Creating a convincing and captivating set for a period piece is not an easy task. As a theatrical producer, you have to balance the historical accuracy, the artistic vision, and the practical limitations of your stage. In this article, we will explore some of the most common set design challenges for a period piece and how to overcome them.
One of the first and most important steps in designing a set for a period piece is to do your research. You need to know the details of the time and place you are portraying, such as the architecture, the furniture, the costumes, the props, and the cultural norms. You also need to be aware of the historical context and the themes of your play. You want to create a set that reflects the mood, the tone, and the message of your story. However, you also have to be careful not to overwhelm or distract your audience with too much information or irrelevant details. You have to find a balance between authenticity and simplicity, and avoid anachronisms or inaccuracies that might break the illusion.
La autenticidad es importante, pero la coherencia lo es más. Hay que buscar el equilibrio entre la fidelidad y la creatividad.
Understanding that the audience perception of design elements for a certain time period is often different than the designs of the actual time period. When beginning a design, the team must understand if the authenticity of the time period is of the utmost importance or designing to the perception of the time period is more helpful.
The most important starting point is the same here for all plays. Ask yourself: what do I really need to tell this story? What do I need to tell it at this moment in time? And what don’t I need? Look at the design for “Lehman trilogy” - all it really needs is a modern office space but it can tell a story starting in the 1840’s
Sensibilidad cultural: Al representar una época histórica, es importante ser sensible a las perspectivas culturales y sociales de ese período. Esto puede implicar evitar estereotipos o representaciones inexactas que podrían resultar ofensivas o insensibles para ciertos grupos de personas.
You have to decide whether or not you are going to emphasize the performance to the period, the costumes, the set and set pieces or combinations of the above if not all 3. This is primarily dependent on your budget. The audience will go with you as long as your choices are strong, within your budget range and especially whether or not your actors can convincingly portray characters from the era. That is the one thing money can't fix.
Another common challenge in designing a set for a period piece is to work within your budget and resources. Depending on the scale and scope of your production, you might have to deal with limited space, time, money, materials, or personnel. You might not be able to afford or find the exact items or props that you need, or you might have to share or reuse them with other shows. You might also have to adapt your set to different venues or audiences, or to comply with safety or legal regulations. You have to be creative and resourceful, and use techniques such as suggestion, abstraction, symbolism, or minimalism to convey your vision.
Authenticity (no matter the budget- find a way) and consistency of style. And within your collaboration with the director make sure you're designing the same show that they are directing.
El presupuesto de producción es algo a tener muy en cuenta, pero hay factores muy importantes como los gastos de almacenaje, transporte y mantenimiento en gira. A menudo no se valoran lo suficiente y se gasta todo en acabado final del proyecto.
A third challenge in designing a set for a period piece is to integrate lighting and sound effects that enhance your set and your play. Lighting and sound can create atmosphere, mood, contrast, focus, and transitions in your stage. They can also help you establish the time of day, the weather, the location, or the action of your scene. However, you also have to consider the technical aspects of lighting and sound, such as the equipment, the wiring, the placement, the operation, and the maintenance. You have to make sure that your lighting and sound are consistent, reliable, and compatible with your set and your venue. You also have to avoid overusing or misusing lighting and sound that might clash with your set or your period.
La iluminación siempre es absolutamente relevante. En una pieza de época todavía más. Es más eficaz el presupuesto gastado en iluminación que en carpintería escénica.
A fourth challenge in designing a set for a period piece is to collaborate and communicate effectively with your team and your stakeholders. As a theatrical producer, you have to work closely with your director, your playwright, your actors, your designers, your technicians, your stage managers, and your sponsors. You have to understand their expectations, their needs, their feedback, and their contributions. You also have to communicate your vision, your goals, your plans, and your progress. You have to be flexible, respectful, and supportive, and resolve any conflicts or issues that might arise. You have to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that your set serves the best interest of your play and your audience.
Finding the correct costumes, colors, make up/hair design for specific time periods, takes more times to start from scratch and time/ budget might not account for thus, so I feel thinking on the fly comes in handy more times then not you can take something modern and repurpose into an exact replica of a period piece, from stage designs to clothing, just takes some imagination/ingenuity and guts!!
A fifth challenge in designing a set for a period piece is to innovate and originalize your set and your play. As a theatrical producer, you have to face the competition and the criticism of your peers and your critics. You have to stand out from the crowd and offer something new and exciting to your audience. You have to avoid clichés, stereotypes, or repetitions that might bore or offend your viewers. You have to challenge yourself and your team to experiment, to improvise, to explore, and to discover new ways of presenting your period piece. You have to find your own voice and style, and express your artistic vision and passion.
Try not to go Literal. Or get sucked into Total realism. Get inventive and use props and pieces of furniture — to suggest the era, etc. Sound and music choice enhance the period, too.
Mi experiencia es que la simple imitación, sin una idea creativa nueva en la base no tiene sentidoy no garantiza el impacto estético.
A sixth and final challenge in designing a set for a period piece is to engage and impress your audience and create a lasting impact. As a theatrical producer, you have to know your target audience and their preferences, their backgrounds, their knowledge, and their emotions. You have to cater to their tastes and interests, but also to educate and inspire them. You have to make them feel immersed, involved, and invested in your play and your set. You have to make them laugh, cry, think, and feel. You have to make them remember and appreciate your work and your message.
Material and treatment - a lot of the methods to make materials have evolved, and depending on the level of detail needed, modern methods can provide visual inconsistencies in what might otherwise look spot on.
Consider adding locations and space to shoot at. If not included into your budget. Also permits and clearances to have those spaces available to cast and crew. Materials cost and availability and equipment cost along with rentals. Coordinators to work in sync with each department.