5. Elements and Principles of Design

Design is the process of conceiving and executing a plan.

Elements of Design

Line: A mark that connects 2 points.           
Properties of a line –

Dimension: Length and width

Quality: Shape (straight, curve, jagged) / Value (contrast - dark/light)

Character: Emotionally evocative characteristics – What do people notice more? 

Shape: Any line that encompasses and creates a shape. Where do you find shapes in theatre?

Set: Walls, doors, etc…

Costumes: Silhouette

Mass: 3 dimensional area of an object, creates depth (ie. Furniture)

Measure: Intuitive skill – ability to judge the size of an object and relative distance of things without use of a measuring device. This is related to proportion… how things are laid out – is it pleasing to the eye?

Position: Relative location of shapes and masses

Color: Most important and complex design element. Creates emotional response in people based on psychological and cultural background

Texture: Surface characteristics or appearance of an object – visual and tactile

Where to we see textures?

Costumes: Hard surfaced fabrics (satin, taffeta) reflect light while soft/fuzzy (wool, flannel, velour) absorb light.

Set: Walls – paint (flat/texture), wallpaper

Lights: gobo

Principles of Design

Unity: Creation of a style plan to which all parts of the design subscribe

What is that plan called? DESIGN CONCEPT!

Harmony: The sense of blending when all elements of a design are an orderly whole (avoiding discordant contrasts). This does not mean is all needs to be the same color, shape, or style… but to be harmonious they should complement each other not clash.
Does theatre always have to be harmonious? Why would you not want it to be?
Set – clashing styles to show conflict of play or personality issues
Costumes – show character – ostentatious, clash versus quiet, demure, traditional

Contrast: Juxtaposition of dissimilar design elements. Too much can destroy a design theme, not enough can be monotonous.

* Best designs often have a balance between harmony and contrast. *

Variation: one way to combat the monotony of harmony. Creates visual interest.

Balance: Gives a sense of restfulness, stability, or equilibrium

2 types of balance:
Symmetrical – draw a line down center of the stage = mirror

Asymmetrical – not a mirror but still needs to create equilibrium (ie. Evita white screen/flags)

Proportion: the harmonious relationships of the parts of an object to each other and to the whole. Facial structure. Criteria of good proportion varies from person to person, cultural influences, intuition.

Emphasis: Directing the attention of the audience to a specific place. Focal points. In theatre – draw attention to the acting areas.
Costume design – draws emphasis up to actors face.