Duration: 32 hours
Certificate: YES

Value of the Course:

1. Skill Development: Students will acquire essential skills in set design, including drafting, model making, scenic painting, and lighting design. These skills are critical for creating visually compelling environments in various forms of media.
2. Creative Expression: The course encourages creative thinking and problem-solving, allowing students to express their artistic vision through set design.
3. Industry Knowledge: Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the history, principles, and techniques of set design, equipping them with the knowledge needed to succeed in the industry.
4. Professional Portfolio: By the end of the course, students will have a portfolio of work that demonstrates their abilities and creativity, which is crucial for job applications and career advancement.
5. Collaboration Skills: Students will learn how to work effectively with directors, producers, and other team members, a key component in the collaborative nature of set design.

Application of Skills:

1. Theater Production: Designing and building sets for stage plays and musicals, creating immersive environments that enhance the storytelling experience.
2. Film and Television: Crafting sets for movies and TV shows, ensuring that the visual elements support the narrative and provide a realistic or imaginative backdrop.
3. Events and Exhibitions: Designing temporary structures and displays for events, trade shows, and exhibitions, creating engaging and visually appealing spaces.
4. Theme Parks and Attractions: Creating themed environments for amusement parks and attractions, providing visitors with immersive experiences.
5. Commercial and Retail Design: Designing store layouts and commercial spaces to create attractive and functional environments that enhance customer experience.
6. Museum and Gallery Installations: Designing exhibits and installations that effectively showcase artworks and artifacts.

Available Jobs:

1. Set Designer: Working on theater productions, films, television shows, and commercials to create the visual environment for the performance.
2. Production Designer: Overseeing the overall visual look of a film or television production, including sets, costumes, and props.
3. Art Director: Supervising the artistic aspects of a film, television, theater, or event production, ensuring that the visual elements align with the director’s vision.
4. Scenic Artist: Specializing in painting and texturing sets to create realistic or stylized environments.
5. Model Maker: Creating detailed scale models of set designs for use in planning and presentations.
6. Lighting Designer: Designing the lighting setup for theater productions, film sets, and events to enhance the mood and visual impact.
7. Exhibit Designer: Designing exhibits for museums, galleries, and trade shows, creating engaging and educational displays.
8. Event Designer: Planning and designing the layout and visual elements of events, including corporate events, weddings, and parties.
9. Theme Park Designer: Creating themed environments for amusement parks, including rides, attractions, and scenic elements.
10. Retail Space Designer: Designing commercial spaces and store layouts to improve customer experience and support brand identity.

Summary

The Set (Scenic) Design course offers substantial value by equipping students with a broad range of skills applicable to various creative industries. The course's comprehensive approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared for numerous job opportunities in set design, production design, art direction, and beyond. This makes the course an excellent choice for individuals seeking a creative and rewarding career in visual storytelling and environmental design.

Course Outline: Set (Scenic) Design Program (32 Hours)

Week 1: Introduction to Set Design

• Session 1:
• Objective: Understand the basics and history of set design.
• Activities:
• Lecture: History and evolution of set design from ancient theaters to modern stages.
• Discussion: Key elements and principles of set design (e.g., balance, unity, contrast).
• Examples: Analysis of iconic set designs from plays, movies, and TV shows (e.g., "Hamilton," "The Phantom of the Opera").
• Assignment: Write a 1-2 page essay on an iconic set design and its impact on the production.

Week 2: Basics of Design and Composition

• Session 2:
• Objective: Learn fundamental design principles.
• Activities:
• Lecture: Principles of design (e.g., line, shape, form, texture, color, space).
• Workshop: Color theory and lighting basics.
• Examples: Analyzing famous set designs for space, scale, and proportion (e.g., "The Great Gatsby" movie sets).
• Assignment: Create a color palette and lighting plan for a given set design brief.

