Aesthetic and Utilitarian Considerations in Design Evaluation for Theatre Productions

Abstract

This study proposes a few parameters for assessing designs for theatrical productions. As a background, it reviews the traditional functions of members of the theatrical design team and goes further to examine the technicalities of assessment of the arts via the elements of design and the principles of composition. The study takes a cursory look at conformity to aesthetic cannons, functionality of design, applicability of design to production and precision in script interpretation as the major parameters for assessment of design products for the theatre. In view of the place of the audience as a principal component of the theatre ensemble, the role of the audience as evaluator is also examined. The study concludes that design review and evaluation are necessary to ensure proficiency in theatre productions.

Keywords: Aesthetics, Utilitarian Considerations, Design Evaluation, Theatre Productions