Event Production

Key elements of staging

1. Building a show
2. 3.
o o

Design
Elements of design Principles of design

Dcor

Building a show aims..

Balance variety, not monotonous Flow seamless transitions Pace keep it moving, retain energy Build making sure each moment is enhanced from the moment before Surprises try not to let the audience anticipate the next moment

Beginnings, endings & transitions

Visualise what you want see it, feel it, believe it. Set goals, objectives Beginning
First impressions How will you introduce show, event, conference? Live intro professional MC or amateur? Onstage or voiceover (smooth transition) No intro music down, lights down Last impression strongest memory Acknowledgments of acts, presenters Encores Rehearse Finish on time

Ending

Beginnings, endings & transitions

This glues the show/event together Live MC/voiceover Changing audience focus performers enter through the audience interacting with them, another stage Interaction of acts commonly in theatre, comedy

Design
Elements of design
Space Form Line Texture Value & Light Colour

Design
Space 3D design :
Wall coverings, tables, chairs (2D length & width horizontal) 3D height (vertical):
Tall centrepieces, ceiling, balloons

Place all essential dcor above eye height No ceilings/very high ceilings pose challenges What is already in existence? columns, balconies, unmovable furniture, bars, seats try to incorporate rather than hide

Design
Form
The tangible element of design Combination of shapes rectangles, triangles, circles, boxes, cones, balls, tubes etc Fabric, trussing/scaffolding, air tubes, lighting create a colourful sculpture Line To outline, separate an item from the surrounding space i.e. car Abstract, leads our eye from one point to the next

Design
Texture
Tactile or visual Vary textures Linens, fabrics, metal, wood, plastic, mirrors

Value & Light

Value the relative lightness or darkness of a certain area within a space. Also the amount of light in a certain area Lighting gives contrast, can highlight, create a focal point

Design
Colour Most powerful design element Can be used to give dramatic effect, calming, create mood, give a subtle look, tie objects together

Colour Meanings

Colour schemes
1. Monochromatic
Single colour, varying shades Looks clean and elegant Lacks contrast

Colour schemes
2. Analogous
Related colours from the colour wheel Try to use one dominant colour and enrich with colours adjacent to each other

Colour schemes
3. Complementary
Uses colours that are complementary or directly opposite on the colour wheel Best results are to place warm colours next to cool colours

Colour schemes
4. Triadic
Gives strong visual contrast and richness Choose one colour and add others

Design
Principles of design
Proportion Contrast Placement Isolation

Proportion
Relationship between size and scale
Large room = large objects (vice versa) Most pleasing ratio to the human eye is 1:1.618 the golden ratio. First developed by the Greek sculptor Phidias Need to have balance of objects Rhythm the way the object draws your eye into the design

Proportion
Relationship between size and scale
Large room = large objects (vice versa) Most pleasing ratio to the human eye is 1:1.62 the golden ratio. First developed by the Greek sculptor Phidias Need to have balance of objects Rhythm the way the object draws your eye into the design Emphasis dominance Contrast created by colour, shape and texture Correct placement of dcor Isolation i.e. giant inflatable

Decor

Summary Today
1. Building a show
2. 3.
o o

Design
Elements of design Principles of design

Dcor

Reading
Matthews D (2008). Special Event production The Resources. ButterworthHeinnmann. Oxford Matthews D (2008). Special Event production The Process. ButterworthHeinnmann. Oxford Silvers, J (2004). Professional Event Coordination. Wiley & Sons. New Jersey.

Assessment
Portfolio Section A

Next Week
No formal lecture Group research will agree groups in seminars this week