When I grow up I want to be...

Predominately a Set Designer or Production Designer...

I have been looking at Set designers for Theatre and film though my collection of research. 

Tom Piper - Associate Designer for RSC and Patron of Scenehouse courses in Edinburgh, which are specialist short courses in set, prop and design for the Entertainment Industry. 

Scenehouse Courses

Tom Piper studied Art History as an Undergraduate, and then applied himself onto a postgraduate Theatre Design course at Slade School of Art. He did not complete the course due to an opportunity working with Chloe Obolensky on Peter Brook’s production of the Tempest in 1990. He was made Associate Designer at the RSC Stratford in 2004. 

Tom runs the trainee design scheme placement for young designers at the Royal Shakespeare Company.  I would be interested in gaining some work experience there when the opportunity arises. 

There is an interesting interview which tells of Tom's experience with Theatre Director Michael Boyd and his work for theatre productions such as 'Hamlet' and 'King Lear'  - Tom explains how he likes to experiment with artistic forms which is what I like to do with Set Design 

The interview mentions that Tom Piper designs for plays and actors, not himself. This is an important thing to consider when designing for a director, is to clearly fulfill the design brief and not design things that do not adhere to your directors vision, although it is very tempting.

Tom Piper Interview

Jon Bausor - Set Designer for RSC - Design the set for 2013 Hamlet production which I personally went to see.  

Jon talks about his work in the production of Lord of the Files (2011) and also explains what the job of a Theatre Designer entails.

He mentions that he reads a script for a play very quickly and then usually carries a sketchbook around with him to jot down initial ideas for the set. he then presents this to the director to discuss and form new ideas or develop the initial ones. He constructs a model box to create and idea of space and to play around with his ideas within that space. This is presented to the director and the design process continues until there is an agreement for a final design.

You can read more here - Backstage - The London Theatre with Jon Bausor

I will format my professional studies report as follows:

• An introduction to what I want to do
• Discuss RSC Set Designers & Production Designers 
• Discuss about what I have been involved in and how that has benefited my skills.
• Identify what opportunities for further development are out there. (Courses, Placement Schemes) 
• Lighting Design Information 
• How to get involved in community art and other considered career paths. (Outside involvement with amateur theatre groups)