Esoteric
Well-Known Member
It was a nice idea that just didn't pan out.
The scenic design consisted of 12 "pods" of 20 seats each for the first 12 rows of audience. As the play progressed these "pods" moved around the space. What began as an procenium show became a thrust show, then became an arena show, then back again.
Wonderful idea right?
Well, one major problem. There were 6 rows of stationary seating behind the "pods" and the Wyly Theater was just not tall enough to get the proper rake. What looked great in rehearsal took a turn for the worse with people in the seats. So anyone in rows 13-18 had an obstructed view for 90% of the performance. And for 50% of it the view was almost completely obstructed.
A few thoughts:
Even the pros make mistakes (I know this all too well)
Always observe your design from multiple angles and in production conditions BEFORE previews
Do not get so married to an idea that you destroy the production in order to do it
Mike
The scenic design consisted of 12 "pods" of 20 seats each for the first 12 rows of audience. As the play progressed these "pods" moved around the space. What began as an procenium show became a thrust show, then became an arena show, then back again.
Wonderful idea right?
Well, one major problem. There were 6 rows of stationary seating behind the "pods" and the Wyly Theater was just not tall enough to get the proper rake. What looked great in rehearsal took a turn for the worse with people in the seats. So anyone in rows 13-18 had an obstructed view for 90% of the performance. And for 50% of it the view was almost completely obstructed.
A few thoughts:
Even the pros make mistakes (I know this all too well)
Always observe your design from multiple angles and in production conditions BEFORE previews
Do not get so married to an idea that you destroy the production in order to do it
Mike
