Republic Polytechnic
STA DTA – T222 (Principles of Scenography)
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productions.
3. Understand basic design theory
and its applications to a
production.
3
4
4
3
4
4
5. Develop basic software skills
relevant to the production
process.
3
4
4
6. Effectively utilise verbal, written
and visual means to illustrate
design concepts.
3
4
5
3
4
4
3
4
4
24
32
34
4. Safely use basic tools and
materials to design and create
stage scenery, props, costume
and sound & lighting equipment.
7. Apply the functional and
psychological uses of scenic,
sound, lighting and costume
design.
8. Understand the concept of
collaborative learning through
rigorous group assignments.
15 problems = 90 hrs
MODULE LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Acquire an understanding of the basic elements of design for stage- scenic (including
multimedia and props), sound, lighting, costume and make-up.

Develop an understanding of the functions and responsibilities of the various
designers and technicians involved in creating a theatrical event.

Cultivate an understanding of the function of Scenography within the dramaturgy of
the performed aesthetic event.

Understand theatre design as a creative collaborative progression that combines
artistic and analytical abilities.

Understand the historical development of theatrical technology and how this
technology is applied in today’s theatre.

Develop a holistic approach to theatre design.

Develop an understanding of visual communication through basic text analysis that
services intention of story.

Utilise research, analysis and evaluation to formulate aesthetic responses through
design.
School of Technology for the Arts, Republic Polytechnic
STA DTA – T222 (Principles of Scenography)
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
Formulate design aesthetics for consideration as dynamic elements of performance.

Critically examine the effectiveness of other production designs.
TEACHING AND LEARNING
This module equips students who wish to pursue a career in the Creative Industries with
necessary creative, critical, and technical skills for theatre. The module emphasises use of
skills, methods and techniques when interpreting a text for the particularities of a stage and
its performance to develop a unique and individual aesthetic. Students are routinely required
to conduct research, consider motive and intentions behind a text or scene with discussions
and presentations as possible solutions that dramatizes the script spatially. The Module
inspires and nurtures creative expression, in terms of both form and content, and in the
context of both individual and group productions. Students are encouraged to analyse a
myriad of scenographies to develop their area of expertise. Throughout the module,
engagement with new, digital technologies is emphasised.
The module is predominantly delivered via a problem based learning and blended elearning, cognitive apprenticeship style curriculum. However, up to 15% of the module uses
a technical hands-on tutorials style curriculum. The module is predominantly taught in a
space that simulates a realistic professional setting/workshop and also involves a field trip
and a mini project.
LEARNING RESOURCES
TEXTBOOKS:

Carver, Rita Kogler, Stagecraft Fundamentals: A Guide And Reference For Theatrical
Production, Focal Press

Gillette, Michael 2005, Theatrical design and production, Boston: McGraw-Hill Howard,
Pamela 2002; What is Scenography; London: Routledge

Jones, Robert Edmon 2004; The Dramatic Imagination; New York: Routledge

Sophocles ANTIGONE
READINGS

Aronson, Arnold 2005, Looking into the abyss : essays on scenography, University Presses
Marketing: University of Michigan Press
School of Technology for the Arts, Republic Polytechnic
STA DTA – T222 (Principles of Scenography)
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
Baugh, Christopher 2005, Theatre, performance and technology : The development of
scenography in the twentieth century, New York: Palgrave Macmillan

Campbell, Drew 2004, Technical theatre for non-technical people, New York: Allworth Press

Precktal, Lynn 1995, Designing and drawing for the theatre, New York: McGraw Hill
SOFTWARE:

LR virtual Lighting

Google Sketch-up

Adobe Photoshop
School of Technology for the Arts, Republic Polytechnic
STA DTA – T222 (Principles of Scenography)
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