Approaches to scenery and practice for the amateur stage: a framework for entry into contemporary production design practice

The purpose of this thesis is to document and analyse the set design process for the production of Much Ado about Nothing; The Merchant of Venice; and Romeo & Juliet, as presented by The Crescent Theatre. The aim is to highlight amateur theatre as a valuable portal for entry into contemporary production design practice. A key objective is to further, understand, from an established professional perspective, future challenges for contemporary set design practice in theatre. Structured using iterative cycles of action and reflection, this thesis redefines the role of the designer in a unique research setting. Documentation includes visual research imagery which contributes to the intellectual design of each production; draftings including: ground plans and elevations communicating to the production team the look of each scenic element; and archival production photographs to Visually communicate the completed final designs. First-hand interview material articulates an embedded tacit knowledge, establishing a better understanding of contemporary practice fiom a broader context of amateur and professional voices. Simply designed questionnaires further examine the impact of current set design practice, generating a representative image of audience engagement in a relatively short time span.