Design Ideas #3

Sticking with the same layout, I have played around with using tudor panelling, stained glass and twigs in varying areas.

Panel flooring, multicoloured stained glass window, twig frame.

Leaf backdrop, tudor panel and rose window, plain stone floor.

Rose and leaf backdrop, tudor panel semicircle.

Practice Makes Perfect!

I decided to make a very simple model to give me a better idea of what I'm working with, although still difficult as I don't have any stage measurements yet! This exercise really helped me visualise and see things coming together, as well as pointing out simple issues. For example, its now clear that the step down into the 'adaptable area' may not work as it doesn't leave a lot of room around the ring, although would the actors need room there? This is something I would normally discuss with actors and the director but in this case I have to decide for myself.

I have included photo's above of the process of making the model tree which went okay for a first attempt. I have since found an image sheet of tree silhouettes so I can choose a shape appropriate for the period, location and that will fit in the set.

Stage Shape/Size?

I then started to think about how I would fit my designs into a different stage shape.

If the stage was very small or the balcony was impractical to build the audience area could be incorporated, although there are limited theatres that have removable seating.

I considered having the train of people running around an area left empty in the seating area which would make the performance slightly interactive.