Razzamataz Sutton-Coldfield
A Decade of Dreams!
Lighting Designer
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5 different shows. 1 name. 10 years of Razz.
A decade of dreams was the greatest Razzamatazz Sutton-Coldfield.
This time, with five different shows as opposed to four in the past, a larger ground package and a fully pre-programmed pre-viz design.
This was a Decade of Dreams!
All images thanks to PerformingArtsMedia.
The Show
One production name, but five different shows, each comprised of multiple acts and performances, and a whole lot of kids!
This consisted of dance, acting, excerpts from musicals and a whole lot of joy.
Vision
The challenge with these productions is giving them a unique identity so that they don't feel at all like a repeat from year to year.
Of course, the shows are different each time around; however, generally, they follow the same blueprint. Therefore, giving each year's show its own unique identity or feel from the lighting design and making it a key part of my design process
Depth
As the show consisted of a variety of performance types, one fundamental element (especially within the dance pieces) was to provide as much depth as possible. Dynamic concepts to express the energy of the dance pieces, combined with simple tricks such as heavy back-light, were one of the ways I was able to make the large open stage feel occupied and incorporated as opposed to a void space.
Making Memories
The most important part of the experience was to remember that the entire purpose of my being there was to help bring amazing memories for the young people involved. Making the performers feel as though they are on the stage in the West End or Glastonbury is my driving force. There is no such thing as 'just a small show' or 'just a kids' show,' and this is my driving force and ethos.
Planning & Programming
Besides the rig plans, colour calls and so on, the entire show was pre-programmed in pre-viz (mostly). As elements were due to change and alter in the most effective way to pre-program the show was to program the cues for each act/performance and store them in a cue stack that is not used for the show (stack 90). Then during tech, the five different shows that were comprised of the acts/performances in different orders would be altered in stack 90 before being copied over into the relevant show-ready stack (1,2,3,4, and 5). This allowed maximum flexibility between versions but also ensured consistency where needed.
Contrast Contrast Contrast
Using contrast within my design is something of a recurring technique within my design work.
Contrast between design pieces (so that each performance has its own identity) as well as using it within colour theory (especially with side light). Often referred to as complientorty. These are colours that contrast with each other directly yet complement each other. For example, red and blue. Something you can see in this image. Perfect for adding something truly eye-catching in lighting for dance.
