Publication in the Diário da República: Aviso n.º 23177/2023 de 30/11/2023
6 ECTS; 2º Ano, 1º Semestre, 20,0 T + 40,0 TP , Cód. 665911.
Lecturer
- Ana Rita de Sousa Gaspar Vieira (1)
- Raquel Gonçalves Monteiro (2)
(1) Docente Responsável
(2) Docente que lecciona
Prerequisites
N.A.
Objectives
- Understand the role of scenography as a dialogue between visual and performing arts, promoting interdisciplinary approaches.
- Develop conceptual thinking: interpretation of texts, research of references, creation of mood boards and coherent conceptual proposals.
- Acquire basic visual and spatial communication skills through simple and accessible resources (quick sketches, simple diagrams, simplified plans, and reading of provided drawings).
- Master basic construction processes and scenography materials, including safety and assembly.
- Integrate lighting, projection, and scenographic actions into joint proposals, with an understanding of budgets, project planning, and team management.
- Produce a physical or virtual model as a project sequence, preparing a technical and critical portfolio.
Program
1. Introduction to Set Design
The function of set design and its interdisciplinary role in the performing arts.
The definition and history of set design; the evolution of set design practice; differences between theater, film, television, and events; the role of the set designer in the creative team; scene analysis focusing on the relationship between space, light, and action; presentation and discussion of iconic case studies.
2. Creative Process and Concept Development
The translation of a textual narrative into visual and spatial concepts.
Reading and analyzing scripts; methodologies for searching for visual and contextual references; creating mood boards; brainstorming techniques and developing a coherent conceptual proposal.
3. Simplified Visual Representation
Communicating set design ideas clearly and effectively, without the use of advanced technical drawing.
The interpretation and use of simplified plans; creation of basic layout schemes (symbols, arrows, colors); use of visual resources (photographs, collages) in communicating ideas; basic notions of spatial notation; Use of templates.
4. Materials, Techniques, and Construction
The elementary materials, tools, and techniques of set design construction.
Properties and uses of traditional and contemporary materials; introduction to basic scenic painting techniques; fundamental notions of scenic carpentry and metalwork; safety standards in workshops and studios.
5. Lighting and Integration of Scenic Elements
The integration of lighting with other scenic elements.
The fundamental interaction between light and scenery; introduction to projections and videomapping; notion of mobile and mechanized scenic elements.
6. Budgeting and Project Management
Basic skills for planning, budgeting, and managing scenographic projects.
The preparation of budgets; creation of schedules and production plans; coordination and communication with technical teams; strategies for adapting to budgetary and logistical constraints.
7. Scenography for Different Media
The adaptation of scenographic concepts and techniques to the specificities of various media.
Conceptual and technical specifics for theater, film, television, and events; notions of continuity (film/TV); the relationship with the audience (theater/events); practical requirements for studio and set.
8. Final Project and Portfolio
Skills for developing an integrated project and its professional presentation.
Development of a project, from concept to final proposal (including drawings, model, and budget); oral and written presentation techniques; organization and formatting of a physical or digital portfolio.
Evaluation Methodology
- Continuous assessment is based on practical exercises proposed throughout the semester: a set of partial assignments (mood board, conceptual proposal, budget, basic lighting plan, creative process, and concept development), leading to the completion of a final project and portfolio. (80%);
- Participation and Attendance: Contribution to teamwork, attendance, and commitment to the creative process. (20%);
- Students with a grade of 10 or higher are exempt from the exam;
- In the case of an exam, the following will be considered: attendance and participation in classes (20%) and the same theoretical-practical assignments requested in the context of continuous assessment (80%);
The indicated assessment also applies to Erasmus students.
The assessment of Working Students results from the following weighting: Monitored autonomous work (20%) + Exercises (80%);
Working Students should contact the professor during the first two weeks of class to learn about their assessment method.
During the Special Period, the rules defined in the Examination Assessment apply.
The student obtains approval for the course unit, in accordance with the provisions of Points 11 and 12 of Article 11 of the IPT Academic Regulations.
Bibliography
- Bablet, D. (1961). Le décor de théâtre. Paris: CNRS
- Balona, A. (2025). Dança Fora de Si. Porto: Dafne Editora
- Banu, G. (1989). Yannis Kokkos, Le Scenographe et le Héron. Paris: Actes Sud
- Barthelmes, C. e Oudsten, F. (2011). Scenography / Szenographie. Stuttgart: Atelier Bruckner
- Boucris, L. (1993). L'Espace en Scène. Paris: Ed.Librairie Théâtrale
- Brook, P. (2008). O espaço vazio. Lisboa: Orfeu Negro
- Castanheira, J. (2023). Castanheira Cenografia Stage Design. Lisboa: Caleidoscópio
- Emmanuel, E. (2024). Es Devlin: Sketching Spectacles. Alchemy of stage design. Italy: Torrazza Piemonte
- Haines-Cooke, S. (2009). Frederick Kiesler: Lost in History. Newcastle upon Tyne: Cambridge scholars publishing
- Howard, P. (2009). What is scenography?. London/New York: Routledge
- Kluser, B. e Hegewisch, K. (1998). L'Art de l'exposition. Paris: Editions du regard
- Machado, C. (1993). José Manuel Castanheira, Scénographies 1973-1993. Paris: Centre Georges Pompidou
- Pilbrow, R. (2008). Stage Lighting Design - The Art, The Craft, The Life. London: Design Press
- Silva, J. (2023). Cristina Reis. Lisboa: Imprensa Nacional
Teaching Method
Theoretical and practical classes with analysis of reference projects and development of personal projects with continuous tutorial guidance.
Software used in class
N.A.
