Module 8 directing and design discussion post

Module 8- Directing and Design Discussion

Must post first.

Choose and complete ONE of the following options. You must also respond to 2 of your classmates’ posts. (min. 100 words each)

Make sure to complete the Directing and Design Lessons before posting to the Discussion Board.

Option 1- Directing

1. Pick a fairytale. Imagine you are the director of the fairytale as a play. Study the fairytale and decide on a concept. How do you want to tell this story? What do you want it to look like? Maybe come up with a list of descriptive words and search for images based on those words. Divergent thinking could come in handy here.

1. Decide and describe what your concept of the play will be. Remember the concept is how the story being told is presented. The director does not get to change the plot of the story, but decides how they are going to present the story to their audience. If you are doing Little Red Riding hood, what does Red look like. Do you want more of a modern feel? Could the forest be more of an “urban forest”. If that is the case, what does the wolf look like in that environment? (150 words)

2. Find at least 3 photos that illustrate your ideas. Look back at the Directing Lesson- Script Analysis and the Design Lessons for examples.

Option 2- Set Design

Research and select a set for Sweat that you like. A google image or Pinterest search for Sweat Lynn Nottage Set, Sweat Set Design, or Sweat Production Design, should bring up plenty of images. Make sure to choose an image that shows the majority of the set. Once you have selected an image post it here and write 150 words describing why you think this design is appropriate for the production. Use the questions below as a guide. (Remember you are looking at the set design. It is ok to comment on how costumes or lighting fit with in that, but focus on design elements rather than actors who may be in the image.)

1. What drew you to choose this particular set design?

2. How well does the set use the elements of design? What type of line, texture, color, does it use? Do you see unity and variety? Does it feel balanced? Do any of these things help to set the mood.

3. Are any of the symbols or themes from the play evident in the set design? Explain?

4. Does the design help to set the mood? How?

5. What does the design tell us about the characters and the world they inhabit? (e.g. does this bar feel modern and upscale or like a neighborhood bar and what does that tell us about these people?

6. Does the design clarify anything about the play that was not clear just in reading the play? Explain?

Option 2- Costume Design

You are going to research and create a costume collage for one character in Sweat and post it here. You will also write one paragraph explaining why you chose those items. (approx. 150 words)

You should have at least 6 images of clothing items, fabrics, accessories, hair, ect. that you think would be appropriate for the character. This could include all of the basic clothing items, but also hats, shoes, coats, ect. Anything that you think the character might wear in the play.

Pay attention to when your play takes place and research what they might have worn. What year does the play take place? What time of year is it? What group would your character likely fall into and what might they wear (factory workers, bartender, ect.) Do they conform to societal norms or rebel against them? What is their social status? What does that look like in regards to costume? (You do not need to answer all of these questions, they are just a jumping off point.)

If we see your character in different situations or different time periods, you could show what they might wear for each scenario or as they progress through the play.

Try to stay away from cheesy costumes. Use images of real people and real clothing, or pictures of actual clothing from catalogs or websites.