The Designs of Oliver Smith

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The USITT exhibit of Oliver Smith’s artworks is a rare opportunity for professional theatre designers and students to see selections from the archive of a master scenographer.  In the pantheon of 20th century American scenic designers, Oliver Smith is unmatched for his breadth of work in theatre, dance and opera .   During his legendary career, he was honored with eight Tony Awards, including two in the same year (1961) for Best Scenic Design of a Musical ( Camelot ) and Best Scenic Design of a Play ( Becket ).   Smith’s Broadway set designs began in the era when settings were primarily painted backdrops and spanned the period that featured more unit settings.   While a consummate artist in the "painterly" tradition, Smith had a keen sense of stage space and anticipated the contemporary emphasis on architectural design. 
Original languageAmerican English
JournalTheatre Design & Technology
StatePublished - 2018

Keywords

  • Theatre Design
  • Stage Design
  • Scenography
  • Oliver Smith
  • USITT
  • Stage Design Exhibit
  • Musical Theatre

Disciplines

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Theater and Performance Studies
  • Theater History

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