Newark Charter School in Newark, Delaware needed our help to design the set and special magical effects for its February, 2016 production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. We wanted to create a versatile set that was cost-effective to construct, easy for the actors and crew to work with, and looked professional. Special effects were needed for the Beast Transformation Illusion at the climax of the show. Much of the incredible and artistic detail work on the set, such as the bookcase, stone wall, columns, archway and castle doors are due to the hard work of creative director Kris Conner. The production was directed by Annie Slease with musical direction by Kelly Kline and a combined student and professional orchestra.
Design Elements
The set was designed using three attached 4x8 platforms about 36 inches high. Walls were placed across the back of the platforms, forming the main castle set.
On the audience left side was a convertible library wall that has a flap that can be moved from one side to the other, revealing either a stained glass window or a library.
In the center, an impressive, centerpiece, arched entryway was constructed. On the right, a stone wall in front of which the Beast would make his climactic transformation back into the Prince.
Additional elements included a "Little Town" house where Belle lives with her father, a circular well in period style, the infamous invention cart created by Belle's father, a breakaway balcony railing and facade wrapping a home-grade, rolling scaffolding unit, a borrowed Chip's Cart and miscellaneous other set pieces.
Though not specifically set related, the main character costuming was rented, with the decision to go for the more expensive option because the Beast and many of the other character's look much better than the more inexpensive option... and because it was anticipated that ticket sales would cover the higher costuming cost which may have otherwise impacted the set construction budget.
On the audience left side was a convertible library wall that has a flap that can be moved from one side to the other, revealing either a stained glass window or a library.
In the center, an impressive, centerpiece, arched entryway was constructed. On the right, a stone wall in front of which the Beast would make his climactic transformation back into the Prince.
Additional elements included a "Little Town" house where Belle lives with her father, a circular well in period style, the infamous invention cart created by Belle's father, a breakaway balcony railing and facade wrapping a home-grade, rolling scaffolding unit, a borrowed Chip's Cart and miscellaneous other set pieces.
Though not specifically set related, the main character costuming was rented, with the decision to go for the more expensive option because the Beast and many of the other character's look much better than the more inexpensive option... and because it was anticipated that ticket sales would cover the higher costuming cost which may have otherwise impacted the set construction budget.
Design Gallery
Here are the set pieces we built along with brief descriptions of each.
Video Walk-Thru
This video shows and describes how we tackled a number of the challenges in building a set for a high school production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast.
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