DESIGN STATEMENTS
What are They?
AND
Why do we Need or Do them Anyway?
WHAT IS A DESIGN STATEMENT
A document that serves to present the
theatrical design’s INTENT, PROCESS,
and CONTEXT.
DEFINITION OF A DESIGN STATEMENT
• A tool to help support a quality design process and outcome.
• The statement sets out, illustrates and justifies the process that has led to
the design ideas (i.e. the script analysis, research, director’s concept)
• Explain the essential information and thinking behind the design idea(s).
THIS IS THE WHY OF THE DESIGN.
• Discusses the possibilities AND constraints identified and provides an
explanation of how the proposed design with respond to the information
identified (i.e. the elements & principles of design). THIS IS THE HOW OF
THE DESIGN.
TIPS & TRICKS TO WRITING A
DESIGN STATEMENT
TIPS & TRICKS CONT’D
• Design has its own exclusionary language. Precision, brevity,
and clarity are always preferable to big words and bloated
language. If you have trouble expressing something important,
try the simplest possible way you know. Write it the way
you say it.
• Be succinct and use words that powerfully, yet adequately
communicate the intent. Overly flowery or ambiguous
language is unnecessary and complicates clarity.
TIPS & TRICKS CONT’D
• NEVER assume your images can speak for itself, use words
to communicate intent.
• Consider the design statement to be a lawyer’s defense.
Defend and provide justification for your design choices.
• Demonstrate that you have thought about the context of the
design within the script analysis and a director’s concept.
• It is helpful to briefly discuss the process, what inspired or
lead you to your design idea(s).
TIPS & TRICKS CONT’D
KEEP IT SIMPLE:
• First, state the intent of your design and then explain how you
accomplished your objective.
• Example: The intent of this design is to take advantage of the play’s classic
nostalgic and memory themes, by using warm, sepia, diffused lighting and
utilizing a combination of vintage and well-worn furnishings.
• You can elaborate on your selection of specific design elements
and the principles employed when covering the visual
presentation portion of your proposal.
TIPS & TRICKS CONT’D
ADDRESS SPECIFIC SCRIPT & DIRECTORIAL “REQUESTS”:
• The design MUST conform to and support the
directorial/production concept, make sure the design and the
design statement address and conform to the concept.
• Accommodate all required components of the script in the
design and design statement. These include set pieces, colors of
clothing, time of day, etc.
TIPS & TRICKS CONT’D
• Useful Verbs: Articulate, Communicate, Illustrate, Transcend, Convey,
Layer, Add, Enhance, Impact
• Useful Adjectives: Complex, Dense, Layered, Superficial,
Iconoclastic, Experimental, Low-tech, Critical, Nostalgic
• Be succinct
• Avoid long, drawn out statements. Use short, clear statements.
Brief statements are more impactful.
• Do not write the design statement in first person. No “I”, instead
“the design”.
SOME IDEAS TO START
QUESTIONS TO ANSWER WHEN WRITING A DESIGN STATEMENT
POINT OF VIEW APPROACH
• What is my point of view about this • How are you going to approach the _____ design for
production? the show?
• What is this play really about? • What do you want to accomplish with the ____ design?
• What do you want to communicate to an • What do you want the ______ design to communicate?
audience? • Why will/would the ______ design change in this
• What is this production trying to production?
accomplish? • How will the ______design reinforce my point of view?
• Why are we doing this play? • What is the structure of the ______design for this
• What is this production trying to say? production?
• Why is this production important to me?
Must address movement/change
Must be arguable Must support your Point of View
Must be personal Must be supported by the text/intent of the author/goals
Not a Synopsis of the production
QUESTIONS TO ANSWER WHEN WRITING A DESIGN STATEMENT
IMPLEMENTATION
• How will you implement your approach?
• How is the ______ design going to change throughout the production?
• How will you translate your approach into the controllable aspects of
design?
• The Design Elements
• The Design Principles
• The Controllable Qualities of
• Scenery
• Properties
• Costumes
• Light
• Sound
WORKS CITED
• MCAD Learning Center Handout
• Department of Theatre Monmouth College
• https://department.monm.edu/theatre/rankin/classes/thea
376/conceptstatement.htm
