A Fine Blend

As designers joining together to imagine a perfect Sherlock world, the production class did very well. The theatrical touches of the smoke in the warehouse, the ever-present skyline of London, the red wallpaper in the Larrabee's and the Science props in Sherlock's flat were all a result of lots of thought and planning. The process of taking something from the page and putting it on the stage was fully realized with this class. Each and every student contributed to the overall look, sound and feel of this production. As the set design teacher, I am extremely proud of the hard-working students who kept their heads down and kept working. It didn't just get done- it got done well. Well done!

Cast and Crew photo

May 14, 2013

Sherlock Cast getting ready to go on Stage

Rehearsal Photos

The opening scene

In Sherlock's flat

Sherlock with Moriarty

Romance?

the makeup room

Lights, Set Painting and Costumes

As the opening night approaches, the various technical elements are falling into place. The set is almost entirely done, the costumes are more or less unified, the lights have been hung and focused, the music is chosen and the sound technician is in the building. Everyone knows their lines and seems to have a good handle on their character. Sunday afternoon, we will run the show with all the technical elements in place. Let the magic begin. All the hard work, all the planning, all the memory work, painting and designs are coming together. The Steampunk details add so much to Moriarty's Lair and the consistent colour palette is pleasing to the eye. We are poised to go with all hands on deck. The game is afoot!

Raffle prizes abound at Dewe's this Sunday

One of the fund-raising activities for the show is a raffle. The prizes are very exciting.....
A Sherlock theme basket, a date basket that includes movie tickets, lunch and a hair cut, and another manicure/ spa package. Tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00. Available at Dewe's this Sunday or at CSS. Please help us raise a few funds to cover expenses.

The poster

Newest To Do List

Newest Paint List

Add board definition to crates

Prime Moriarty’s desk front- to be painted blue grey

Finish Brick lines on 3 flats and inserts- differentiate bricks with washes of colour

Begin painting butternut brown on lower Larrabee flats (keep pencil marks visible)

Measure, mark and Stencil upper Larabee walls with pale peach colour (and red)

Curtains for Larrabee’s window

Paint safe details

Prime the doors both sides

Wash the risers scumbled black/grey

Begin putting board lines on huge crate

Add more golden wash to one Sherlock upper flat

Decide on stencil for upper Sherlock walls (stripes?)

Measure, mark and paint Sherlock

Texture Moriarty’s platform with taupe

Add details to Fireplace- stencil and other 3D details

Need sides on riders and stairs

add handles to crates- especially the two "chairs"

Prop List

set up Science Table

Moriarty’s Time table

Review Challian’s List

Costumes

Set up sewing machine in back of vocal room

Find remaining items for characters- shirts, ties, shoes, etc. go back through the prop room

Devising a Plan Journal

With the many set pieces that need to be moved around, the class will need to come up with a detailed plan  to keep order backstage. Our stage has large wings and a crossover behind the cyclorama that has lots of room for set storage. However, even with all that space, the sets are hugh and the organization is critical.
Each person needs to complete a set move/storage plan for Sherlock Holmes.

Putting on a Play

If you have never spent time putting together a play, you can only guess at the mountain of work. Although it requires a lot of effort, it is really interesting work if you like painting, choosing and mixing colour, sewing, making props, using your imagination, acting, moving furniture, reupholstering furniture, designing set pieces, drawing, and more. I haven't even mentioned the effort required to promote it. The program, the poster, the tickets and the display cabinet all need to be created. Last weekend, the students crafted a booth design for the local shopping mall and handed out bookmarks and sold raffle tickets. They will repeat this event again May 5th at a local grocery store. For a play like "Sherlock Holmes",

one also has to do research and then decide how much to keep and how much to alter. Should the costumes for the females have bustles? What year is it going to be set? Can we change the year and thereby eliminate the need for bustles?
In this upcoming production, all the slightly evil characters are wearing red or burgundy. However,
there is one red herring! ( is that a pun?) One character, who turns out to be mostly innocent, may end
up in a certain shade of rich deep red. It may confuse the audience, but she will look good standing next to Sherlock in his grey suit.
If these things seem fun, you should probably get involved in theatre. If you are scratching your head, just buy a ticket and enjoy the show.

Warehouse brick

A Little More Steampunk

Warehouses of Victorian London

Victorian Interior Design Style

The low-tech warehouse/factory of the Famous Glass Company- Tiffany

Notice the hanging lights and various ropes and wires hanging.

Larrabbee's Wallpaper Ideas

A stencil with a similar design could be used to make our wallpaper.

Moriarty's wall

A range of Grey, with subtle yellow tones

Steampunk Buttons

http://beyondvictoriana.com
Notice that Sherlock Holmes is among the nine designs listed here as essential Steampunk.

Lestrade Hair and Moustache?

Shapes of Women's Fashion Over the Years