Scenography - The Theatre Design Website

Model-making Book Competition

Office — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:29:24 +0000

Win a copy of David Neat’s book ‘Model-making: materials and methods’ courtesy of The Crowood Press.

Model-making, Materials and Methods

Following on from David Neat’s article on model-making we’re launching a competition for Scenography account members. Entry is simple: publish a blog post about any aspect of model-making: Anything from a practical tip, thoughts, painting technique, model-making method, a favoured tool or even a photo post about a model you have built. And you’ll be in the running for a free full colour hard cover copy of David Neat’s book ‘Model-making: materials and methods’ courtesy of The Crowood Press.

First Place Prize: A hard cover copy of ‘Model-making: materials and methods’ and 5 Sceno:graphy upgrade credits
Two runners up will win 5 Sceno:graphy upgrade credits.

Rules:

Open to Sceno:grapy Portfolio members only
Create and publish a blog post in your Sceno:graphy account about any aspect of model making
Include a link back to David’s article
Posts must be published no later than 24:00 (GMT) 20th August 2009
Posts must include some text. If you’re posting photos please describe them.

Things to think about:
Images are always good to describe process or illustrate and example/tool/method.

Closing Date: 20th August

Winners Announced: August 27th

Terms and Conditions:
Open to current Sceno:graphy Portfolio Members only. Judges decision is final. No monetary equivalent may be offered in place of advertised prizes. We reserve the right to change prizes listed for alternative prizes of differing value. We reserve the right to postpone the announcement of winners and to change the closing date.

RSC Apprenticeships

Office — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:21:18 +0000

The Royal Shakespeare Company is looking for three apprentices to join its theatre crafts workshops in Stratford-upon-Avon, where the sets and props for its plays are made.

The new RSC Craft Apprenticeship Scheme will offer training in three separate areas - Property Workshop (prop making), Scenic Art (paintshop skills) and Scenic Workshop (set construction).

Aimed primarily at school leavers, or people without formal qualifications, successful applicants will begin a full time three year apprenticeship in September 2009. They will learn ‘on the job’, attend external training courses, and a mentor within their department will provide support and guidance throughout the programme.

Apprentices will be working on a huge range of RSC productions, seen by over 500,000 people each year all over the country and across the world. The work of the Paintshop can include ageing chandeliers by a few hundred years, creating a brick foam wall, or painting a backdrop to look like the English countryside. Set construction might involve building a panelled ball room, a full size oak tree or a grassy bank. And a severed head, a cow pat and a dead ferret are just some of the items recently made by the RSC’s prop making team.

Each apprentice will receive a salary of £14,000, plus funding for all training and development, and financial support towards travel and accommodation arrangements.

Further details about each apprenticeship, minimum requirements and application forms, can be found at www.rsc.org.uk/apprenticeships or are available on request from Jessica Heys in the RSC’s HR department on 01789 272534 or jessica.heys@rsc.org.uk. Details of other theatre careers opportunities with the RSC are available at www.rsc.org.uk/jobs

The deadline for applications is 26 June 2009, with interviews taking place in Stratford on 15 and 16 July 2009.

V&A Intern Programme

Office — Fri, 22 May 2009 11:05:56 +0000

The V&A Department of Theatre and Performance is constantly looking for
new ways to connect our growing collections with the public. Our new
permanent galleries opened at the V&A in March 2009, and we have an
active programme of developing special exhibitions, increasing web
content, and exploiting the National Video Archive of Performance -
which now contains recordings of over 200 theatre productions.

The department has always had interns contributing to its work. We
have two internship programmes per year, each of six-months: 1.
September to February and 2. March to August. Each of these programmes
has an intake of 6 interns. As well as allowing interns to work
together, this also means that greater training and support can be
given. This programme is separate from volunteers/interns who wish to
work directly with the collections and curatorial staff.

Many graduate students find it difficult to secure job interviews in
the cultural sector without demonstrable work experience. Although
unfortunately there is no financial support available, internships
should help talented individuals by offering the opportunity of
contributing to real projects in one of the UK’s flagship cultural
institutions.

