THEATRE 225-01
Elements of Theatrical Design- Syllabus 2010
Professor: Melissa Panzarello
Office: New Center for Communication Studies and Theatre
Office phone: 395 - 2470
Office hours: M/W 2-4pm
E-mail address: panzarelloms@longwood.edu
Room: CSTAC 216
Class Time: MWF 9AM-9:50AM
Course Description
This is an introductory course in the elements of theatrical design. This course is the foundation of
knowledge for all design courses in the theatre including scenic, lighting and costume. It will apply basic
principles of visual design and provide the vocabulary necessary to analyze all aspects of theatrical design.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course the student should be able to:
1. Use and recognize the elements and principles of design in the creation of scenic, lighting, and costume
designs
2. Analyze the relationship between the elements and the principles of design
3. Discuss the visual aesthetics of the theatre in the proper vocabulary of design
4. Create sketches that communicate the elements and principles of design
5. Analyze a script from a design perspective to inform the elements in a scenographic way
6. Practically use design elements through assignments
7. Develop research and writing skills as it pertains to the theatre
Recommended Text
Lauer, David and Pentak, Stephen. Design Basics . Wadsworth Publishing; 6th edition (February 23, 2004).
ISBN# 0534625592
Course Supplies
1. Spiral-bound Sketchbook 8.5X11in or 11X17in
2. Black Fine Point, Medium point, and Broad point markers (Sharpie)
3. Colored media, excluding crayons. For example: colored pencils, markers, cray-pas, and artist’s chalk
Course Requirements
1. Be on time and prepared for class.
2. Participate in class discussion and activities.
3. Turn in all work on time.
4. Attend the 2 Longwood University Theatre main stage performances
5. All written work is to be typed, 12pt Times New Roman font, and single-spaced and submitted via
Turnitin on Blackboard
10 Unannounced Quizzes @ 10 pts. each
1 Final Exam @ 100 pts.
2 Design analysis papers @ 100 pts. each
3 Sketchbook entries @ 50 pts. each
1 Sketchbook Cover and Introduction @ 25 pts.
1 Script analysis @ 50 pts.
3 Research Packets @ 25 pts. each
1 Lighting Design @ 50 pts.
1 Costume Design @ 100 pts.
1 Scenery Design @ 150 pts.
100 pts
100 pts
200 pts
150 pts
25 pts
50 pts
75 pts
50 pts
100 pts
150 pts
Grading
930-1000pts A
900-929pts A880-899pts B+
830-879pts B
800-829pts B780-799pts C+
730-779pts C
700-729pts C680-699pts D+
630-679pts D
600-629pts D599 and below F
Attendance
If missing class is absolutely unavoidable, it is your responsibility to find the professor before the class
period to discuss the missed information. Your grade will reflect your class attendance and
participation. Graded work missed due to absence cannot be made up without permission of the
professor.
In accordance with the university catalog, a student’s grade may be lowered as follows:
Three unexcused absences = one letter grade
Six unexcused absences = two letter grades
Seven absences = your grade will be an “F”
Three late arrivals = one absence
This is regardless of whether the absences were excused or not.
Alcohol and Drug Policy
Do not come to class under the influence of, or in possession of alcohol or any illegal substance. Anyone
caught doing so will be denied access to class. This would count as an unexcused absence. It may also
result in further disciplinary action.
Honor Code
Any material used in class must be noted as to the source or author. The Longwood University Honor Code
will govern conduct and work in this course.
Disability Statement
It is the responsibility of any student with a physical or learning disability to communicate with the
instructor at, or immediately following, the first class meeting to discuss means of meeting said disability.
Withdrawal Policy
A student may withdraw from this course in accordance with the college policy as outlined in the university
catalog.
Tentative Schedule
week 1
week 2
week 3
week 4
week 5
week 6
week 7
week 8
week 9
week
10
13-Jan
15-Jan
20-Jan
22-Jan
25-Jan
27-Jan
29-Jan
1-Feb
3-Feb
5-Feb
8-Feb
10Feb
12Feb
15Feb
17Feb
19Feb
22Feb
24Feb
26Feb
1-Mar
3-Mar
5-Mar
812Mar
15Mar
Introduction to Design Elements
for the Theatre
Unity
Variety
Focus
Scale
Proportion
Line
Balance
Rhythm
Shape
Mass
Texture
Illusion of Space
Illusion of Motion
Value
Perception of Color
Color
Scenery
Costumes
Lighting
Design Analysis Paper Due and
Discussion
TBA
Spring Break – No Classes
Design Aspects Review
week
11
week
12
week
13
week
14
week
15
Finals
17Mar
19Mar
22Mar
24Mar
26Mar
29Mar
31Mar
2-Apr
5-Apr
7-Apr
9-Apr
12Apr
14Apr
16Apr
19Apr
21Apr
23Apr
26Apr
Script Analysis
Movie - TBD
Movie - TBD
Movie - TBD
Movie Discussion - Analysis of
One Act Play Due
Costume Research Discussion for
One Act Play
Scenery Research Discussion for
One Act Play
Lighting Research Discussion for One Act Play
One-on-One Meetings with Professor to discuss designs
One-on-One Meetings with Professor to discuss designs
One-on-One Meetings with Professor to discuss designs
Design Unions- Job Opportunities
Class Presentations
Class Presentations
Class Presentations
Design Analysis of Production #2 Due
Sketchbooks Due- Discussion
30Apr Final Exam – TBA