Design Elements for Theatre - Essay Example

The various design elements in a theatre play the overall role of creating feel desired by the designer. Lighting helps to enable the scenic influence to be highlighted. Without lighting, it becomes virtually impossible for the audience to experience the intended scene. Costumes, another essential element of design in theatre, have had their function revised over time. Until the nineteenth century, little attention was paid to costumes. Since then, however, costumes have been given increasing prominence in theatrical performance.

The fabric, design, origin, texture, cut, and weight of the costume are all well-considered ensuring that the recreation of the era in question is done to perfection (Sheryl and Shanghai). Over the last 200 years, the elements incorporated in designing theatre have changed immensely. Today, new theatres have designs that are flexible and eclectic. Themes from different time spans are incorporated to produce different scenes that promote the delivery of the message. In the renaissance period, for instance, architectural features were relied upon to provide desired scenic elements.

Today, however, scenes for theatre are specifically built, and painting is used in order to suit the intended scene. Until renaissance, most performances were carried out outdoors, so lighting was majorly done by the sun. When the need arose for alternative means of lighting, oil lamps and candles were used. In the nineteenth century, however, modes of lighting started to change as gas lamps were introduced. Today, floodlights, and spotlights are used (Sheryl and Shanghai).