For graduates with an interest in the department’s subject matter,
applications are now open for the programme running from September 2009
to February 2010 (inclusive). The deadline for applications is
Wednesday 17th June 2009 and we aim to notify applicants by the 15th
July 2009. Interviews will be held on Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd
July 2009. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to telephone on 0207 942 2791.

OISTAT Scenography Summer Academy

Office — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:50:20 +0000

A summer Academy for students and professionals, but also tutors teaching within the field of set Design, Event- and Exhibition Design. Organised by OISTAT and Mozarteum Salzburg. Full details below:

Topic

During the Baroque Period architecture and the performing Arts formed a whole inseparable entity. The aristocracy instructed the great architects of the time to create spaces, which acted as a platform for theatre and other forms of amusement. The concept of these spaces would encompass the forthcoming events and thus influence the production positively.

Over the centuries -like in so many other fieldsspecialisation took place. Architects from then on planned spaces and set or stage designers use and work these spaces.

This development will not change, but what can well be enhanced is the dialogue between these specialized professions of stage designers and architects.

The aim of the academy is to bring together respective viewpoints and experience regarding new spaces for the performing arts.

Who can apply?

The academy is aimed towards students and professionals, but also tutors teaching within the field of set Design, Event- and Exhibition Design.

Organizer:

The summer academy of scenography and architecture is co-organised by the Mozarteum Salzburg and OISTAT:

The university of Mozarteum Salzburg offers students apart from education in various areas of music, the art of singing and acting a class for stage – and

costume design, film, exhibition design and architecture with a certified degree by completion.

The summer academy program is co-organised by the international organisation for Szenographie, theatrical architecture and theatrical technology (OISTAT).

OISTAT and the architect‘s commission try to relay the very special demands of theatrical architecture to architects who, are confronted with the task of design and construction of these buildings serving a special purpose for the performing arts.

Every 4 years OISTAT offers students from every part of the world to take part in a competition. The last competition was in 2007. The Year for the next competition is set for 2011.

OISTATS major concern is to develop and fortify knowledge regarding theatre and all the issues related to it.

For more information about Summer Academy 2009, please visit the website at:

http://www.moz.ac.at/english/soak/

Design Direct

Office — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:45:04 +0000

Design Direct is Tamasha’s pioneering training initiative for eight emerging British Asian designers and directors who are keen to pursue a career in theatre.

Led by Tamasha’s Artistic Director, Kristine Landon-Smith and designer Sue Mayes, and in association with The Circus Space and the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama, this two-week, full time course is based at The Circus Space’s studios in east London.

Design Direct aims to nurture the artistic individuality of its participants and equip them with the necessary professional skills through an intensive programme of workshops, seminars and individual mentoring.

Directors will work with Kristine to explore her unique actor-centred model of practice. Sue will offer designers tailored training that works with each participant’s particular strengths. All participants will explore the collaborative relationship between director and designer.

“I loved the challenge. I loved all of it. I loved the fact that I was pushed!”

Former participant

“To work with a company of professional actors was a marvellous opportunity”

Former participant

Additionally, participants will benefit from:

Professional actors to work with directors in developing scenes
Guest Lecturers, who will share their own approach to directing and design
Theatre trips to a selection of productions
Access to the facilities at The Circus Space, with materials provided
Platform discussion around the issues of the director - designer collaboration
Networking opportunities with an invited audience of industry guests at a presentation event at the end of the course
Membership of the Tamasha Developing Artists programme, giving you access to a range of training, networking and employment opportunities

“Not only has the training informed me how to approach an actor and direction, but it has also helped me gain recognition with other theatre companies”

Former participant

Free to take part

This full time course is offered free to successful applicants. You may also apply to receive a weekly allowance towards lost earnings, and participants from outside Greater London can also apply for assistance with relocation expenses.

How to apply

No formal qualifications are necessary to apply for this course.

