Saturday, March 26, 2011

A Christmas Carol - Set Design / Lead Painter

The set was inspired by Tim Burton Films

In 2005 I was hired by Carousel Children's Theatre to provide a Set design for their professional production of “A Christmas carol”. This opportunity put me in a bigger spotlight, and also caught the attention of the Vancouver Jessie Award Committee. In 2006 I was nominated for one of these coveted awards, the highest level of recognition the Vancouver theatre scene has to offer. I was thrilled to be nominated, but nothing could have prepared me for the night of the ceremonies when my name was called and I actually won the award. It was a goal I had set for myself when I began designing sets...and I actually achieved it with hard work, passion and commitment to my dreams! I Hope you enjoy these pictures and commentary.

All the furniture was custom designed, including this wire framed writing desk

Drawing of the Stage Left door


Drawing of the Stage Right door

This scrim panel allows a ghost to appear. The knocker is painted on.

Ghost effect in door


The back walls of the set were also scrim to reveal the detailed backdrop and street talkers

Custom Table. The puppets were not my design but they are quite beautiful.

This grave stone rose up from the floorboards and was lit an eeerie green

Lighting always adds the last bit of the magic

Prop Drawing

Backdrop/groundrow plans

Main set front elevation drawing.

Set Model or Maquette

Actual set in the Waterfront Theatre, Granville Island Vancouver , BC, Canada.

Bye Bye Birdie -Musical Set Design/Production

The Telephone Number!! This rolling jungle gym was a metal fabrication by Jay Pynn.
 This was a show I designed for Footlight Theatre Company in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. It was a musical called "Bye Bye Birdie", set in the 50s, with an Elvis type character. I wanted to do a 1950s modern design and keep it fun and colorful! The set was constructed by Jeff Cox and Jay Pynn. I was lead painter. Please enjoy the pics!

I have also included some pictures of the set maquette (or Model) to compare.

This is the House set. Everything is on wheels.
The stove is made from wood! Everything had the dark lines for a 1950s cartoonist look.
House Set model

Office Set. This was fun to design. Desks are custom.
Office Scene Set Model

Maude's Roadside Tiki Bar Set. The centre wall panels are on wheels to slide in and out.

Maude's Tiki Bar Model
This is the Ice House Scene. Centre section is fully closed, and some wall squares open to be windows and doors.
Ice House model
Kims Bedroom unit. It was on wheels and was inspired by a giant diary. It opened like a book. wallpaper is hand painted.

Streets of Sweet Apple. Lights were amazing in person.
Cast warms up. This outer arch had colored lights behind all white areas. Looked amazing when lit.