In the Design and Production studies program, the educational approach eventually enables the student to perceive, visualize, and realize practical theatrical designs. Contact with and control of the individual, creative, and expressive instinct is the intent of the study. The many and varied performing arts programs at Interlochen provide the student in Design and Production the opportunity for hands-on experience in the art and techniques of production. In addition to their focused work in Theatre Arts productions, Design and Production students occasionally work with Motion Picture Arts, Dance, Music and Comparative Arts divisions as well, thus enhancing and broadening their design and production experiences. Imaginative problem solving, management of time and energy, proficiency of skills - in short, the practical disciplines and tools necessary for the effective realization of a creative vision will be studied and practiced. As the student progresses, he/she may choose to concentrate more fully on specific areas and become directly involved in creative production responsibilities. Upper level students may serve as both assistants to the resident and guest Design and Production faculty and/or as designers/technicians themselves with faculty supervision.
Students in Theatre Arts at Interlochen are encouraged to take classes in both Performance and Design and Production areas to enhance their total understanding and experience of the dramatic art, and to study musical theatre as their interest dictates.
Course Descriptions
Elements of Production
This course is designed to introduce theatrically inclined students to the basics of stagecraft including set design, scene painting, scene construction, properties, lighting, sound, costuming, and stage makeup. The class will be divided up into sections and will be team-taught.
Text/materials needed:
- Handouts
- Make-up kit (to be purchased at Interlochen)
- Loose fitting work clothing or coveralls and closed toe shoes.
- All of these items should be stored in a provided locker
Fundamentals of Design
This course covers design principles for the entertainment world with an emphasis on theatrical design. Drawing and drafting are introduced as the basics of theatrical design.
Text/Materials Needed:
- Design Process and Areas of Design: Theatrical
- Design and Production, by J. Michael Gillette
- Czech Theatre Design in the Twentieth Century:
- Metaphor and Irony Revisited, by Joseph Brandesky
- Aristotle's Poetics, translation by Apostle, Dobbs, and Parslow
- Drafting for the Theatre, by Professor Dennis Dorn and Mark Shanda (optional)
- Frantisek Troster: Artist of Light and Space: course packet. (provided by instructor)
- Backstage Handbook by Paul Carter (optional)
- Sketchbook and drawing supplies
- Painting Supplies
- Drafting supplies Designers Art Box
Independent Studies / Technical Theatre Apprenticeships
Prerequisite: Elements of Production, Fundamentals of Design or by Instructor permission
- Scenic Design
- Lighting Design
- Costume Design
- Sound Design
- Properties Design
- Stage Management
Independent studies will be organized and graded by the Design and Production faculty.
Apprenticeships may incorporate tests and approaches described in those design courses listed above.