The Scenographic Model: Third Edition - Softcover

Darwin Reid Payne; Ronald Naversen; Brad M. Carlson

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0809339765 ISBN 13: 9780809339761

Publisher: Southern Illinois University Press, 2025

Synopsis

The Scenographic Model, third edition, builds upon the theories and exercises of noted scenographer and author, Darwin Reid Payne, to provide a contemporary exploration of the art, resources, and practice of theatrical modelmaking. Bringing together a vast array of information on subjects like traditional and contemporary materials, tools, and techniques used in theatrical modeling, each chapter introduces the reader to fundamental aspects of modelmaking. The book serves as a foundational guide to understanding the historical, theoretical, and practical aspects of scenographic modelmaking, making it essential for the beginner, generalist, and professional design practitioner.

About this title

About the Author

Darwin Reid Payne was a professor emeritus of scenic design at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He is the author of Materials and Craft of the Scenic Model, Theory and Craft of the Scenographic Model, The Scenographic Imagination, and Computer Scenographics.

Ronald Naversen, (Ph.D.) is a professor emeritus of scenic design at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He has worked as a freelance designer for numerous theatres including Westport Country Playhouse in Connecticut, the Vitalist Theater of Chicago, and the New Harmony Theater in Indiana. He has published articles in TD&T, Stage Directions, and Theatre Crafts.

Brad M. Carlson is an associate professor of theatre design and Chair of the Department of Communication and Theatre Arts at Truman State University, where he teaches scenic design, and stagecraft. His professional design work has been featured at The Rose Theatre in Omaha, The Human Race Theatre in Dayton, Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago, and the New London Barn Playhouse, in New Hampshire.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION

We began revising Theory and Craft of The Scenographic Model with its author, Darwin Reid Payne, in 2014. The first two editions of this book documented Darwin’s very personal design theories and processes and were illustrated primarily with examples of his own models. With Darwin’s passing, we chose to expand upon his methods by including the work of other scenographers to broaden the knowledge of theatrical modelmaking. As a course in scenography is often the springboard for designers pursuing careers in other entertainment venues, we also felt it essential to reach out to designers in television, film, and themed entertainment to provide a wider discussion of entertainment modeling. Because no book could cover all the traditional and new modelmaking techniques and materials, we started a Facebook group titled Theatrical Modelmaking for modelers to display their models, ask questions, offer guidance, and share a wealth of information learned through years of experience and happy accidents. We invite readers of this book to join our group and explore the world of scenographic modelmaking. We also created a website to continually augment the information and examples from this book. www.thescenographicmodel.com/.

Since this book’s last edition there have been stunning advances in materials and technology that influence contemporary modelmaking. Scenographers can now “print” dimensional objects using 3D printers; cut precise and repetitive components with automated die and laser cutters; digitally capture and manipulate imagery through image editing software; program automated stage animation in models as a means to teach and facilitate full-size automated design; and create virtual models that can be electronically sent to directors, design teams, and production staff all across the globe. Some of these tasks can be accomplished using just a smartphone.

While this edition touches on scenographic theory and analysis, it primarily concerns itself with the practicalities, aesthetics, and history of scenographic model artistry and its use as a catalyst in the design process. Darwin wrote his modelmaking book as an adjunct to his Design for the Stage: First Steps, later revised as The Scenographic Imagination, and we recommend that readers refer to these works for further study. Darwin’s final contribution to this new edition was to change the title to The Scenographic Model in reference to his design textbook The Scenographic Imagination that was in turn named in homage to Robert Edmond Jones’ seminal The Dramatic Imagination.

Many of Darwin’s models, perspective renderings, and paint elevations are housed in the Darwin Reid Payne Theater Collection at Southern Illinois University Carbondale: https://collections.carli.illinois.edu/digital/search/searchterm/Darwin%20reid%20payne.

Ronald Naversen
Brad M. Carlson
Darwin Reid Payne

[end of excerpt]

Edition details

• Publisher: Southern Illinois University Press
• Publication date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0809339765
• ISBN 13: 9780809339761
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 288