Theater I: Set Design

Journal # 10:            Set Design Vocabulary

 

1. Setting

The location where the play takes place.

Settings can change from scene to scene within a play.

 

2. Rendering

A colored sketch or drawing of a setting or a costume.

 

3. Set Props

A piece of furniture (or a big thing, like a tree) that is part of a set.

 

4. Floor Plan

A birds-eye view drawing of the setting. It shows where things are in the setting.

Designers make a floor plan before they build a set. The floor plan helps them see the size and placement of the background and set props.

 

5. Unit set

Single setting which can represent a variety of locales with the simple addition of properties or scenic elements.

 

6. Flats

Flat pieces of theatrical scenery which are painted and positioned on stage so as to give the appearance of buildings or other background

 

7. UIL Unit Set

The unit set approved for use by the University Interscholastic League

 

8. Three-fold flats

Three smaller flats joined at two places by hinges to “unfold” into three sections.  Used in UIL unit set.

 

9. Two-fold flats

Two flats joined together by a hinge to “unfold” into two sections.  Used in UIL unit set.

 

10. Step units

Moveable steps or stairs used in UIL unit set that vary in width.  The UIL unit set includes 2’ and 4’ wide step units.

 

11. Pylons

Narrow set pieces that resemble pillars or columns.  Used in UIL unit set, and vary in heighth.  UIL unit set uses 4’, 6’, and 8’ pylons.

 

12. Platforms

A raised horizontal surface.  Used in UIL unit set, and vary in size.  UIL unit set includes 4’ x 4’, 4’ x 8’, and 1’ x 1’ platforms.  1’ x 1’ platforms resemble blocks (or small cubes)

13. Ramps

An inclined surface.  Used in UIL unit set.  UIL ramps are 4’ x 4’ and incline from the floor level to 1’ above.