Construct the Moment

This project focused on bringing performance design to life by transitioning from conceptual ideas to full-scale realisation. Building on the narrative and visual skills developed in earlier modules, we moved into hands-on scenic construction and technical design for live performance environments. Working collaboratively as a group, we developed and built a shared performance space inspired by our earlier individual 1:25 scale models of locations around the Waverley building. These were combined into a single, festival-style design that was brought to life at full scale.

Throughout the project, we were introduced to a range of essential scenic and technical practices, including set construction, scenic painting, stage dressing, lighting, AV, and projection mapping. We also learned to work with drafting software such as AutoCAD, supporting industry-standard design communication.

The emphasis was on collaboration, problem-solving, and realising a design through practical skills while considering live performance requirements. We were encouraged to take an active role in planning and time management, working to production deadlines and considering how our individual contributions supported the overall vision. This experience offered valuable insight into the professional workflows of performance design, from concept through to construction and final presentation.

From Model to Final Set

We began by creating 1:25 scale models based on spaces around the Waverley building. Although not all models were selected for the final group design, elements from many were carefully chosen and combined by the tutors to form one large, immersive performance space with a festival-style atmosphere.

The Construction

For the build phase, I took an active role in scenic painting and flat construction. These hands-on elements gave me a deeper appreciation for the technical skills and teamwork that go into bringing a set to life. Seeing the full-scale version emerge from our sketches and scaled models was incredible. It felt surreal to walk through something we had imagined on paper and constructed with our own hands.

The Performance

The final set was truly spectacular. Once all components were added—lighting, sound, projection, script, and live performers—it transformed into a fully immersive environment. It was amazing to see how each element brought out something new in the design. Comparing the original model to the final piece was a proud moment; the scale, texture, and energy of the real thing exceeded expectations.

Research

Rocks That Hold Dreams was a collaborative project that brought together elements of set design, performance, and personal storytelling. The process began with each of us creating individual 1:25 scale models based on spaces around the Waverley building. Although not all models were used in full, aspects from each were broken apart and reimagined into one cohesive set design. This approach was a creative and thoughtful way to honour everyone’s contributions while building something that felt unified and meaningful.

The construction phase started with flat-making, which formed the foundation of the set. Although I wasn’t able to be there for the entire build process, I took an active role when I was present—particularly in scenic painting. I worked specifically on painting the brickwork and stone stairs. This part of the project was something I really enjoyed and took pride in. I used original reference photos to colour match as closely as possible, aiming to stay true to the textures and tones of the real materials.

To bring realism and depth to the surface, I used a variety of sponges with different textures. Each sponge created a different effect, and I found that watering down the paint helped me build subtle, layered tones without the colours looking too harsh or flat. This layering technique gave the bricks and stairs a more natural, weathered appearance and added texture that made the set feel authentic and immersive.

The final piece, titled Rocks That Hold Dreams, was incredibly powerful. The set was brought to life with projected videos and photographs of our class from when we were younger, creating a deeply personal and reflective atmosphere. Actors performed live on stage—dancing to music and interacting with the photographs and projections. As an audience member, you weren’t just watching; you were surrounded by memories, movement, and imagery. It was immersive, emotional, and visually striking.

What made the experience so memorable was seeing how everything—set, lighting, sound, projection, and performance—came together to create one cohesive moment. It was a reminder of how vital collaboration is in live design, and how every element, even something as small as a carefully painted stair or brick, contributes to the overall impact.

This project helped me grow not only in my scenic painting skills but also in my appreciation for storytelling through design. I learned the value of subtlety, observation, and layering in creating texture and depth, both visually and emotionally. Seeing the final piece and hearing the positive feedback from friends, family, and peers was genuinely rewarding. It reminded me of why I love designing for performance—and how powerful a space can become when it’s built with care, collaboration, and meaning.

Process Evaluation

Learning to create a 1:25 scale design has been a valuable and eye-opening experience, laying the groundwork for the more advanced work we tackled in Construct the Moment. This continuation into full-scale scenic construction allowed me to put the skills I had gained into practice, and deepened my understanding of how detailed, small-scale models can directly inform large, immersive environments.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the model-making phase was experimenting with textured sponges to create moss effects on the stone stairs. I used varying shades of green and grey to add dimension and realism, and it was amazing to see how something as subtle as sponge texture could bring a model to life. What felt like small details—dabs of paint, scratches, layering—actually made a huge difference. These elements didn’t just mimic real-life ageing or wear, they helped tell a story.

In the full-scale build, I saw that same principle come to life. Scenic painting became one of my favourite parts of the process. I loved applying layered techniques I’d practiced in miniature—this time with bigger brushes and bolder movements. It was satisfying to see how paint, texture, and finishing techniques could transform plain flats into something atmospheric and believable. Making flats and contributing to the scenic painting gave me a hands-on role in shaping the final world, and I took pride in every element I worked on.

Layering remained a key lesson—especially in understanding how each scenic piece is constructed with purpose and depth. I had no idea, for example, that a simple door could require so much structural planning, right down to how masking tape between layers enables real movement. This attention to function and realism, both at scale and full size, taught me how critical it is to think like both a builder and a designer.

I also learned more about how painting techniques can change the way an audience experiences a set. Adding shadows and highlights, just like in the model, made the surfaces feel aged, textured, and lived in. That connection between light, surface, and perception is something I now think about more carefully—especially as I continue to work between model-making and full-size construction.

Though I faced challenges—like working with fragile foam board or learning how to build functional doors—I feel that these obstacles strengthened my problem-solving skills. They reminded me to stay patient, test techniques, and embrace the learning process.

What made this project truly special was seeing the final set fully realised, with lights, sound, projection, actors, and script all working in harmony. It was incredible to compare the original model to the finished space and see how far we’d come. The feedback from peers, family, and friends was so rewarding—it made all the hard work feel worthwhile. This experience has been a real highlight of my time on the course so far, and it’s left me feeling more confident, inspired, and excited for what’s next.