Coming to terms with what a Production Concept is all about in theatre.

1. EXAMINATION PREP
For written examination of extracts

2. INVESTIGATION
Find information from the script
that describes the set/use of the set,
characters and props. Note details in a
new file.

3. PRODUCTION CONCEPT
 Definition:
A production concept is a main idea that holds all of the elements
of a performance together. It relates to style, themes and issues
explored and should be evident in the set design, costume design,
directorial decisions, lighting and sound design, characterisation and
any other aspects that are relevant to a particular performance.

4. SOME EXAMPLES
 Venetian Twins
Tatty, bourgeois, carnival/cabaret style. We wanted to create the
intimate feeling of being a part of the carnival (shown in the choice
of staging/makeup/ set/band on stage/characterisation/directorial
decisions) and that the characters have come from a time of
decadence, but have fallen on harder times (costuming/ set/ props/
musical score/ advertising)

5. Initial images

6. Designing the stage layout for
The Venetian Twins

7. Characterisation

8. Set Design

9. Tatty, bourgeois, carnival/cabaret style.

10. OTHER EXAMPLES
Check out the following two sets of photos from two different productions
of Peter Shaffer’s Equus. Think about how the Production
Concept for each may have differed.

11. EQUUS
Gielgud Theatre, West End, London
Directed by Thea Sharrock
Scenic Design. John Napier
Lighting Design. David Hersey
Costume Design. John Napier
Starring Daniel Radcliff and Richard
Grifiths
2007

13. EQUUS
By Peter Shaffer
John Drew Theatre . Guild Hall
Directed by Tony Walton
Scenic Design. Heather Wolensky
Lighting Design. Sebastian Paczynski
Costume Design. Amy Ritchings
Starring Alec Baldwin and Sam Underwood
June 2010

15. JUST THINK
 Which performances have  Begin thinking about your
you seen that have had a strong examination extract. What are
production concept? the big ideas in the piece?
 What evidence did you see of  Think about
the production concept? themes, contrasts, images and
stylistic elements that are
important in staying true to the
text.

16. ABSENT FRIENDS
 Some of the following ideas are central to the text. Which of
these lend themselves to developing a production concept?
 Old v’s New (friends, ideas, trends, experiences, life/death)
 Dysfunctional relationships (between friends, partners, age
groups, between characters and setting)
 ‘Keeping up with the Jones’ (competition to have the best, most
up-to-date things)

17. WHAT TO DO
 Make a decision – what is your concept going to be? Write it
down so that you are clear on your wording of it.
 Begin brainstorming – what are the ways that you could begin
bringing elements of your concept into the following (see next slide)
aspects of your production?
 Highlight lines in your extract that inspire ideas or give
information.

18. THE LIST
 Staging – audience arrangement, proximity to action, involvement
in action, static vs variable
 Set – style, colours, realistic vs
suggestive/abstract/minimalistic/symbolic etc.
 Costume – function vs form, style, colours,
 Props – realistic, suggestive, anti-realistic

19. THE LIST CONTINUED
 Characterisation – function of each character, relationship to
others, use of proxemics, status, what do they symbolise?
 Directorial - building of mood/atmosphere, use of tension,
working toward a climax, building relationships, exposing/developing
themes

20. THE REAL QUESTION
How can you ensure that all your choices
fit together to give a feeling of one cohesive
production?