Handout II: Styles of Scene Design - Speech and Theatre

Handout II: Styles of Scene Design -

| | | | | |

________________

Handout II
STYLES OF SCENE DESIGN

Form - the shape and structure of something as distinguished from its material

Style - manner of expression, characteristic of an individual, period, school, or nation. To design and make in accord with the prevailing mode (a form or manner of expression.) As a rule at least two styles will be used in a production. Style should interpret but not intrude.

Naturalism - implies that every possible effort has been made to load the setting with objects and three-dimensional or painted detail that it can stand up to. Excessive detail. Much of the material is unnecessary to production. Ex. David Belasco. Not often used today except in film.

Realism - selective naturalism, all elements of the realistic settings are necessary both for the play and for the stage picture. Not a photographic view but a clean-cut, sharpened version with unnecessary details removed. Suggests a tight, well-knit quality which reinforces the stage picture, but does not intrude in any manner. Deals with needed essentials. Realism is a matter of intent and result.

1. It may be painted instead of three-dimensional.
2. Realism is simplified to the extent that is approaches symbolism.
Def. - symbolism - representation of ideas and objects by means of simplified scenic elements.

Impressionism - a non-realistic representation of what the designer feels or sees.
Mood plays an important part.
1. Impressions of recognizable places not actual locations
2. Can be emotional representation
3. Not used in purest sense
4. Characteristics:
a. Sketchy painting
b. Indirect painting

Expressionism - a style usually involving distortion and attempting to interpret the mental quirks of the character in a play. It must show the mentality, the emotion, and the point of view of the characters within a play.

1. Ideally suited for plays containing dream sequences and representation of the sub-conscious.
2. May also use exaggeration of color.

Surrealism - for of expressionism - gives special emphasis to the sub-conscious and Freudian theories.
Ex. - dropping watches, arms with out growing trees, human heads with weird contents.

Stylization - a style which by means of exaggeration, emphasizes a conventionalized design in an individualistic manner. Combines reality with other non-realistic styles. Especially suited to musicals, revivals, and children's plays.

1. Interpretive use of a period, a decorative motif, an era, style of painting, or a method of staging.
2. Combine with other styles, there are a few limits to its use.

Formalism a type of background that is distant from the play, usually non-interpretive and only slightly decorative. Greek and Elizabethan theaters were formalistic. Concerned with arches, columns, steps, platforms, screens, drapes, and whatever acting areas these units provide. Little attempt to represent location or mood.

Theatricalism - through means of paint, offers theatre in its pure sense, with little attempt at realisms. Frequently combined with stylization and often in the form of wings and drops.

1. Drops representing various locations, streets, parks, beaches, etc.
2. To represent pictorially exact places.
3. Profiles and silhouettes can also be pained theatrically.

Constructivism - non-realistic arrangement of steps, platforms, scaffolds, uncovered frames, ramps, etc. Stresses anti-decorative and mechanical. Scarcity of materials was responsible for development of this style.

1. Attempted to provide play areas and levels, but meaningless in function.
2. Could use bare stage or blacks.

Designer's Use of Style:

1. Depends upon
a. Script
b. Conferences
2. Requirements of play most important
3. Terminology is necessary
4. Designer should begin with a clear mind

Scene 1

Scene 2

Scene 3

Scene 4

Scene 5

Scene 6

Back to Handout #1