Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice is a modern play of the classical Greek tale of Orpheus and Eurydice. From reading the play to the actual building of a model, is a lengthy process which requires extensive research, discussion of text, and skillful design. Designers carefully analyze a script searching for ideas of images, symbols, movement, and era which are envisioned through words and sketches. These ideas lead to collaborative discussions with the director and other members of the design team manifesting into a work of art that serves the play as a whole. In this collaboration it is important to effectively communicate one’s ideas and understand the ideas of those you work with. The director will share ideas and creative vision on their needs in order for the actors to be able to perform. Ideally the set should be functional as well as artistically pleasing; the successful combination of both is why theatre is considered to be a fine art. When creative ingenuity and functional design are combined to design a set the audience can immerse themselves in the story, instead of being distracted by the scenery. I will present my process of creating a set design and a model for Eurydice and collaboration with director, Mike Hartwell.

Conceptualize, Discuss, and Design: Envisioning the set for Eurydice by playwright Sarah Ruhl