CHAPTER 3

Two Key Elements of Any Design

As we work to understand the nature of theatre design, it is important to comprehend that designs are expressions of ideas. Therefore, a design has two components that we should consider separately: the Design Idea and the Expression of the Design Idea.

THE DESIGN IDEA

The design idea is the seed that the design crystalizes around, the nature of the world of the play. Some design ideas are also visual metaphors. Most importantly, the design idea becomes the unifying tool, driving the designer’s choices. The design idea is inspired by the director’s thoughts on the play, if not overtly supplied by the director.

Some people prefer to use terms like concept ...

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