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Some of my favorite production images from Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown Spring 2018

Set Design: Katherine Metzler

Asst. Set Design: Madison Sullivan

Props Design: Ariel Kregal, Asst. Props Design: Becca Stock

Lighting Design: Emily Williams, Asst. Lighting Design: Claudia Choroser

Costume Design: Mary Alice Groat, Asst. Costume Design: Rachel Cocca

Photo credit to Jim Bush (for those watermarked as such) and Madison Sullivan (for those not watermarked)

I typically think of myself as more of a TD, but getting to work as a set designer has given me a really interesting perspective on the process. I learned so much about collaborating with other designers and the director. I especially learned about compromising with the TD for budget and practicality from the opposite point of view.

The difference between drafting with the goal of communicating artistic ideas vs communicating to carpenters how to build a unit is something that I’m glad I’ve experienced.

I also designed in the mind of a TD, everything was in units of 8′ which wasn’t the best in terms of the design, but it meant that I didn’t need to redesign as much during the budget reduction step.

It still feels pretty surreal that the model box I spent all those nights on is this full scale set that an audience is going to see and judge.

Releasing little bits of artistic control and having a whole team create this has been weird. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to do this, but I’m glad that set designing isn’t my career goal, because this isn’t really for me I think.

I went to see The Nether on Feb 1st, at the Road Less Traveled Theatre.

It was really good, and creepy, and thought provoking, and western-theatrical-cannon defying, and did I mention creepy?

I love that there is opportunity in Buffalo to see (and work on) new, different theatre. As great as your classic musicals and Shakespeare are, I am personally more interested in the modern weird stuff! More sci-fi plays please!

(note to self though, never apply for a job writing theatre reviews, stick to building)

... it’s so big

The weird painting that I made is now a huge weird painting that the whole team made.

...theatre is somethin’ else

These dividers have been a bit of a problem child design wise and technically. Lots of compromises and things not turning out exactly as planned. I’ve learned valuable lessons about what works and what doesn’t in regards to communication with the shop, with the paint charge, with the director, and with stage management.

(The side not picture which we called the “organic” side was designed by Madison & features direct collaged Picasso images)

I thought that drafting was going to be my favorite step in the set design process, but I was wrong. I’ve rediscovered my childhood love of turning 3D concepts into 2D cut outs to fold into 3D!

This + an exacto + tacky glue = strangely my idea of fun

PAINTING! PAINTING! PAINTING!

But really ... so. much. painting.

Big thanks to everyone who helped at the paint calls!

Drafting is always a favorite! Gotta love AutoCAD Inventor!

Final model box!

Scenic units that roll on will include: 3 configurable dual sided dividers, A door, a kitchen cart, a hanging Picasso & mirror, and a bed (although that is technically pictured in it’s storage location nested into the platform), plus several other furniture bits that are falling to the props department (Props design by @arielkregaldesigns assisted by Becca Stock)

Much more Picasso!

From all the shapes and images, we’ve refined it into a set of portals with images of Madrid/Nature that I am “Picasso-ifying.” I’ve done a lot of research into surrealism and cubism, plus flipping through most of Picasso’s work to pinpoint style/trends that I can imitate.

(painting in the last image a total work in progress, and the accordian folded papers to the right are going to be movable dividers inspired by the 1st research image)

Okay... it’s a lot of ideas all in one place... I guess it’s my 2nd pass at a bash model now that the idea of the band on stage has been nixed?

Maintaining a positive attitude is always important, and I’m sure that this’ll all get there in the end, but honestly, I’m confused and feeling a little out of my depth at this stage in the process, looking forward to drafting!

An early feature I’m interested in is the idea of hanging abstract surreal-ish shapes. Inspired by the idea of bringing Picasso and non-literal images into the world to push the fun and vivacity that the show has.

Also pictured: 1st Rough bash model with the orchestra on a 2nd level on stage as well as the aforementioned hanging shapes.

I’m trying a new visual note taking method to try to get in the “design” headspace outside my typical technically focused brain.

I’m not sure how I feel about it yet, it’ll certainly come in handy for some things more than others. The grid notebook though is DEFINITELY a win! I’m buying these exclusively from now on: good for math, writing, sketching, and drawing in scale!

Spring 2018: I’m the set designer for Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown at UB! It’s being directed by Nathan Mathews, and I have an Asst. Set Designer this time around, Madison Sullivan. I’m excited for this process, although it will no doubt get a little crazy, it being my first real set design (with an actual budget that is).

Here are some of my, Madison, and Nathan’s favorites of the first round of research images.

My favorite production photos from Zodiaque Dance Company Spring 2017

Photos by Jim Bush

Costume design by Jen Dasher

Lighting Design by Jeremiah King

Soldering repairs post show!

Little jumps between wires are causing issues when the wires get pulled, so we’ve been adding a lot of hot glue insulation after little solder repairs.

Some dancers’ costumes are having no issue and some keep having breaks. It’s definitely partially because of how gentle the performers are being, but I wish I knew which strips we made in which order to see if it has to do with us getting better as we went along at the fabrication.

Hot glue is nice because it keeps everything in a happy place, smooths sharp edges, provides nice insulation, plus is cheep, and fast.

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