Designer applicants will, however, have a design background and be able to demonstrate a strong visual sense and an interest in theatre.

Director applicants will have some experience or a strong interest in directing and be particularly keen on exploring how the director works with the actor.

All applicants must be of South Asian background. Sections 34 and 37 of the Race Relations Act 1976 apply to this initiative.

For an application pack, please contact Tamasha

on 020 7633 2270 or email admin@tamasha.org.uk.

Deadline for applications: Thursday 4 June at 12pm

Interviews will be held in London on Monday 15 June

Tamasha Developing Artists gratefully acknowledges financial support from The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust; The Snipe Charitable Trust; The Stanley Picker Trust; Awards for All (Lottery funder); and the Friends and Patrons of Tamasha.

Tamasha is supported by talkbackThames and is funded by Arts Council England and London Councils.

UK Schools - Design Exhibitions

Office — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:40:22 +0000

We’ve been sent the following information regarding Schools Theatre Design Exhibitions. Please note we cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information below. Please contact Schools/Colleges directly to confirm dates and venues.

Central School of Speech and Drama
Embassy Theatre
Eton Avenue
Swiss Cottage
NW3 3HY
UK

Celebratory Exhibition entitled ‘Making It’ will be held at Central School of Speech and Drama on Thursday July 2nd in the early evening. Students exhibiting will be 2nd and 3rd year Craft students ( Scenic Art, Scenic Construction, Prop making and Costume Construction)

RSAMD
100, Renfrew Street,
Glasgow, G2 3DB
0141 2708 256

Graduation Show June 2nd, 3rd, 4th 2009.

Edinburgh College of Art
The Sculpture Court, Edinburgh College of Art
Lauriston Place,
Edinburgh,
EH3 9DF
The Performance Costume degree show 13th June – 23rd June

Arts Institute at Bournemouth
Wallisdown
Poole
Dorset BH12 5HH
UK
Tel: + 44 (0)1202 363265

BA (Hons) Costume for the Screen and Stage
17th June - 25th June
Private View 6pm Thursday 18th June

London College of Fashion
20 John Princes St
London, W1G 0BJ
020 75147552

Graduate Exhibition as part of the Digital Showcase.
6th - 15th July.

Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design
10 Back Hill
London
EC1R 5EN

BA Theatre: Design for Performance Course at
Private View - 17th June @ 6.00pm to 10.00pm
Friends & Family - 20th June @ 12.00pm to 6.00pm
Open to The Public - 18th - 26th June @ 12.00pm to 8.00pm

Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
Bute Theatre
Castle Grounds
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3ER

Tel: +44 (0)29 2034 2854

Sunday 7 June from 10am – 4pm
Monday 8 – Friday 12 June from 10am – 8pm
Saturday 13 June from 10am – 4pm

Soho Theatre,London
Monday 22 June from 10am – 7pm
Tuesday 23 June from 10am – 2pm

School of Creative Arts,
Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT)
Kill Avenue
Dun Laoghaire
Co Dublin
Ireland.
P: +353 1 2144685
W: www.iadt.ie

Friday June 5th 2:00pm to 9:00 pm
Saturday June 6th 10:00am to 4:00 pm
Sunday June 7th Closed
Monday June 8th 10:00am to 4:00 pm
Tuesday June 9th 10:00am to 9:00 pm
Wednesday June 10th 10:00am to 9:00 pm
Thursday June 11th 10:00am to 4:00 pm

Jeroen van Eck

Office — Wed, 13 May 2009 10:10:53 +0000

It is our sad duty to report the passing of Dutch theatre designer Jeroen van Eck in November 2008. Jeroen was working on a conceptual design for Rigoletto as part of the 2008 Ring Awards when complications with appendicitis took his life at the young age of 28

Jeroen was a prolific designer with a distinctive and well practiced design style and ethos greatly influenced by architecture and space, needless to say were it not for his untimely passing he would have enjoyed a long and productive career. He graduated from the Utrecht School of the Arts in 2006.

