Master in Stage Design and Art Direction

Module 1 - Scenographic and audio-visual contexts

This module explores the historical origins of set design, tracing a map of relationships between the current theatrical context and its evolution throughout its various stages. We provide a solid basis for the interpretation of images and the consolidation of unique benchmarks, as well as a critical view of the history of cinema and artistic direction.

The practical approach takes shape in research and in the scenic laboratory, where students can experience and explore different non-textual scenic formats guided by different creators. We will learn creative techniques for building creative universes such as world building, a process for the imaginative construction of environments and universes.

• Visits to the main theatres in the city; historical-social context research.
• Critical review of the collective cinematic imaginary: references and gender gaps, class and race.
• Live communication, imagination, and professional identity of the artistic director.
• The development of techniques for creating worlds for fiction.
• A scenic creation laboratory: living bodies in space, compositional perception and site specific.

Module 2 - Graphic representation techniques

The program focuses on providing students with the essential tools to effectively express concepts and ideas through graphic representations in order to deliver the project to the client, the director, or the rest of the creative team.

We also open our eyes to new visual representation techniques, so that we can positively incorporate the technological advances that are constantly becoming available on the market.

• The application of new technologies in set design, such as the creation of images using artificial intelligence.
• The use of tools for 3D graphic representation (AutoCAD, Sketchup).
• The post-processing of images with Photoshop/Procreate.
• An improvement in freehand drawing techniques to draw quick sketches.

Module 3 - Workshops

The objective of the program is to provide students with a specific vision of various profiles, work methodologies, and specialties through interaction with renowned experts and professionals in the sector. The workshop is held over four consecutive days, at least once a month over the course of the program.

• Workshop I as artistic material with Marta Pazos
• Workshop on art direction with Antoni Castells
• Workshop on costume design and characterisation with Xènia Gasull
• Workshop on the dramaturgy of light with Andrés Galián
• Workshop on still life
• Workshop on ephemeral set and exhibition design with Christine Hartwig
• Workshop on prop making with Simon Weisse
• Workshop on the construction of decorations and patinas con Juan Carmona

Module 4 - Projects

This individual work module consists of two projects:theatrical and cinematographic, that will encompass all stages of the creative and pre-production process based on a theatrical text and a script, respectively.

Over the course of the project, we will endeavour to defend a solid conceptual and formal proposal that takes account of specific management and production guidelines. The concept will be explored and the project developed in greater depth through personalised tutorials.

• Analysis of the work/script in scenographic code
• The development of a concept, a storyboard and a moodboard
• Effective communication with the artistic and technical team
• Selection of, and search for, props and materials
• Item budgeting
• The execution of plans for implementation and construction
• The rendering of a physical and/or virtual mock-up

Module 5 - Making of the video clip

The Final Master project brings together all of the content taught in the program, and is a way to explore the terrain of a filming in full action.

In the TFM, we will work on a project aimed at filming a video clip for an active musical artist. Students will work in groups, with diversified roles and specific responsibilities of an art department. Teamwork will be key to this module, where we will build three full-scale sets, learn to manage real timings and budgets, and face the challenge of filming on a set in collaboration with a technical film crew.