Design Principals of Technical

Theater an explanation of the aesthetic elements of visual composition and their practical

application on stage

for more information visit: http://www.hcs.harvard.edu/~htag/handbook/

Scale

•  The size of the elements that are on the stage.

•  The overall size of all objects must be relative to the actors body size and mass.

•  Does the scene dominate the actor or does the actor dominate the scene?

•  Scale is important when trying to simulate realism and create balance between scenic pieces and actors on stage.

Composition

•  How are the scenic elements and actors arranged on the stage?

•  Spiking is the process of marking the stage to identify the location of certain scenic pieces or acting zones during a production.

•  X, Y & Z axis must be considered when spiking.

•  The composition on stage can be symmetrical, balanced or unbalanced based on the directors artistic vision.

Space •  Positive space or negative space?

•  Positive space is the three dimensional space taken up by scenic objects.

•  Negative space is the space that is open; this may be filled up by actors or other scenic pieces during the production.

•  Seen in the photo to the left, the house is a great example of how to use negative space when you are producing a production on a small stage.

Texture

•  Texture can be both two dimensional and three dimensional.

•  Two dimensional texture can be represented with variations in color, patterns and use of different materials.

•  Three dimensional texture is a tactical property: objects could be rough, smooth, silky, bumpy, gritty. 

•  Stage lights tend to hide an object's texture which is why it needs to be over exaggerated during construction.

Color •  Hue in paint is a specific mix of

the primary colors red, yellow, and blue;

•  Hue in lighting is the wavelengths that are reflected and caught by the human eye.

•  Saturation is how much of the hue is presented.

•  Value is expressed in Black = 0 & White = 100

•  Temperature is used as a metaphor for emotional qualities

•  Reds, oranges and yellows are warm colors.

•  While blues, greens and purples are cool colors

Era Correct

•  All items on stage must be from the correct time period.

•  Finding, or in some cases creating realistic props, will help communicate to the audience the time period the play or musical took place.

•  Trends and norms from the time period must also be considered such as costumes, hair styles and voice accents.

•  Do not overlook the religious values the characters would have had.