Scenic Design

A post by Jenna Wilcox, PAA Artistic Director.

Have you ever been to a show and been drawn into the world of the play right away? You walk in, sit down and feel as if you have arrived at a different time or place? A great scenic design can help the audience suspend their disbelief and engage with the story. The beginnings of a great scenic design always lies in the script. Each word or turn of phrase can add to the interest and connect the location to the story.

Using those early buds of design, a scenic designer might then meet with the director to better understand the big picture of the particular production. Sketches are drawn and models are made. With consulting the budget and actual stage space a designer can have a terrific plan that will engage the audience and enhance the actor’s performance.

It takes many hours of planning and many more of work and effort from a lot of different people to bring that design to life and, when done correctly, a beautifully integrated production blooms to life.