Behind the Scenes of Wicked SET DESIGN | Artrageous with Nate

Summary

In this behind-the-scenes look at the Broadway hit 'Wicked,' the video explores the creativity and innovation in set design at the Gershwin Theater. Scenic designer Edward Pierce explains how they crafted intricate models and mechanical features, like a marionette dragon and Glinda’s bubble machine, to bring the magical world to life. He discusses the technical challenges of designing for large theaters and how they use proportion and mechanics to enhance the audience's experience. The video emphasizes the importance of art in education and encourages viewers to explore creativity.

Takeaways

• 🎭 The video takes place at the Gershwin Theater in New York City, going behind the scenes of the Broadway hit, 'Wicked.'
• 🎨 The episode showcases the creativity and innovation behind the set design of 'Wicked,' led by scenic designer Edward Pierce.
• 🎬 Edward Pierce started his theater career in school, working on plays and musicals, building sets, and operating lights.
• 🛠️ The set of 'Wicked' uses a 1/2-inch scale model for design purposes, which represents the full-sized set on stage.
• 🐉 The mechanical dragon onstage is operated by crew members using ropes and pulleys, adding life to the set design.
• ⚙️ The set features visible gears and mechanisms that symbolize the wizard's influence and power throughout the story.
• 👩‍🎤 Set design for musicals involves not just aesthetics but also smooth transitions between scenes, which is critical for the production.
• 🫧 Glinda makes her grand entrance in a bubble machine, with mechanical bubbles that are safe for the performers.
• 🧠 Many parts of the set, such as the gears, are lightweight, made of foam and fiberglass, and designed to be durable for the actors to climb.
• 🧑‍🔧 The wizard's giant puppet head, controlled by a stagehand using bike handles, brings a unique mechanical element to the performance.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is to go behind the scenes of the Broadway hit 'Wicked,' specifically exploring the creativity and innovation behind the set design.

Who is interviewed in the video and what is their role in 'Wicked'?

Edward Pierce is interviewed in the video. He is one of the collaborators on the scenic design for 'Wicked.'

What is the scale used in the model of the 'Wicked' set?

The scale used in the model is 1/2 of an inch equals one foot, which is a standard scale used for designing Broadway sets.

How is the dragon on stage operated?

The dragon is a marionette operated by crew members who control it using ropes attached to pulleys. The ropes manipulate the dragon’s wings, head, and other movements, while additional features like smoke and LED lights in the eyes enhance its effect.

What is the underlying theme of the set design for 'Wicked'?

The underlying theme of the set design is dark, heavy, and mechanical, reflecting the influence of the wizard in the story. The design incorporates gears and mechanisms to represent the control and workings of the wizard.

What is unique about the proscenium arch in the Gershwin Theater for 'Wicked'?

The proscenium arch was custom-built for the 'Wicked' production. The design extends the set into the audience, making it feel more intimate despite the theater's large size. This helps the audience feel more connected to the characters and story.

How does Glinda make her entrance in 'Wicked'?

Glinda makes her entrance by descending from about 30 feet in the air in a mechanical bubble machine. The machine includes bubble generators that produce bubbles without leaving a residue on the stage floor.

What materials are used in the construction of the set’s gears?

Most of the gears are made from foam, covered with a fiberglass coating, and painted to look realistic. This helps keep the set lightweight and portable while maintaining durability.

How is the giant wizard's head puppet operated?

The wizard's head puppet is operated by a stagehand using bike handles and other mechanical controls to manipulate the mouth, eyes, eyebrows, and movement of the head. It is done live during each performance.

What was one of the main design challenges in adapting 'Wicked' to the Gershwin Theater?

One of the main design challenges was ensuring that the show, which centers on two women, felt intimate in the large Gershwin Theater, which seats 1,800-1,900 people. The designers solved this by creating a custom proscenium arch and extending the set into the audience space.