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.
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 5805 - Professional Portfolio 1
Primary Instructor
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Summer 2019
Focuses on selecting, organizing and developing a plan for presenting material that will eventually culminate in the completion of a competitive professional portfolio, a vital tool for gaining employment in the Experience Design industry. The first of a two-part credited final project, students begin the process to prepare their professional portfolio under the guidance of faculty and industry professionals.
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 6805 - Professional Portfolio 2
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019
Through editing materials collected in TDXD 5805, students will complete adaptable versions (hard copy, digital, web-based and presentations) of their professional portfolios. In this second of a two-part credited project, a committee comprised of faculty and industry professionals guide the completion of XD portfolios.
THTR 3015 - Scene Design 1
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2018
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
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 4149 - Theatre Internship
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020
Provides opportunities for theatre majors to explore career opportunities in theatre fields other than, or in addition to, those with performance emphasis. Students apply knowledge and skills developed in their major studies to a practical work experience. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Recommended requisite: 30 credit hours in THTR.
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 4555 - Production Studio
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020
Requires participation in a Theatre Department production assignment in the areas of design, technology, or management, as well as participation in a semester portfolio review. May be repeated upto 6 total credit hours.
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.
THTR 6005 - Production Research and Practicum: Designing
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2020
Allows students to undertake a design project, normally within the theatre season, that requires detailed preparatory research, testing of ideas, and public presentation of theories and concepts in practice. Students work under faculty supervision, and prepare a documented written report and evaluation of the research, design, and realization process, as well as fully rendered designs and/or plots. Projects may be in costumes, lights, or scenery.
