Scenic Design
Create the world of a play or musical by designing a theatrical environment that supports the story and performers.
At a Glance
Participants: 1 student
Presentation: 5 to 8 minutes
Q&A: Up to 4 minutes
Project: Realized or theoretical
Work: Individual student design
What You'll Prepare
Create a scenic design for a published play or musical.
Your design may represent one or multiple locations and may be based on a production that was actually produced or created as a theoretical design project.
During your presentation, explain how you developed the world of the production and how your design supports the story.
Required Materials
Bring:
A physical or digital model, rendering, or other clear visualization of your scenic design
A brief design concept or statement
Research and inspiration
A ground plan or overhead layout
Preliminary sketches or other evidence of your design process
Materials may be presented physically or digitally.
Optional Materials
You may bring additional materials that help explain your design, such as:
Production photographs
Additional renderings
Material samples
Additional research
Drafting
Photo boards
Other relevant visual aids
What to Discuss
Be prepared to explain:
Your overall scenic concept
How research influenced your design
How the scenery supports the story
How performers enter, exit, and move through the space
How the design interacts with other production elements
Practical and safety considerations
Challenges you encountered and how you addressed them
What Adjudicators Look For
Adjudicators will consider:
Design Process: Your understanding of how a scenic design develops from research and concept to a finished design.
Storytelling & Concept: How effectively the environment supports the story and overall production.
Research: How style, period, location, genre, culture, and other influences inform your choices.
Practical Considerations: How well you consider the needs of performers, the performance space, safety, and other production requirements.
Communication: Your ability to document, present, explain, and support your design choices.
Review the Adjudication Rubric
ThesFest uses the official Thespy Scenic Design rubric to evaluate this category.
Review the rubric before developing your presentation.
Before ThesFest
My project is based on a published play or musical.
I have a clear visualization of my design.
I have all required supporting materials.
My presentation is between 5 and 8 minutes.
I reviewed the official rubric.
I can explain how performers use my space.
I am prepared to answer questions.
My digital materials are downloaded and ready, if applicable.
I reviewed the ThesFest General Adjudication Rules.