Production Process at RCS

The following outlines the production process for the head scenic artist at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Please note that the following outline may differ from producing houses. Additionally, there are other meetings and sign offs that may be happening in the background that students may or may not be invited to during the process.

Concept Design and Sustainability Meeting

In attendance should be the CPU Manager, creative team, production manager, CPU, PTM and PAD staff and students that are critical to the design process. The invite should also be extended to the the performance programme staff such as HOD or MD's. The creative team should present visual references such as rough sketches of staging which determine scale, and purpose of set elements. Intended fabrics and finishes should also be proposed. Costume should also be conceptualized even if casting is still to be determined. The concept and development meetings are critical in the process and should be the point in which the production team influence the creatives towards achievable outcomes before progressing onto the next stage.

Concept Costing & Materials Inventory Complete

This information can form part of the check in or be separate. A check in on sustainable practices regarding procurement, making and the recycling and disposal of items should be reviewed and documented. The creative team should be made aware at this stage if the production is not fitting within the resources allocated and be adapted. This detail should be delivered to the production manager and CPU manager.

Greencard Design Presentation

In attendance should be the full company along with the director of school and head of programme. The creative team will present the model box, drawings and vision of the overall production in detail.

Greencard Costing & Materials Inventory Complete

This information can form part of the check in. Costings received should include a detailed budget breakdown, estimated labour and a materials sourcing inventory where possible. A check in on sustainable practices should take place regarding procurement, making and the recycling and disposal of items. The creative team should be made aware at this stage if the production is not fitting within the resources allocated in advance of the design sign off.

Final Design Delivered

This may be delivered digitally or in person. At this stage there should be small changes taking place unless a redesign has been requested. The construction team have another opportunity in advance of the presentation to provide feedback. The design pack should include a full colour model box, final technical drawings and finishes for all makes across the construction, props, scenic and wardrobe departments.

Final Costing & Materials Inventory Complete (Design Sign Off)

Final costing deadline may be after presentation to allow for some flexibility. Costings received should include a detailed budget breakdown, estimated labour and a materials sourcing inventory where possible. A check in on sustainable practices should take place regarding procurement, making and the recycling and disposal of items. This should be delivered to the production manager and CPU manager.

Final Design Presentation

This presentation will take place 4-8 weeks prior to the build period. In attendance should be the full company along with the director of school and head of programmes. The creative and production team will present the final vision of the production to the company.