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The set designer is, somewhat paradoxically, responsible for designing the set for a production. The design should be based on the director's vision and must conform to all fire/safety regulations. The set designer is also responsible for any artistic decisions made about the set, for example like choosing paint colors with the Scenic Painter.
Set designer is a BIG JOBrather front-loaded prod staff positions. Take this into account when figuring out your commitments for this semester.
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The Ensemble usually performs term shows in La Sala de Puerto Rico and summer shows in Little Kresge. Digital models of both places exist - for Sala go to http://web.mit.edu.ezproxyberklee.flo.org/aff/www/mitspaces/sala/ for KLT go to http://web.mit.edu.ezproxyberklee.flo.org/aff/www/mitspaces/klt/. A quick note, apparently the pipe between 8V and 9V in Sala mysteriously isn't there.
It is important to go look at the production space and see what can be utilized. In Sala, the most important initial decision is how to orient the space. Be mindful if you want to use the kitchen doors as entrances or if you want to use SpaceDock. When designing in Sala, you'll also decide how the audience will be laid out- galley vs. traditional seating, number of chairs, etc. Make sure the path from the audience entrance (large double doors) to the seats is straightforward and is large enough for a large flow of people (in case of fire).
What's Involved in Designing a Set
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The final set design should be in a digital format. The final set design should be approved by the TD and director if possible before it is presented to the production staff and should be as detailed as possible. It should include sight lines, the spaces that any moving objects (such as a door) will pass through, and anything other information that could possibly be useful. The design should also conform to all fire/safety regulations.
Make sure you and TD communicate often and are on the same page about ambiguous/shared responsibilities. Give the TD a final, complete list of set pieces so that they can run builds efficiently and instruct carpenters and actors well.
Once the final set design has been presented at a prod meeting, it should be sent out to the show list and posted to the show dropbox/other public storage option. All future updates should also be sent out and uploaded.
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While the meeting with CAC is primarily the TD's responsibility, the set designer should attend if possible on the off chance the set needs to be changed. See the TD page for more information.
During
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Tech Week
During prod tech week you should be available to the TD as much as possible. While your job is mostly done once the paint is purchased and the set is finalized, it's important to remember that you should be present if the TD has questions about the layout (and no matter how much the two of you prepare, questions will always come up). You should also be wedded to your design, which means you should be invested in seeing it executed well. Remember that all the actors and the TD are at least as hosed as you are during prod tech week and plan to help accordingly. If you aren't present and the set doesn't come out the way you like it, it's on you. If you are present and the set is screwed up, hopefully you can notice and fix the problems before they become too permanent, or better yet, prevent them in the first place.