Design Concept

What is a concept?
“An idea of something formed by mentally combining all its characteristics or particulars;
a construct; an abstract idea or notion; a general idea derived or inferred from specific
instances or occurrences; a scheme; a plan.”
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary. Merriam-Webster, Inc. 19 Apr. 2007.
<Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/concept>.

“A concept is an abstract idea or a mental symbol that denotes all of the objects in a given
category of entities, interactions, phenomena, or relationships between them. Concepts
are also the basic elements of propositions, much the same way a word is the basic
element of a sentence. Concepts are extremely useful for the development of science. It
would be difficult to imagine science without concepts like: energy, force, acceleration,
time, or gravity.” Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Definition

In the world of theatre a design concept is basically how to present a play to the audience.
The concept is the part of the design process where you develop the idea of what you
want the audience to see, hear, feel and sense as they watch the production. It is based on
visual images and how those images enhance mood and create atmosphere. The purpose
of the concept is to communicate the author’s message, theme, and intent.

How to create a Concept?

1. Read the play. Analyze it and decide on the theme, message, and intent.
2. Make note of visual images, mood, etc. contained in the play. Start by making a list of
words that describe the play to you both physically and emotionally.
3. Research the time, place, setting, historical background, social context, etc. of the
play. As you research, be sure to collect sample images that match the ideas you listed in
step 2.
4. Edit your responses and research to make sure that your ideas and images support the
theme. It is very important that all theatrical elements are unified. When ever you need
more information you must go back and do more research and possibly read the play
again.
5. Write your Concept Paper.
 Concept Paper

The Concept Paper is an analysis of a play and must consist of the following:

1. Author’s Intent or Theme: A statement of the philosophy or universal truth

about life. It may not be stated out right in the play, but it may be revealed
through observations made by various characters throughout the play. This is a
one paragraph minimum which explains the theme or central idea of the play.
2. Visual Imagery: As you read the play try to see the play being performed. Look
for images that communicate emotions or support the theme. Many designers and
directors call this the metaphor for the play. Others prefer to describe motifs for
the design. These images usually connect to key moments in the action of the
play. They will create atmosphere and enhance mood. They will have a
relationship with lighting and movement or the lack of movement. This is a one
paragraph minimum which describes the images or visual effects.
3. Point of View: This paragraph becomes your justification for your artistic choices.
It is an explanation of your reasons for selecting the images and the theme. It is
the “why” behind your design choices. It tells how your design reinforces the
theme or how it relates to the author’s intent.
4. Execution: This paragraph explains how your design will be implemented or
executed. It includes specific methods and examples. It should tell anyone reading
it how to take your design and build the set or hang the lights. Try to
communicate in terms of qualities such as “angles, color, intensity, movement,
direction, dimension, line, balance, mass, physical form, texture, contrast,
variation, composition, proportion, etc.
5. Style and Form: This paragraph discusses the preferred style of the design. It
answers the question, “Whose eyes” is the audience seeing the world of the play
through. It establishes the degree of reality in the visual images as well as
communicates time, place, characterization, action, etc.

*NOTE*
This will require research as you “search” for a concept. The search begins with
reading the play several times. The search should be influenced by your personal taste,
background, experience, etc. Be willing to explore many art forms and mediums.
Visit art galleries, libraries, historic buildings, and architecturally interesting
buildings as well as theatrical events and concerts in a variety of venues. Find ways to
soak up atmosphere, mood, etc. as you observe form, line balance, mass, color,
texture, movement, etc. You can do a lot of this research online!! You can also look
at lots of set and light designers’ portfolios online.

You must be prepared to present your Concept Paper and designs to the class. Your
presentation should include samples of images and motifs as well as the color,
textures, forms, etc. These samples may be drawings, models, clippings, collages, etc.
Your presentation should also include all your drawings and plots for your designs for
Scenery, Lights, Sound, Costumes, and Makeup