Reflecting on design

It was decided very early on in the process that design would be a more organic process. Once we had a look at the space it became clear that any design would have to be minimal and use of the digital projector would be essential. This was also a consideration because we knew we would have to move and transport our goods from Burwood to Geelong. Our first design idea was to use milk crates and we planned on using them for as many things as possible, this included riding them in the horse racing scene, sit and stand on them. This never eventuated as it became apparent further in the process that they weren’t necessary and even burdensome. It floated in and out of discussion from time to time and then a basic slide slow presentation was thrown together some weeks before. This presentation was edited and re-edited over the course of the following weeks and became our central design element. Eventually we added sound, animation and colour. This was organic and it grew and developed as people had ideas and tried them out. It looked poor and cheesy but that’s what we were going for. The props and items of costume that we used were generally just an agreement between the ensemble about what would be necessary to convey our message. We tried to keep these as minimal as possible but reflecting now I wonder if all were necessary?

Considering that my next project will involve touring at least two different schools the space will also be different from school to school. Therefore any design will have to be easily transportable. This therefore has me concluding that it would also be optimum for the design to be minimal with a few key and specific pieces that contribute to the performance on a design level. Questions about the capabilities of using media, sound and lighting are also present in my mind at this time. The last few touring TiE or TFY performances I have seen did not really utilise media, sound and lightening. These I would argue were all excellent and didn’t require these extra production values; not to say with them the show could have been enhanced but that they stood on their own competently without them. Depending on the show this should more than likely be the case for all theatre. I guess the point is will add to or distract from what I want to say.