CONSTRUCTION & SCENIC ARTS - 2025/6

Module Overview

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the practical and creative skills needed to interpret and realise scenography through set construction, prop-making and scenic painting.

By introducing the tools, materials and techniques used in construction and scenic arts, and the knowledge of how to use them safely and sustainably, we will be providing them with the underpinning knowledge needed to explore and achieve design realisation processes both independently and as a team.

This module reflects the  aim to produce practitioners with specialist knowledge; here specifically in the field of construction and scenic arts, whilst Introducing students to the many departmental crossovers that exist in design realisation and other areas of Theatre Production.

Throughout this module students will be expected to work ethically and responsibly;  using methods that incorporate repurposing , recycling, and how to consider using  existing resources at every stage of the production process.  The challenge of working within the circular economy whilst producing effective and aesthetically appropriate scenic elements with be explored, and students will be  responsible for ensuring that these challenges are addressed both individually and as a member of the workshop team.

Module provider

Guildford School of Acting

Module Leader

DOWNTON Kathryn (GSA)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Year long

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Indicative content includes: -

 

• Health and Safety in the workshop.

 

• An introduction to the hand and power tools, bench machinery, timber and metals used in set construction.

 

•  An introduction to  a range of prop-making materials such as expanded foams, adhesives and coatings and how to use them effectively.

 

• The fundamental skills in scenic painting such as preparation and priming, application of colour and the importance of glazes.

 

• The  skill of interpreting design and technical drawings and/ or model pieces to effectively realise a scenic element.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Written reflective essay 

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate practical knowledge on the core skills needed to realise props and scenic elements.

 

 

Summative assessment

 

• Exhibition

 

This presentation amounts to the objects that each student makes as part of their participation within their teaching carousel. Each student will select at least three objects to exhibit to demonstrate their participation and comprehension in the workshops.

 

 

Formative assessment

 

Students will receive feedback on their performance during week 5, or at times when the student is engaged in independent work, progressing their samples or scenic elements.

 

 

Feedback

 

Continuous feedback will be offered throughout the process, regarding both their practical skills, and their professional behaviour in the workshop.

Module aims

• Introduce students to a range of practical skills for the interpretation and realisation of scenic elements.
• Signal the importance of problem -solving as a significant part of the design realisation process.
• Encourage a high level of communication between the maker and other members of the production team that are invested in the realisation of props or scenic elements.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

 

• Give students the maximum amount of practical experience

 

The learning and teaching methods include:

 

• Taught practical sessions in the workshop or studio.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: PRO1028

Other information

GSA delivers its provision across three teaching blocks, within the University of Surrey’s existing semester structure.

 

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.