The elements of design

The basic elements of in set and costume design for a production are as follows:

line

mass

colour

texture

ornament

balance

Some considerations of design:

Line. When we speak of line in costuming it refers to the outline of the design. This can emphasise horizontal or vertical line for dramatic and historical effect. In set design, line invokes emotional response.

Horizontal lines indicate calmness and tranquillity

Vertical lines indicate dignity, height, hope and power

Diagonal lines imply conflict or uncertainty

Curved lines create romance

Jagged lines suggest chaos, injustic and pain

Mass identities shape and size and gives a feeling of weight. It is particular important in tragedy.

A thick horizontal mass creates a sense of oppression

A thick vertical mass connotes powe and dominance

A dark mass appears heavy.

Colour stimulates the visual and is used to induce certain emotional states.

Red, passion, blood, danger, death

Orange, life

Yellow, cheerfulness

Pink, romance

Blue, tranquillity, cold, the spiritual

Green, jealousy, evil, supernatural, youthfulness

Purple, regal, mystic, mournful

Grey, sombre

Brown, earthy, poverty

Black, death, tragedy, gloomy.

White, innocence, purity, peaceful

Texture is the feel of a fabric and what that conveys to an audience. Can help to convey socio-economic status or royal status

Ornament gives definition to the set and allows for messages of time and place.

Balance and harmony Two kinds of balance are important.

Symmetrical. This can be where one side of the stage mirrors the other. This tends towards the more formal or classic set design.

Asymmetrical. Items on stage are postioned in an irregular fashion yet a sense of balance is maintained. A far more informal flexible and modern approach to stage setting.

Some considerations for lighting design and sound/music effects

Consider using the lighting subtly and effectively in order to enhance the emotional and psychological aspects of the production.

Is lighting used to heighten the mood, atmosphere and tension of the production?

In what way is lighting used symbolically?

How will you create focus on stage through the use of lighting?

Do lighting changes corelate with changes in scene, mood and emphasis

How does lighting contribute to the overall success of the production.

In what ways are sound effects or music authentic and appropriate fo the production?

If music is used, how does it establish an historical period or heighten emotion and tension?

In what ways have your choices contributed richly to the overall production?

(Reference: Gadaloff, J. 1998, Springboards. Milton, Brisbane: Jacaranda Press)