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 BA in Dramatic Art (with Honours) from Wits University in 1994, majoring in performance studies and theatre design. Since graduating she has worn many design hats and helped to create the visual spaces for numerous live performance pieces and television programmes. She has designed sets, props and costumes for productions at The Windybrow Theatre, The Dance Factory, The Wits Theatre, The Joburg Civic Theatre, The National Children’s Theatre and The Market Theatre. Most notably she was the resident designer for The Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative (1997 to 2002) and the art department co-ordinator on Sewende Laan (2002 to 2004). She has worked in varying design roles on 10 seasons of Takalani Sesame (1999 to present). And she was the lead interior and narrative designer at Activate Architecture (2004 to 2017).
Her work as a scenographer has earned her a few nominations and awards – 1 Naledi Nomination (2022, for the team who produced The Red Balloon, Best Children’s Production), 1 Naledi Award (2008, Jutro, Best Set Design), and 2 FNB Vita Awards (2002, Sezar, Best Costume Design and 2001, The Double Room, awarded to The Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative for Best New Production).
In 2006 Lisa 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….
