The Scenographic Model: Third Edition

An authoritative guide to modelmaking for theater

This third edition of noted scenographer Darwin Reid Payne’s landmark text builds upon Payne’s theories and exercises to provide a modern exploration of the practice of theatrical modelmaking. With chapters on traditional and contemporary materials, tools, and techniques, 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.

The volume begins with a brief history of the scenographic model and explores how modelmaking has adapted to changes in materials, technology, and commercial influences over time. It details setting up a safe, productive model-building studio before introducing the types and purposes of various scenographic models. It then instructs the reader in constructing common model elements and accessories. Later chapters explore how the models reveal stage space and create mood and atmosphere through tonal shading and lighting; discuss the use of found objects, collage techniques, and projection models in scenic design; and delve into 3D printing and computer routering. The final chapter provides information on various aspects of photography and image sharing related to design and production communication.

This comprehensive text provides information not just from theater but also from other modeling disciplines and sources, including architecture, film, dioramas, dollhouse modeling, and model railroading. A useful resource for high school, community college, university, and community theater enthusiasts, it is an excellent reference book for theater designers throughout the country.

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.