Theatre Set Design and Scenography Services
James Cunningham and Keren Tattor perform in JUTRO
Activate Space offers the following set design and scenography services :
- Set design and art direction services for live performance, film and television projects.
- Costume design and construction.
- Sourcing and replication of historical clothing and objects.
- Prop sourcing and making.
- Research services to develop the visual content for live performance, film and television projects.
What is scenography?
“Hey everyone, look here!”
Scenography is the careful manipulation of what you want an audience to see, hear, feel and understand, using lighting, sound, set, object and costume design.
It is concerned with all of the visual aspects of telling a story.
It is the process of establishing a mood and atmosphere for storytelling purposes.
5 things that are unique about designing for live performance :
1.
If you are designing for theatre, you are guaranteed to be given a small budget. I don’t like them, but over the years these small budgets have forced me to get creative with what I can re-purpose from theatre workshop stores, charity shops and junk yards. Time and again I have found incredible items in second hand shops, allowing me to come in on budget and ensuring that performers don’t have to go on stage in their rehearsal trackie daks!
2.
Worlds on stage are dynamic. They move! Visual elements can be revealed or concealed, and need to be cleverly designed to move, change and transform quickly and efficiently, understanding that the audience enjoys watching the magic of these transformations.
3.
The theatrical landscape is metaphorical. It reflects all of the thoughts and attitudes of the characters that inhabit it, as well as those of the audience that are watching. A suitcase is not just a suitcase! A coat is not just a coat! These everyday objects, used on stage, become metaphors to help advance the meanings of the story.
4.
Less is more! Scenography is about distilling visual elements down to the most important ingredients. For a street scene maybe all you need is the lamp post!
5.
Exaggeration is important – things on stage can be delicately large or superbly small. Playing with scale results in moments that are visually surprising and enjoyable for the audience.
About Lisa
Lisa obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Art (with Honours) from Wits University in 1994, where she majored in performance studies and theatre design. After graduating she worked as a scenographer creating the visual spaces for numerous live performance pieces and television programmes. From 1997 to 2002 she designed productions for The National School of the Arts and was the resident designer for The Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative. In 2002 she received an FNB Vita Award for Best Costume Design for the production of SEZAR. In 2008 she won the coveted Naledi Theatre Award for Best Set Design for the production of JUTRO. In 2006 she established and began working as Activate Space and extended her design practice to include the supply of interior and narrative design services. She looks forward to working with you and will gather and co-ordinate the right team of specialists to activate your scenographic space.
Click here to read more about how Lisa applies her theatre design training in her narrative design work for buildings and architectural projects….
