The purpose of set design
The set helps show where and when the story of a play takes place, while also conveying meaning to the audience.
Conveying setting
The most essential aspect of set design is to show the audience where the action takes place, which might be as general as a country or as specific as a room within a house.
Conveying period
As well as conveying the setting, the set design should suggest the A specific time in history. of the play. For example, a play set in a living room in the 1970s could feature yellow and browns within the patterned walls and floors and large retro furniture associated with the era.
Communicating themes or symbols
The set design can also communicate abstract concepts, such as Central, unifying idea(s) that run through a text. and A person, object or idea that represents something else.. As an example, a design could include a large, dead tree to suggest the themes of death and decay.
Interacting with other design elements
Set is one aspect of a show’s visual How something looks. and it needs to line up with the other design elements, eg costume design and lighting design, to create a cohesive overall style.
Supporting style of production
Set design is also important in supporting the style of the production. For example, a play in a A form of theatre designed to create the illusion of reality for an audience. Originated in the late 19th century. style would aim to create the impression of reality through realistic-looking An item handled by performers during a production. and set items. A play performed in a To minimise the use of set, props, costume etc in a production. style would use just a few, simple props to represent a setting, such as a large, suspended window frame to suggest the performer is standing inside a grand manor house.