Program Overview

Introduction to VPA218 Scenography

VPA218 Scenography is a subject that introduces students to the fundamental tools of the scenographer as a theatre-design method. Students explore the design process as a practical synthesis of spatial, visual, and aural direction and curation. The subject covers theoretical and practical considerations for scenography and spectatorship, space/place-based learning, and sustainable theatre-design practices through both research and practice.

Subject Information

Grading System

The grading system for this subject is HD/FL.

Duration

The duration of this subject is one session.

School

This subject is offered by the School of Communication and Creative Industries.

Assumed Knowledge

It is assumed that students will have undertaken a minimum of three fundamental acting, design, or screen-media-based subjects prior to undertaking this subject.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Apply basic principles of scenography to the design and actor process
• Independently and collaboratively undertake and evidence site-specific research with a focus on sustainable practices
• Apply a practical synthesis of performance and design principles in space, time, light, sound, text, object/prop, costume, and color to respond to a range of conceptual briefs
• Follow the necessary WH&S and location-release protocols for working in a range of non-theatre environments
• Demonstrate a capacity to work effectively and cooperatively in groups and take direction

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• Understanding 'site' - Space and Place - site as text
• Site-specific research - critical practices of place
• Research - materiality, visual dramaturgy, and the mystery of 'things'
• Colour & composition
• Direction
• Performance - The Scenographic Actor
• The role of the spectator
• Landscape dramaturgy
• Sustainable staging

Additional Information

The information contained in the university handbook was accurate at the date of publication. The university reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.