Gossamer
October 2023
Our summer technical theatre camp started the scenery construction by building wagon bases for the unit set. Construction continued in our technical theatre classes early in the season. The set pivots and splits in half, while fantasy creatures live in a hive-like structure with multiple tiered platforms. Lighting and projections create a dream-like world that appears just before one awakens.
Willy Wonka
January/February 2024
Eight large wagons, six smaller ones, and several cutouts were designed and constructed for this production. A ground row was incorporated to conceal the projector ten feet from the cyclorama. It was designed with platforms for performers to stand on while optimizing stage lighting by avoiding direct front light on projected images. An illusion of a character ascending through a 20-foot-tall tube made from Hula Hoops, plastic, and rope was created by placing the tube behind the ground row and using a manikin pulled up with rope from the pin rail by technicians. Additionally, collaboration with ZFX enabled three characters to perform aerial sequences, which required training actors and technicians to ensure the flights appeared realistic.
