All That It Takes Is A Spark

“Mary and Bert introduce Jane and Michael Banks to the mysterious world of the chimney sweeps, who are essentially guardian angels. Mary tells them these guardians are always there when you need them, ready to step in...to step in...just in time.” -George Stiles 

As a kid performing in local theatre, I always knew I was just biding my time by being onstage until I was old enough to do the two things I really wanted: direct and design sets. I get to do both now, designing the sets for most (though not all) of the shows I direct. For me, it’s essential to know where the actors will be and how things will look early in the process. I’ve also learned through my design classes to not always settle on the first solution you think of, but explore multiple options and come at it from different approaches. I’m glad I finally know how to design using software, because I’ve gone through a lot of scrap paper and sketches through the years. 

One influence that is always present for  me when designing sets is the work of Disney Imagineering. The theming, the immersion, their attention to detail and storytelling in their theme parks is second to none. The way they take both familiar AND exotic locations, or even entire countries, and boil them down to an appealing yet practical essence or pastiche is very inspiring for set design, especially when you have a relatively small stage to work on. At CST, my set for Guys and Dolls was inspired by the Gangster scene in The Great Movie Ride (RIP!) and traces of Tomorrowland made their way into Catch Me If You Can. (The set for Hair however was inspired by Sesame Street!) As I’ve been working on the Mary Poppins set I’ve looked a lot at the original film’s sets and matte paintings for ideas, but you’ll also end up seeing elements inspired by Peter Pan’s Flight, Main Street USA parade floats, and even It’s a Small World! 

If you like a challenge, then designing a set for Corn Stock’s tent is a good one. Depending on what you’re designing, it can be a bit of a square peg, but I love the challenges it brings...not only challenges, but the opportunity to enhance the experience in ways you can’t at other theatres. The outdoor atmosphere, the tent’s unusual shape, it all forces you to not rely on what you’ve seen or done before, and out of necessity you get to re-invent a bit.

When I first heard the quote from composer George Stiles that opens this post, I had an “ah-ha” moment and decided it would provide the entire basis for this production’s concept. Bert is a chimney sweep, and he tells the story, so we should get to see things from his perspective. I pictured a set full of chimneys and rooftops that can move, shift and transform to create the story with help from his friends the chimney sweeps. I didn’t want the audience stuck on the ground, looking up and just observing all the fun things happening in the sky. They’ll be among the high flying action and get to feel immersed in the story with it happening all around them. I love that I will get to finally use this Disney-based methodology on an actual Disney show!

PS I'm using a lot of photos without credit on this blog; some are mine but some are not. My gratitude to anyone whose work I borrow:)