About
This set design for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at Westbury Christian School, directed by Ronnie Blaine in Fall 2023, is a perfect example of creative problem-solving with limited resources. Designing for a real production on stage was an incredibly interesting and rewarding experience, as it allowed me to bring my creative vision to life in a practical setting. As the sole designer, I was responsible for crafting the overall concept, but I also had the privilege of guiding students through the process of painting the set.
While I was the only designer, I worked closely with the student painters, teaching them how to execute the design and bring the holiday spirit to the stage. This hands-on experience allowed me to apply my theoretical knowledge in a real-world context, while also mentoring students in the technical aspects of set painting. Together, we transformed the stage into a festive and immersive environment, creating a vibrant atmosphere that captured the essence of the show.
I particularly enjoyed the challenge of putting my own personal style into the design. For the house interior, I chose a playful chocolate theme, with chocolate dripping patterns flowing across the stage. This added a fun and unexpected twist to the setting, making the space feel whimsical and indulgent, perfect for the holiday spirit.
Designing with a limited budget is always a challenge I relish, and I love pushing myself to exceed the restrictions placed on me. It was exciting to transform basic materials into something visually captivating, making every resource count while achieving the desired effect. Click to explore how we created this experience and the valuable skills learned along the way.