The course considers how theatrical design affects, transforms, and inspires contemporary performance. It offers a theoretical and practical exploration of the dramaturgy of all elements of theatrical design. It investigates how textures, colors, spatial relationships and other properties of design determine the experience of the theatrical event. The course approaches design from two complementary perspectives: that of the audience and that of the performer. The first perspective focuses on the role of design in the perception, understanding and experience of the performance by the spectators, through communication of emotions, meaning and narrative. The second perspective considers how design affects the performer experience, in particular through the effects of costume, props and set on the body of the actor. The course develops the ability to organize all the component elements of a production into a cohesive whole. It lays a solid foundation for the collaborative interactions between actors, directors, playwrights and designers towards developing a shared creative vision.