Step 2: Introducing Props Design
For this project, the prop that you will be designing is the apothecary's poison bottle from Romeo & Juliet. You may be thinking "A bottle is just a bottle." Or is it?
Props are defined by their purpose and by the world in which they live. What would the apothecary's poison bottle from Romeo & Juliet look like if it were purchased in a world you created? In this lesson, you will use the script and your world’s characteristics to influence your design. For some examples, check out these designs created by theatre educator Joselyn Ludtke:
Reflect: What can you tell about these bottles by their appearance? What is the world around them like?
Step 3: Script Analysis
The first step in the design process is to read the show, analyze the script, and conduct any research necessary so that the designer can make informed decisions on their design.
For this project, you will reading and analyzing Romeo and Juliet, Act 5, scene 1. You can find the script in the Folger Shakespeare Library at this link. Use this "Steps to Analysis" document to guide your reading and analysis of the script.
As you read, make a list of descriptions or details from the script that hint at what this prop should do and might look like. Make a few quick sketches/thumbnails and jot down any thoughts you have about your design concept.
You may also access the script as an audio version here.
Or see a translation into plain English here.
Step 5: Inspiration and Research
Based on your script analysis and the design concept you are developing, it's time to do some additional research on the world that you are designing in. What is the time period? What is the mood? Remember - you can be creative about your vision for this world! Research and write notes about how the cultural influence or lens will influence your design. For your final portfolio, you will be asked to make connections between your research and your designs. Be sure to track and cite the sources of your research and inspiration.
Now, find images that inspire you and create a mood/vision board of the world that you are designing within. According to Canva, "A mood board (or inspiration board) is a physical or digital collage of ideas that’s commonly used in fields like interior design, fashion, and graphic design." It can include just about anything — photography, designs or illustrations, color palettes, textures, descriptive words — anything that helps you define the direction of your design project.
This can be created as a physical collage or created digitally (consider using PowerPoint, Canva, or Pinterest). For your mood/vision board, be sure to include the following:
- Images/art work that represent the theme, mood, period, characters and setting of the story.
- Images/art work that evoke the feeling of the characters and places they might exist in the story.
Step 6: Creating Your Design
At this point in the process, you should have some initial thumbnail sketches of some of your ideas. Now, it's time to create the design of your magic bottle.
- Design goals for project: How does the texture, color, label, and accessories used to communicate the bottle reflect the world of the play?
Draw a design for your prop that represents the answer to the question above and builds upon your initial sketches. Use color and notes to communicate your design. In your final portfolio, you will be asked to include sketches of your evolving work. Add notes about your thoughts at the time and notes to what you’re doing well and what you’re struggling with. This is all a part of the design process.
Step 7: Feedback & Revision
As a part of the design process, it is often very helpful to get feedback on your design concept from someone else. When working on a production, this feedback frequently comes from the other members of the production team or from the director. For this project, please show your design sketch to a classmate, friend, or family member, and ask them for feedback using the "TAG Method" - Ask your classmate, friend or family member to address the following three prompts on a sticky note or piece of paper:
T – Tell the artist something you like.
A – Ask the artist a question.
G – Give the artist a suggestion.
As the artist, it is your job to gather the feedback, and reflect on it as it relates to your design. Take time to reflect on any new ideas or potential changes to your design based on this feedback. You don't always need to make changes based on the feedback of others - ultimately it is your design. But it is helpful to hear and consider the perspectives of others to see if your design is communicating what you would like it to.
To prepare for your final reflection, take notes on the feedback you received in your journal and consider whether it influenced any revisions in your design.
Measuring Learning
