Student Production Work
One of the best ways to showcase my teaching and the program at The University of Memphis, is to show off student work. Below are some of the recent projects done by students.
2nd year Technical Director, Nicholas Jackson. 20' diameter revolve that rotated 270 degrees over 2 hours.
3rd Year Technical Director, Jay Morris. Moment of woe in Be More Chill.
3rd Year Technical Director, Jay Morris. The vanquishing scene from Be More Chill
Jake Lacher, BFA Student Technical Direction Project
Jake Lacher, BFA Student Technical Direction Project Two Story, Primarily Steel Set.
Jake Lacher, BFA Student Technical Direction Project Two Story, Primarily Steel Set.
Stephen Tomlin,1st Year MFA Technical Direction Project Done in Repertory with the Sparrow. Scenic Design by BFA Student Cody Rutledge
Stephen Tomlin,1st Year MFA Technical Direction Project Done in Repertory with the Sparrow. Scenic Design by BFA Student Cody Rutledge
Olivia Witkowski, 3rd Year MFA Technical Direction Project.
Olivia Witkowski, 3rd Year MFA Technical Direction Project.
Olivia Witkowski, 3rd Year MFA Technical Direction Project.
Olivia Witkowski, 3rd Year MFA Technical Direction Project.
Olivia Witkowski, 3rd Year MFA Technical Direction Project.
Nicholas Jackson, 1st Year MFA Technical Direction Project
Nicholas Jackson, 1st Year MFA Technical Direction Project
Chess was a technical direction project for 3rd year MFA student, Aaron Mayer. The scenic design is by Brian Ruggaber, our faculty designer. This is one of 13 configurations of the set. The set is all steel, with the exception of the wagons. The wagons are moved via airlift caster mechanisms.
A secondary back wall, also made from steel and polystyrene sheeting was flown in to complete the absent areas in the permanent wall to create a large projection surface.
This shot demonstrates the need for steel. All units, including the upstage wall needed to have the cast climb them.
The main wagon and walls are all steel framed. The detailing is CNC cut and the wagon is automated using a winch built by Mr. Mayer and an undergraduate student, Sam Francis.
This is one of many configurations for a multi wagon set. Jake Lacher, a second year undergraduate was the ATD. (Michael O'Nele TD) One of his tasks was to solve the desk problem. These desks seat three, can be danced on, and be moved by one actor.
Closeup shot of a desk. They are of laminate construction using 3/4" ply, foam and MDF. The wheels are built in to accommodate quick movement with out compromising stability.
Scenic design by MFA student Jay Deen, and technical direction by MFA student Jathan Innerarity. This shot shows off the rafters made to look like steel web structures. They are CNC cut lauan with pine flanges. Also in the shot are the bleachers, made from steel and designed to be used as part of the choreography.
From this angle, one notes that the set does not follow the center line of the stage. This required the student TD to devise a plan to spot rig most units. Also the steel staircase and platform for the "coach's office" are visible.
Scenic design by Jaclyn Affatato and technical direction by Sam Francis, both undergraduate students. This set is in repertory with a production of Wit in our studio theatre. One of the challenges is the 11 foot grid height of this theatre.
This was a final technical direction project project for undergraduate student Sam Francis. The upper deck is steel framed. Steel support columns are masked by concrete forms.
The "Sun Chariot" devised by scenic designer, Ken Ellis, was tracked on battens that were safety cabled to the grid. The unit was automated by a linear winch drive. Sam Francis, student TD.
Scenic design by Jaclyn Affatato and technical direction by Sam Francis, both undergraduate students. This set required the student TD to think through an excellent true size and shape exercise in order for the rafters to follow the obtuse angle of the walls. They are spot rigged to the pipe grid of the theatre.
This was MFA student Aaron Mayer's 1st project at the University. It require the creation of a small, automated revolve and a mechanized staircase that opened vertically, like a medieval "Hell's Mouth". As well, it was a large, complex set with many realistic elements. Scenic design by Ken Ellis.
In this close up, one can see both the revolve and the seams of the mechanized stairs.
A process shot of MFA student, Jay Deen constructing the foam frames for the ceiling panels for the University's production of The Phantom of the Opera. Scenic design by Dave Nofsinger.
A finished shot of the foam frames for the ceiling panels for the University's production of The Phantom of the Opera. Much of the Scenic painting was also done by Mr. Deen. Scenic design by Dave Nofsinger.
The throne used to make the Phantom disappear at the end of the show. Designed and built by MFA students Jay Deen and Jathan Innerarity.
Half of the disappearance trick is visible here. The rest is a trade secret.
The chair created for the Phantom's Opera, Don Juan Triumphant, was designed by Dave Nofsinger, and built by Dave and MFA student Jay Deen.
On off stage shot for detail.