Production Logo
Backdrops Flat
Canvas Drops for Stairs (printed in black only on unbleached canvas for tea-staining). Ultimately repurposed.
Reference Elevation 1
Poster (11" x 17")
Poster Detail
Programs Outside
Programs Inside showing Musical Numbers, Cast List, and Headshots/Bios. (Cast/Crew Headshots provided by Josie Dickson, St. Andrew's.)
Backdrops under Worklights
Canvas Drop Repurposed
Bernardo on the Balcony
Jets Opener
Jets Men led by Riff
Sharks Women, "America!" (It wouldn't be live theatre without excitement. Drop D collapsed after an on-stage fight veered overboard... No injuries, though!)
West Side Story
October 2010
Backdrops, Scenic Elements, and Graphic Design for Musical
Pieces Produced: Production Logo, Posters, Company T-Shirts, Programs, Theatrical Backdrops, On-Stage Canvas Facing
Design Applications: InDesign CS5, Photoshop CS5, Illustrator CS5, Google SketchUp (for elevations)
Typefaces: Dirty Ego, Clarendon
To protect students' privacy, a PDF of the program is available by email request.
I could not have been more excited to be working on another fall musical at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School! Rick Garcia, director, initially asked me to produce a backdrop for West Side Story. We went through several design iterations, beginning with a view of the fallen World Trade Center towers symbolizing the escalation of the gang wars of West Side Story to international violence and terrorism. Finally, however, we decided upon using a deconstructed view of the Statue of Liberty, as the production concept turned to focus more on the statue of equality in America, particularly immigration issues and civil liberties/discrimination among various minority groups. The Statue of Liberty played a two-fold purpose: for the more literal theatre-goer, it signified the setting of New York City. Its primary purpose, however, was to evoke the question “Has Lady Liberty turned her back on (some of) her people?” Thus, the final drop (drop E, stage left/house right) shows the Statue from behind. This is shown more literally in the canvas banner which shows a protest sign saying, “No Human Being is Illegal,” which is seen on stage as liter leading into a trashcan (although in the concept elevations, it was facing for the step ladders).
After the backdrops were decided upon, it was determined that I would also serve as production graphic designer. The production logo was the next piece to complete. The original logo with the dancers on scaffolding and stencilized type is so iconic, but not fitting for this production. I kept the stenciling, but updated it with a more “grunge” outline and a view of the statue. The canvas “trash” drop became a violator on the posters and the front cover of the program because of how thoroughly the image summed up the visual concept of inequality under the eye of the Statue.
It was, as always, a pleasure to work with the St. Andrew’s community on this production. The talent of some of the performers even surpasses professionals who have been in the business for years. That talent is matched only by their gratitude, sincerity, and professionalism. The show was absolutely fantastic. I wish them all the best as they continue their production this weekend. Have good shows!
Go Cru!