How do you show the impact of your set design?

1 Know your script

The first step to show the impact of your set design is to know your script inside out. You need to understand the genre, tone, setting, characters, and plot of the play, as well as the playwright's intention and style. You also need to identify the key moments, transitions, and symbols that your set design can highlight or contrast. By knowing your script, you can create a set design that is coherent, relevant, and meaningful to the story and the audience.

2 Choose your concept

The next step is to choose your concept or approach for your set design. This is where you decide what you want to emphasize, suggest, or challenge with your set design. For example, you might want to create a realistic, historical, or abstract set, depending on your genre and message. You might also want to use color, texture, shape, or lighting to create a specific mood, atmosphere, or theme. You might also want to use symbolism, metaphor, or contrast to convey a deeper meaning or question. By choosing your concept, you can create a set design that is original, creative, and expressive.

3 Sketch your ideas

The third step is to sketch your ideas for your set design. This is where you translate your concept into a visual form that can be communicated and refined. You can use different tools and techniques to sketch your ideas, such as pencil, paper, computer, collage, or model. You should also consider the practical aspects of your set design, such as the size, shape, and layout of the stage, the budget, the materials, and the safety. By sketching your ideas, you can create a set design that is feasible, clear, and detailed.

4 Test your design

The fourth step is to test your design with your director, actors, and crew. This is where you get feedback and suggestions on how to improve your set design and make it work for the production. You should also observe how your set design interacts with the other elements of the production, such as the costumes, props, sound, and music. You should also check how your set design looks from different angles and distances, and how it changes with the lighting and the action. By testing your design, you can create a set design that is functional, adaptable, and collaborative.

5 Evaluate your impact

The final step is to evaluate the impact of your set design on your audience and your critics. This is where you measure the success of your set design and learn from your experience. You can use different methods to evaluate your impact, such as surveys, interviews, reviews, or awards. You should also reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses as a set designer, and identify areas for improvement or development. By evaluating your impact, you can create a set design that is impactful, memorable, and rewarding.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?