Senior Thespian Scenic Design

WHAT TO PREPARE

For a Scenic Design entry, the Thespian must prepare a scenic design for a published work written for the theatre. Designs for performances of original work, poetry, fiction, screenplays, television, concerts, or any other medium are not permitted. Only one (1) Thespian may be involved in the design; no collaborations are permitted. Designs for either theoretical or realized productions are acceptable. All rules listed in the Senior Thespian General Rules apply. The Thespian must prepare the following:

  1. Scale model (physical or digital) of a scenic design that represents up to three (3) unique scenes/locations in the play. No more than three (3) scenes/locations are permitted.
    1. At least one (1) human figure must be included in the model to show proportion and scale.
    2. The model may be generated through multiple physical or digital media, such as SketchUp, Vectorworks, or 3-D printers.
    3. The model should be clearly and neatly labeled with a title block that contains the following information:
      1. Play or musical title and author(s)/composer(s);
      2. Performance dates and facility in which it took place (if the production was not realized, indicate the performance space the set was designed for);
      3. Scale;
      4. Entrant’s name, troupe number (optional).
  2. A portfolio of support materials (bound or digital) that must include the following:
    1. One-page design statement that includes:
      1. Unifying production design concept;
      2. Theme of the show/recurring motifs.
    2. Research, including:
      1. Summary of given circumstances from the script;
      2. Functionality requirements;
      3. Genre, locale, and setting of the play (or other explanation of the world of the play);
      4. Artistic and practical needs that impact the construction;
      5. Sources of inspiration for design and color palette (if used).
    3. Budgetary requirements or other constraints and considerations.
    4. Corresponding scale ground plan(s) that include:
      1. Fixed/static scenic element;
      2. Indication of audience arrangement/location and backstage areas;
      3. Title block(s) including the same information as presented in the model.
  1. A five to eight (5-8)-minute (plus an optional 4 minutes for Q + A with judges) presentation summarizing the work with connections to concept, collaboration, and design decision-making. The Thespian may use digital media during the presentation (the Thespian must provide their own equipment for viewing), or the Thespian may bring photo boards or other visual aids to display along with the scenic design.
    1. The Thespian should address general questions such as:
      1. What are some of your responsibilities in your field?
      2. How did the director’s concept influence your work?
      3. How did the style of the play affect your work?
      4. If the production was realized, what challenges did you face in unifying the director’s concept across all areas of your work?
    2. The Thespian should also address category-specific topics such as:
      1. What role(s) did the other design elements play in the scenic design for this production?
      2. Given the space you designed for, what considerations were given for entrances and exits (for actors as well as other scenic elements)?
      3. Safety is a huge concern for scenic designers. How did you consider the actors’ safety in your designs?
    3. An optional written essay response to share additional information about the scenic design with the adjudicators.
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