Scene Design and Model Building
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Model 1 - Cleopatra’s Bed
My first model was of Cleopatra’s Bed. I researched Egypt during Cleopatra’s reign and studied Egyptian architecture. I made a base of thick card stock, wire, and clay. I made a mold to look like the hoof and leg of an animal and I used that mold to make the legs. Egyptians slept with their heads raised, so they needed a footboard to help prevent them from falling off the bed. I looked up hieroglyphics and write “Ptolemy” on the bed, the family name for Cleopatra and her ancestors. Click on the button below to see my research for all of my models on this page!
Model 2 - Clean Set
The second model for the class was the exact same for all the students. We were given the measurements for the blocks upstage, a circular platform center stage, and the platforms, risers and stairs that go on the circular platform. We were told to pick a black and white background for our set. I couldn’t decide between two that I found so I made my background reversible. You can see the first background above this text and the second background below!
Model 3 - Perception Forest
The third model for the class was to make this sort of boxed frame with a raked stage inside of it. We were to use the box and frame to make a forest, and used a forced perspective to make it look full and deep. I used sticks and leaves that were found outside, coffee grounds, dyed lace for the foliage and a transparent background for my model. I made 3 rows of “trees” using skinnier sticks the farther upstage they were. I made an opening in the back to easily replace the background for different lighting effects. Some backgrounds were transparent, colorful, and some had glitter!
Model 4 - Queen Victoria’s Couch
The fourth model for this class was given to us as a choice and I chose to challenge myself with Queen Victoria’s Couch. I researched Queen Victoria and researched the furniture she had in her palaces and different homes across England. I found a green fabric that I really liked and I made a base of thick card stock, filler and then the green satin fabric on top. After assembling the seat and backrest, I used clay to make the edges, detailing and armrest. I then used wire and beads to make the legs of the couch. I had some fun with the model as a whole and added a “ghost” effect of Queen Victoria and her late husband whom she never stopped mourning.