ARI 530K
Design V: Theater

Instructor: Lois Weinthal
Time and Place: MWF 1-6pm Room:TBA
Studio/Office: SUT 2.118
Office hours: TBA
Phone: 471-0731
E-mail: weinthal@mail.utexas.edu

Course Description and Objectives

"Space is the relationship between the different positions of bodies"
L. Moholy-Nagy 1929

The theater allows for the characters who occupy it both onstage and in the audience to experience another realm within their waking time. This studio will re-design an existing theater in Austin investigating the use of light-ness, dark-ness, sound and additional qualities that can alter onešs understanding of interior architectural elements.

The Theater is like a chameleon in that it must accommodate a range of stories that unfold through the art of acting. It will be up to us as a studio to investigate the fundamental elements needed to support a theater allowing a range of productions to take place, yet at the same time, allow for the comfort of viewers.

The studio will begin with an investigation of theater precedents ranging from traditional to non-traditional, such as the Greek theater to the theater stage sets of Robert Wilson. Following this will be the programmatic elements of a theater. These elements will be investigated through a series of projects, some of which will be built at full scale.

The materials within the theater play a role in regards to sound, such as hard surfaces that reflect sound and soft onešs that absorb. These materials inherently play a role in the way one perceives the space around them. Material investigations will take place that also expose us as designers to the act of revealing and concealing. The common theater fabric known as scrim will expose us to the properties of materials and their interaction to light ... or the absence of light.

Topics to be Explored

Interior as Site
Concepts of Revealing and Concealing
Light + Dark ness
Audience + Performers
Sitting and Standing
Silence and Noise
Materials
Program
Graphics

The site will be announced on the first day of studio. A calendar with due dates for topic investigations and review dates will be provided in the studio.

Grading

Grading will be based upon the following factors throughout the semester: The ability to which you pursue your interest in design. Completeness of projects. An ŒAš is reserved for projects that surpass expectations. Final grades will be given at the end of the semester. If you wish to discuss your grade at midterm, please see me. You will automatically be notified if your grade falls below a C at any point in the semester.

General Information

Attendance is required; any absences without notice due to illness or personal matters will be reflected in the grade along with an 'Absence or Failing Report' to be forwarded to the Dean. Please refer to UTšs general policy and procedures for Add/Drop and Academic Honesty.

In addition, please turn cell phones off and no personal emailing during studio hours. Thank you.