KRB120 Scenography 1: Introducing Performance Design

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

This unit will introduce you to scenography through a study of key historical shifts, foundational concepts and techniques in live performance design. 'Scenography' is the art of creating performance environments incorporating elements such as set, sound, light, new media and costume within space; driven by a performance text; and shaped by the performer and director for a live audience. This unit covers the evolution of scenography for theatre, dance and opera; and how these developments continue to influence contemporary performance design. KRB120 is ideal for students interested in designing, directing/choreographing, managing, performing and/or technically facilitating live works. The unit introduces a broad range of design techniques, technology and terminology used in contemporary performance practice. As the first unit in the Scenography minor, this foundation unit serves as preparation for more detailed and practical investigation in subsequent units.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning the historical development of scenography.
2. Communicate independent learning through cooperative peer-led research.
3. Critically analyse and synthesise knowledge of scenographic trends, techniques and practitioners across a range of cultures and periods.

Content

Learning Approaches

The unit is delivered through a lecture and tutorial series. Lectures will provide insight and understanding related to weekly topics, and tutorials will include teacher-led activities and student-led discussions. Your learning in this unit will be supported by recommended texts, online material and resources, and other material held in the library. The student-led component of this unit is a cooperative activity, and you must be available to work in small teams outside normal class time, with sufficient flexibility to coordinate your availability with that of others in your group.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Students will be provided with ongoing and continual feedback during the course of this unit. The assessment schema provides further detailed and specific criteria for assessment items.

Assessment

Overview

To access the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information see the Canvas site for this unit.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Portfolio

A demonstration of scenographic knowledge, concepts and techniques as explored throughout the unit activities, in response to a set task. 

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: Essay

An essay that analyses a predetermined scenographic development, technique or practitioner as explored in the lecture series. 

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Baugh, C. (2005), Theatre, Performance and Technology, Palgrave Macmillan UK.

Howard, P (2009) What is Scenography?, Routledge, UK.

McKinney, J. (2009) The Cambridge Introduction to Scenography, Cambridge University Press UK.

Russell-Brown, J. (2001), The Oxford Illustrated History of Theatre, Oxford University Press, UK (New Edition).

Risk Assessment Statement

All students and staff are required to complete the Tier 1 CIF General Health and Safety Induction for access to campus buildings and facilities. This must be completed online.

There are no unit specific risks associated with this unit.

Course Learning Outcomes

KK34 Bachelor of Fine Arts

1. Cite and discuss a broad and coherent knowledge of historical and contemporary cultural contexts for creative practice, including the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2
2. Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3
3. Demonstrate technical proficiency in at least one area of your field of creative practice.
   Relates to: ULO3
4. Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
   Relates to: ULO2