Culmination Proposal Project

Executive Summary

Summary

The goal is to develop a strategy for a live immersive production set design loosely based on Shakespeare’s play The Tempest. The story will be told through dance and circus performing artists. Audience member participation will play a key role in the overarching storyline; audience members can choose their adventure by following fixed character plotlines on their journey through the set design. The problem to solve is in how the audience would be able to move freely throughout the space without overcrowding. Additionally, finding ways to place the set design elements safely to avoid possible obstructions as audience members move through the space.

Background

After being inspired by attractions such as the Gravesend Inn, Fuerza Bruta, Sleep No More, and the art installation Arcadia Earth- Immersive Experience NYC, I thought these shows engaged the audience in interesting ways. I enjoyed the dance elements of Sleep No More, and the audience interaction with the set design elements in Arcadia Earth- Immersive Experience NYC.

Process

Extensive research will be done by reading the play and investigating its history. As the set designer, a ground plan and section views will be drafted. In addition, a white model will be built to represent the set design for one of the interactive rooms. The set design will be focused on the opening scene of The Tempest, for which I’ll be exploring ways to create the storm in Act 1 Scene 1. I will also investigate the use of materials and fabrics which could be used for the set design. Additionally, I’ll explore some lighting design choices that would best fit the overall look of the set design. Throughout this process, I will be seeking guidance from my technical adviser and set designer, Professor Jennifer Varbalow, and culmination Professor Tony Giovannetti.

Results

I would measure our success in our ability to generate an audience outside of devoted fans of Shakespeare’s works. Additionally, my goal is to understand the process of building a show and all the technical elements required to execute it from its infancy to completion.

Recommendations

By working on this project, I hope to find new solutions to address issues like overcrowding and the flow of audience in similar performance spaces in the future. I hope that I can use this project as a template to better understand this process, should I someday have the opportunity to work in a similar environment in the future.

 

Description

To prepare for this project, I will do extensive research by viewing other shows and art installations that fall within a similar category. As part of my research, I will investigate the history of the play The Tempest, to provide historical context to aid the look and feel of the overall set and lighting design of the show. Through my research, I hope to establish a definitive plan for how to carry out the various steps needed to implement such an undertaking. I will seek the guidance of City Tech advisors with knowledge in the areas mentioned above to aid in implementing the correct protocols and work practices.

Process and Methods

  • Read and research The Tempest (Picture Collection, New York Public Library).
  • Museum and show attendance for research.
  • Design research.
  • Drafting ground plan & Section Views.
  • Additional support and guidance.

Phase 2

https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/cadams-eportfolio/2023/03/05/choosing-the-scene-from-the-tempest/

Phase 3

https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/cadams-eportfolio/2023/03/06/rough-sketches-for-the-tempest-set-design/

Phase 4

https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/cadams-eportfolio/2023/03/30/phase-4/

Phase 5

https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/cadams-eportfolio/2023/03/30/phase-5/

Phase 6

https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/cadams-eportfolio/2023/04/17/painting-and-construction/

Phase 7

https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/cadams-eportfolio/2023/04/17/mast-model-construction/

Phase 8

https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/cadams-eportfolio/2023/04/30/model-construction-and-paint-continued/

Phase 9

https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/cadams-eportfolio/2023/04/30/walking-on-water/

Phase 10

https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/cadams-eportfolio/2023/05/01/themed-rooms/

https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/cadams-eportfolio/2023/05/01/completed-set-design-model/

The Tempest Budget

https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/cadams-eportfolio/2023/05/06/culmination-project-budget/

Revised Technical Drawings

https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/cadams-eportfolio/2023/05/06/revised-technical-drawings/

Culmination PowerPoint Presentation

https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/cadams-eportfolio/2023/05/06/powerpoint-presentation/

Culmination Poster

https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/cadams-eportfolio/2023/05/17/culmination-poster-session/