writing 1

The Elements The Ingredients for Creating Scenic Design

Finding the Right Mix We’ve looked at the

objectives of scenic design: what the designer

is trying to DO. Now we need to take a look at the elements or tools the

scenic designer has to choose from in order to

meet those objectives. There are six elements that can be combined in

myriad ways to create fresh and exciting designs

for any play.

These six elements are:

1. Line

2. Mass and composition

3. Texture

4. Color

5. Rhythm

6. Movement

Let’s look at each of these elements more

closely.

Element 1: Line Line seems pretty self-

explanatory. It refers to the outline or silhouette of

the pieces of the set design. These elements may be strongly angular,

curved and organic, mainly vertical, mainly

horizontal, etc. Different types of line will convey a different energy to the

audience.

This is a great example of a set

with strong horizontal lines.

Although this is a rendering

(drawing of what a set will look

like), it gives us a good idea of what the finished set will look like.

Set design by Adolphe Appia

Element 2: Mass and Composition

Mass and composition refers to the balance and arrangement of elements, and the visual “weight” that they create. A set with lots of heavy fortress walls will have a different mass than a set with a single tree. Notice the difference in mass between these two images at left. The top image has lots of mass, the bottom image has much less mass.

Element 3: Texture Texture refers to the

“feel” projected by the surfaces used in the set.

Keep in mind that the texture of a set looks slick, or rough, or soft,

but may not actually feel that way, because

it may be an illusion.

Element 4: Color Color is pretty self-

explanatory. Color carries a lot of information

about mood and emotion. A scenic designer can use color

thoughtfully to clue the audience in to the

dominant feeling or emotional effect of the play.

Element 5: Rhythm Rhythm refers to the visual

rhythm created by the scenic elements. This

rhythm is created by the way shape, color, and texture are repeated in a

regular of irregular ice pattern.

Notice how the regular and symmetrical placement of these

scenic elements creates a regular

rhythm

Element 6: Movement Movement refers to the

way elements move and unfold from one scene to

the next. Scenic elements may need to move slowly or quickly

(depending on the play and its requirements).

Scenic elements may be moved on turntables, or be “flown” out using the

fly system above the stage.

Summation There are six elements that scenic designers can combine in an infinite variety of ways to create the perfect scenic design for any type of play with any type of design concept. Each element will be carefully considered for its ability to communicate the design concept to the audience.

The six elements are:

1. Line

2. Mass and Composition

3. Texture

4. Color

5. Rhythm

6. Movement