Week 3: Research and Concept Development

• Session 3:
• Objective: Develop research and conceptualization skills.
• Activities:
• Lecture: Research techniques (e.g., historical context, thematic research).
• Workshop: Developing a design concept; creating mood boards and concept sketches.
• Examples: Case studies of conceptual design processes (e.g., "Les Misérables" stage design).
• Assignment: Develop a mood board and concept sketches for a chosen play or scene.

Week 4: Drafting and Technical Drawing

• Session 4:
• Objective: Master technical drawing skills.
• Activities:
• Lecture: Introduction to drafting tools and techniques.
• Workshop: Creating floor plans and elevations; understanding technical drawings.
• Examples: Reviewing technical drawings from professional set designs.
• Assignment: Draft a floor plan and elevation for a simple set design.

Week 5: Model Making

• Session 5:
• Objective: Learn model-making techniques.
• Activities:
• Lecture: Introduction to model-making materials and tools.
• Workshop: Techniques for building scale models.
• Examples: Examining professional set design models (e.g., models from Broadway productions).
• Hands-on Workshop: Using wood, paper, and glue to create basic set elements like walls and platforms.
• Assignment: Create a scale model of a set design from your drafted plans.

Week 6: Set Construction and Materials

• Session 6:
• Objective: Understand set construction methods.
• Activities:
• Lecture: Overview of set construction methods; types of materials used.
• Workshop: Techniques for constructing durable sets; safety considerations.
• Examples: Exploring construction methods used in famous productions (e.g., "Game of Thrones" sets).
• Hands-on Workshop: Building small set pieces with wood and other materials, focusing on durability and stability.
• Assignment: Create a materials list and construction plan for your set design.

Week 7: Scenic Painting and Texturing

• Session 7:
• Objective: Develop scenic painting skills.
• Activities:
• Lecture: Basics of scenic painting and texturing techniques.
• Workshop: Techniques for creating realistic effects using paint.
• Examples: Scenic painting techniques used in various productions (e.g., murals, backdrops).
• Hands-on Workshop: Painting and texturing parts of the set, such as creating stone and wood textures.
• Assignment: Paint a small section of your set model using scenic painting techniques.

Week 8: Creating Backgrounds and Foregrounds

• Session 8:
• Objective: Enhance set design with backgrounds and foregrounds.
• Activities:
• Lecture: Importance of backgrounds and foregrounds in set design.
• Workshop: Techniques for creating realistic backgrounds (e.g., skies, landscapes) and foreground elements (e.g., trees, stones).
• Examples: Background and foreground designs in famous productions (e.g., "The Lord of the Rings" movie sets).
• Hands-on Workshop: Creating backgrounds and foreground elements using paper, paint, and other materials.
• Assignment: Design and build a background and foreground for your set model.

Week 9: Lighting Design

• Session 9:
• Objective: Learn lighting design principles.
• Activities:
• Lecture: Principles of lighting design; types of lighting equipment.
• Workshop: Techniques for lighting different types of sets.
• Examples: Lighting design in different productions (e.g., "Chicago" the musical).
• Hands-on Workshop: Experimenting with different lighting setups and their effects on the set.
• Assignment: Create a lighting plan for your set design, including light placement and types.

Week 10: Final Project Development

• Session 10:
• Objective: Develop and refine final projects.
• Activities:
• Workshop: Developing the final project concept; creating detailed plans and models.
• Individual Feedback: One-on-one sessions with the instructor for personalized feedback.
• Preparation: Preparing for the final presentation.
• Assignment: Finalize all elements of your set design project (plans, models, lighting, etc.).

Week 11: Final Presentations and Course Wrap-Up

• Session 11:
• Objective: Present final projects and reflect on learning.
• Activities:
• Presentations: Students present their final projects.
• Feedback: Peer and instructor feedback on presentations.
• Discussion: Course reflections; discussion on next steps and further learning resources.
• Assignment: Reflective essay on what was learned during the course and future goals in set design.

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