WJEC/Eduqas GCSE Drama: Designing Drama

EVALUATING YOUR LIGHTING DESIGN Examining the detail of your design Once you are clear about what evaluation is and the best way of approaching it, you can focus on assessing the success of your lighting design. Whenever you evaluate, you should make at least three different points. These points should be illustrated with specific examples. Each time, you should also explain the reason why you have made a particular value judgement. You should highlight anything that could have gone better. TASK 1.18 1 Copy and complete a table like this one (some examples have been included). The notes will provide a solid basis for your evaluation writing. Lighting design evaluation Design element Example/ moment in the play Evaluation Reason for evaluation Pre-set lighting state – down-lit white fresnels over the stage. Enhanced by fog machine. Before the performance began. Engaging and created powerful atmosphere. Audience feedback suggested that the eerie atmosphere was established from the start of the play. This was a key part of our artistic intentions. Practical special effect – camp fire plus key light. Hansel lights a fire in the forest. Convincing in setting scene and contributing to action. The practical effect of the red lamp in the ‘fire’ was operated well by the actor. Gradually increasing the intensity of the key light on her face gave a convincing illusion of a fire. Use of cobalt blue filter from side of stage. The moonlit forest. Atmospheric; helped in characterisation. The blue lighting that side-lit the acting area created an atmosphere of fear. Lighting combined well with the soundscape to emphasise the characters’ feelings. 2 Expand your notes into three paragraphs of evaluative writing. Remember that you should compare your finished lighting with your agreed artistic intentions. LOOK HERE More examples of analysis and evaluation can be found in Chapter 7 of this book. ASSESSMENT CHECK This part of the design process is the essential element of AO4: ‘Analyse and evaluate your own work and the work of others.’ FOCUS Placing a value judgement on design. SIGNPOST Use the evaluation guidance on page 80 before you start. 39 Chapter 1 Practical Guide to Lighting Design