Master in Design of Stage Spaces and Artistic Direction

Module 1 - Scenographic and Audiovisual Contexts

This module offers an exploration of the historical origins of scenography, mapping the relationships between the current theatrical context and its evolution throughout the different stages. We provide a solid basis for the interpretation of images and the consolidation of our references, as well as a critical look at the history of cinema and artistic direction.

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

• Visits to the main theaters of the city and investigation of the historical-social context
• Review of the collective cinematographic imagination, references, and gaps of gender, class, and race
• Living communication, imagination, and professional identity of the artistic director
• Development of techniques for creating worlds
• Scenic creation laboratory: living bodies in space, perception, and site specificity

Module 2 - Graphic representation techniques

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

On the other hand, we also open our eyes to new visual representation techniques, to positively incorporate the technological advances that are constantly offered on the market.

• Application of new technologies in the design of scenarios, such as the creation of images with artificial intelligence
• Use of tools for 3D graphic representation (Autocad, Sketchup
• Post-processing of images with Photoshop/Procreate
• Improvement in freehand drawing techniques to draw quick sketches

Module 3 - Workshops

The program aims to provide students with a specific vision of various profiles, work methodologies, and specialties through interaction with experts and recognized professionals in the sector. The duration of the workshop is concentrated over four consecutive days, at least once a month throughout the program.

• Workshop "The self as artistic material" with Marta Pazos
• Workshop in Artistic Direction with Antoni Castells
• Workshop on Costume Design and Characterization with Xènia Gasull
• Workshop on Dramaturgy of light with Andrés Galián
• Workshop in Still life
• Workshop on Ephemeral Scenography and Exhibition Design with Christine Hartwig
• Prop-making workshop with Simon Weisse
• Workshop on Construction of sets and patinas

Module 4 - Projects

This module is comprised of two individual projects; theatrical and cinematographic, which will go through all the phases of the creative and pre-production process starting from a theatrical text and a script respectively.

Throughout the project, we will seek to defend a solid conceptual and formal proposal that takes into account specific management and production guidelines. The concept and development of the project will be deepened through personalized tutorials.

• Analysis of the work/script in a scenographic key
• Development of a storyboard and mood board concept
• Communication with the artistic and technical team
• Selection and search of props and materials
• Budget by items
• Execution of plans for implementation and construction
• Preparation of a physical and/or virtual model

Module 5 - Making the video clip

The Master's Final Project constitutes the integration of all the content taught in the program, being also a way to explore the terrain of filming in full action.

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

Professional outings

• Scenography for the performing arts: theater, dance, opera, circus.
• Ephemeral scenography and exhibition design.
• Costume or costume design
• Still Life (still life design).
• Design of sets for product or fashion photography.
• Artistic direction for advertising and video clips.
• Artistic direction for films.
• Other roles within the art department: art assistant, prop buyer, prop maker, prop master, set decorator, set dresser ), set dresser, patina painters, and builders, among others.