Reflection
For Mr.LeClair’s Tech Theater 10 class, we were assigned to read the script to A.A. Milne's The Ugly Duckling. We were then asked to complete double entry journals that included set pieces that were mentioned such as doors, windows, furniture, and things we believed would fit well into the set. After completing our double entries, we moved on to Phase 2 “Concept Drawings”, where we would decide on a theme we would like to use and then create two rough sketches of what the set would look like(with measurements). After successfully completing Phase 2, the class moved on to Phase 3 where we were then assigned to make an Ariel and Front View of the set. After all of our sketches and measurements were completed we were able to then generate a 3D model of our set using SketchUp8.
During this entire project I had many strengths and weaknesses. Some of my strengths included brainstorming different sets I would like to use for the project, and then actually creating a set and making it come to life with design and creativity! I was much opened minded to all different kinds of sets I had in mind. The set I chose to create was a typical medieval castle thrown room, with stained glass windows and three elegant thrown chairs. I did very well with designing, because I have a creative mind and pay close attention to detail, and can picture an entire set in my head before I even sketch it down on paper.
Also during this project I had many weaknesses, which included sketching an Ariel and Front view, and making sure that everything was measured correctly. I had difficulty creating an Ariel view especially because I was not familiar with what an Ariel view should look like, therefore it was more difficult to picture in my mind what it was going to look like once I sketched it on paper. Although I had to re-due many sketches and measurements, I finally was able to make a final copy which was correct with all the right measurements. Besides having problems designing my set on paper, I also had a lot of difficulty using SketchUp8. It took me a while to finally understand how to use all of the tools, but once I was capable of locating all of the tools and understanding their purposes, I was able to successfully use them to create my scene on SketchUp8.
This project has helped me to get closer to my artistic goal in many ways. One is that it helped teach me how to design a set using both paper and technology. This project has taught me how uses the 1/4th inch scales to properly measure a set on paper. By learning how to measure and design sets, I will be able to create a set of my own that I could use in a skit of play in the future. This project helped me to learn more about the art of theater, not through acting but set building, which will help me later on when I help do tech for performances. Even if I am not designing the set, I will be able to read the set designers sketches to help me build and construct a set on my own.