Chapter 4Working with Text
In most cases, the designer’s work begins with the text. There are exceptions to this, of course, such as designing dance in which the music and/or the choreographer’s ideas take the place of text, or works that are developed in rehearsal and no preexisting text is used. Typically, however, after being hired to design a production, the designer will sit down with a play script that will be the spine for all his work on the project.
The study of the script is not easy. It takes time and care. The first part of the actor’s rehearsal process is usually a period of “table work” in which the cast and director study the script in detail before the actors get on their feet. A similar period must be a part of the designer’s ...
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