Edexcel GCSE Drama: Designing Drama

TASK 1.7 Drawing a ground plan 1 Sketch a simple set design for the play you are working on. 2 Measure the performance area in whole or half metres. (Anything else will be complicated to use on a ground plan.) 3 List the dimensions (measurements) of the stage area and the width and depth of all items of scenery to be included. 4 Go on to draw a 1:20-scale ground plan of your design. 5 Add annotations, such as ‘rug’, main measurements and a key that explains any symbols you use. Note the scale here too. 6 Share your sketch and ground plan with a group member. If they can’t understand them, note where the difficulties are, and try again! 3D models A model of the set for Kindertransport at Coventry Belgrade Theatre by Juliet Shillingford. You are not required to make models, but they are an excellent form in which to show your set designs. Models are widely used because: • they allow the director and performers to visualise the set clearly • free-standing parts of the model can be moved around during design meetings, aiding discussion and decision making • they give valuable information to the set builders. If you choose to make a 3D model of your set, you might need: LOOK HERE Follow the checklist in ‘Health and safety notes for set designers’, page 27. DESIGN TIP Start gathering useful modelling materials as soon as you begin the design process. Paper, pencils, paints and small brushes Collage items (magazines and so on) Foam board Plasticine Lolly sticks Cardboard Plywood offcuts Scraps of light weight fabrics Glue sticks Electrical tape Sculpting tools Dressmakers’ pins Cotton reels (about the right  scale for tables) Chapter 1 Practical Guide to Set Design 22