Wednesday, 20 May 2020

Unit 2 - Staging and Props

Staging & Props
1.   
Who they are?

Set designers set up props across the stage, formally known as objects, assist the directors, producers, costume designers etc. Props designers are responsible for obtaining the props and placing them out on stage for the actors. Most props are movable so there isn’t designed place holder for individual props. Some designers research about details that can support the stimuli of the play and captivate the audience. These people are very creative and plan beforehand when outlining a scene or placing of each prop. They also have to make it durable for the actors. Most questions are asked like “How do we generate creative ideas”, and that all goes to how you are able to open your mind to new ideas that you are willing to learn and to listen to your co-workers. They want you to be adventurous, daring, supportive and to have a positive mind set. Your imagination helps your originality and your unique taste towards the performance. Overall planning is an exceptional skill to have when designing and outlining a stage.

2.    What they do?


Set designers are a group of people that are responsible for a visual concept of a stage outline or TV production, and they also organise a construction team that can also help them create props and other materials for the stage. They can also be called “Stage designers” their job can be identified by researching art history, background politics, historical information, etc. The working hours can take majority of their time most of their work is produced on weekends and take up a lot of their free time. The designers that work in Theatre work with dance companies and opera in different regional locations.

3.     Who do they work with?   

   Directors help other set designers by telling them what works in the scene, because they have a say on what can be final and what doesn’t work. The Set designers work with the costume designers that design the clothing of the characters, and they are key for how the stage can be portrayed.
For example, a character playing an old man. Costume designers work with people that are in charge of props as well as Set designers. This will highlight the character’s role and then they can be able to utilise the character’s traits.

4.    How much can they earn?
Set designers make a salary of $51,660 in U.S dollars back in 2010 although they can change depending on the box office of the show or how talented they are. Many productions for theatre plays are often smaller, especially live, so the pay will be a little less than the ones working on T.V sets. The film industry has a larger production format and marketers advertise their movies via, social media, YouTube, Bill boards, Film posters on buses and T.V adverts. Not only does marketing help the salary of set designers it’s also the location that has a substantial impact of how much they earn. For example, set designers in California and New York financially made even more than the rest of the country has gained. Theatres hire full time Set designers which is an advantage for them, because this won’t be a struggle for them to find employment. Normally T.V sets/Film industry recruits Set designers as this may be an exceptional route.
   








5.    How much do they train?
Firstly, College is the first step to training to be set designers, because you have to know if it is something you enjoy. The skills requirements allow you to be creative and co-operating with other people: mainly in a team. Most people decide to do internships during college, because employers will be looking for set designers with experience. This is to ensure they have a full production team. Students in College gain experience by completing internships with production or theatre companies. Some degree programmes require internships a part of their curriculum: assisting the production team with drafting, set construction and set painting are essential for all interns to learn and master as one of the first steps for their training.










There are people that will choose different routes towards their destination of Set design such as volunteering or being an apprentice. Even phenomenal set design projects can be added to a portfolio. It is very key to build your portfolio that should be updated frequently, because it is always seen by employers that decide whether you get employed or not.



Set designers start as entry-level trainees learning basic skills and completing simple tasks, but some can jump ahead in order to develop and improve their portfolios. This will help them get recognition and increase their reputation in the industry. Slowly leading them on to complexed tasks and giving them a privilege to choose which types of set design suits them best. A bachelor’s degree can provide the training and experience needed in Set design.

References
https://study.com/articles/Become_a_Set_Designer_Training_and_Career_Roadmap.html

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