Theatre Design – USITT Teaching Archive

Art on the Stage: Using Charles Mee’s Artist Plays to Practice the Design Process

September 14, 2021September 14, 2021 cmetzger

Submitted by: Mary Elizabeth Valesano, University of Detroit Mercy

Abstract

Students are asked to design 3 costumes and 1 set for one of the following plays: “Van Gogh’s Sunflowers,” “Matisse’s Self Portrait,” or “Picasso’s Masterpiece,” all by Charles Mee. As all three plays are based on the life and work of a famous artist, students are asked to thoroughly research the paintings of their chosen artist and use the artist’s style to influence their costume and scenic designs. This introduces students to the research and design process and to the practice of using research to inform a design approach. Because the artists’ paintings provide a clear direction for research and a firm foundation for them to build on, this project is particularly suitable for introductory level theatre courses and students with minimal design experience.

Creating Costume Magic

March 9, 2021March 9, 2021 cmetzger

Submitted by Caitlin Quinn, The University of Minnesota Duluth

Abstract

Productions sometimes call for a “costume magic” moment – a costume requirement that calls for special planning during the design process. This could be an onstage super-fast quick change, a “rigged” costume which changes from one look to another, or a costume designed to drastically change the actor’s body shape (like stilts). Students are assigned “magic” moments within productions and figure out the design and function of the costume.

Evoking the Senses – A Poetry Project

May 10, 2017May 24, 2017 cmetzger

Abstract

This project requires students to consider the text of a chosen poem and present material objects related to each of the five senses: Sight, Hearing, Smell, Taste, and Touch. Classmates experience each of these objects and share their responses to the objects as related to the poem text.