Professor Bergner is a theatrical scene designer and scenic artist and work in that vein comprises the vast majority of his creative activity. He is active also in theories of space and spatial design, pertaining to both dramatic space, general architecture and natural space. He is now working in, teaching and studying live, site-based experience design (XD) and is directing/founding a new academic degree program in that field. He is also interested in allied design crafts including television and film art direction, design graphics and exhibit/display design. He has also began (in 2020) a new research vein of study in to the history of scenic art and scenic painting in North america, particularly studying the history of BIPOC and women artists working in that craft during its heyday of the early Twentieth Century. He has participated in thediscovery of ancient scenic artifacts at the Tabor Opera House in Leadville, CO.
keywords
theatrical scene design, scenography, art direction, entertainment design, experience design, spatial theory, spatial design, design criticism, philosophy of architecture, theatre production, scenic art, scene painting, trompe-loeil, faux finishing, theatre crafts, stagecraft, semiotics, signage studies, imagery studies, scenic iconicity, exhibit design and implementation, computer assisted design
TDXD 5105 - Collaboratory in Experience Design 1
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018
Addresses philosophies of storytelling through experience and the general concepts and aesthetics of Experience Design. The first in a two-part series, this course lays foundational principles focusing on the components of a live experience and how space, narrative and interaction affect the design from early conceptualization through implementation.
TDXD 6105 - Collaboratory in Experience Design 2
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019
Introduces students to professional models of working in the Experience Design industry. The second in a two-part class sequence, students work collaboratively on industry case studies focusing on entertainment, education and cultural destination genres with input from outside professionals in the field.
TDXD 6910 - The Experience Design Center
Primary Instructor
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Summer 2019
Offers Experience Design students an opportunity to engage in and complete projects posed by industry professionals or non-profit partners seeking assistance with experiential projects in a professional, practicing lab/studio setting. The XD Center, house in a campus maker-space, accepts design challenges and assignments that provide a realistic field experience for students. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.
THTR 1105 - Stage Technologies
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021
Introduces technical production elements and procedures, including materials, organizations, methods and equipment to realize theatrical scenery, properties, lighting and sound.
THTR 3015 - Scene Design 1
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2021
Examines the process of theatrical scene design from early conception to realization. Course work is project-based. Students are introduced to the crafts of script analysis, conceptualization, design expression, drafting, and 3-D model building.
THTR 4015 - Scene Design 2
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020
Advanced projects in theatrical scene design. Provides intensive practice in sketching, rendering, drafting and model-building. Emphasizes portfolio development and preparing the student designer for graduate training or professional work.
THTR 4035 - Scene Painting
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021
Introduces the craft of scene painting through practical projects. Sessions are in a studio format. Students are trained in traditional methods of scenic art, including layout, representational painting, trompe l'oeil, faux finishing, and related skills. Students are taught about proper tool use and care, paint products, and the profession.
THTR 4095 - Special Topics in Theatre Design and Technology
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Spring 2021
Intensive study of specialized topics in theatre technology and design. Topics and credits specified in the online Schedule Planner. May be repeated up to 12 total credit hours within a term.
THTR 4175 - Conceptualization
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019
Fosters the student's creative and collaborative skills by introducing a variety of strategies and scenarios for conceiving live, theatrical productions, events and experiences. A project based curriculum offers several individual and team exercises in visualizing, documenting and communicating ideas for live performances, including their overall scope, aesthetic, style, audience relationship and mode of presentation. Same as THTR 5175.
THTR 5175 - Conceptualization
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019
Fosters the student's creative and collaborative skills by introducing a variety of strategies and scenarios for conceiving live, theatrical productions, events and experiences. A project based curriculum offers several individual and team exercises in visualizing, documenting and communicating ideas for live performances, including their overall scope, aesthetic, style, audience relationship and mode of presentation. Same as THTR 4175.