Jeroen van Eck (Right) with Director Jim Lucassen

Jeroen was also a Scenography Portfolio member, the website team wish to express our sympathies to Jeroen’s family on behalf of all our members.

Jeroen’s design for Rigoletto directed by his friend and colleague Jim Lucassen opens on November 7th at the Theatre of Heidelberg in Germany www.theaterheidelberg.de

Student Theatre Designer Wins Playhouse Award

Office — Tue, 12 May 2009 10:36:06 +0000

A theatre design student from Nottingham Trent University will create a set for Nottingham Playhouse’s Christmas production of The Little Mermaid after winning a design competition.

Third year Chloe Smith, 22, took part in the Nottingham Playhouse Prize for Theatre Design 2009, which required students to design a set for ‘Nathan the Wise’ by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. The play is set during the time of the third crusade in twelfth century Palestine and is about understanding between the region’s three religions : Judaism, Islam and Christianity.

Chloe’s winning set reflects the notion that places of religious significance become appropriated over time by various religions. It features a broken up Islamic tiled floor disappearing into the sand, the remains of a large dome above and a Christian painting whitewashed over. Scaffolding also provides a platform for performances.

Chloe Smith with winning set design

Chloe said: “I carried out a very long research process with this set. I wanted to reflect how the conflict between these three religions has affected Jerusalem.”

For her prize Chloe will work with the director of Roundabout and Education at Nottingham Playhouse, Andrew Breakwell, to design the set for children’s production, The Little Mermaid.

Andrew Breakwell said: “It was a privilege and a pleasure to work with students on the ‘Nathan the Wise’ set and the standard of entries was very high. Chloe’s design was excellent and we’re all looking forward to working with her. I hope the process was a useful and enjoyable introduction to what that goes on when designer and director work together to create a production.”

Chloe added: “This is a great culmination of my time at Nottingham Trent University and a fantastic start to my career. It’s a chance for me to take what I’ve learnt and apply the artistic process to the world of work. Winning has given me a confidence boost and I’m very excited about having the opportunity to sit down with professionals to discuss my ideas.”

Nottingham Playhouse Prize for Theatre Design

This is the second year that Nottingham Trent University has collaborated with the Nottingham Playhouse on the Nottingham Playhouse Prize for Theatre Design. Last year’s winning student Parveen Ghir has since designed two schools productions with the Playhouse’s theatre-in-education department, Roundabout, and is currently working on a production of The Island adapted by Laura Lomas and to be directed by Susanah Tresilion. She will also design the Norwegian language version produced by Det Norske Teatret in Oslo part of a much bigger EC Project called ‘Young Europe’.

Augusto Boal Dies

Office — Sun, 03 May 2009 13:36:02 +0000

Brazilian theatre director and creator of “Theatre of the Oppressed” Augosto Boal passed away aged 78 on May 2nd from a respiratory failure following a long battle with leukemia.

Boal’s work came to the limelight during his time living in Paris in exile from his home in Brazil where he was seen as a threat to the the dictatorship ruling the country. Boal had previously been arrested and tortured by Brazilian authorities.

Summer Courses in Wales

Office — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:33:23 +0000

The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama is holding a number of short courses and summer schools, open to anyone of 16 and older, at its Cardiff campus. Each course is led by a recognised expert in the field.

Corsetry
With Jill Salen
July 20: 24 or July 27 - 31: duration: 5 days
Cost: £250 + VAT

Body casting/Mould making
With Rorie Brophy
July 20: 24 or July 27 - 31: duration: 5 days
Cost: £250 + VAT

The Essential Performance Space Theatre Design with Jean-Guy Lecat
August 10 - 17
Duration: 8 days
Cost: £500 + VAT

World famous theatre designer and theatre architecture consultant Jean Guy Lecat runs a course for young professionals and students from a range of disciplines. The workshop explores the dynamics of the audience/performer relationship, the essential simplicity of design and the collaborative ethos.