Scaling-Down the Grandiose: Opera Design Experimentation

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to explore if and how high-budget and large-scale stage designs can translate to smaller stages with lower budgets. By examining the works of successful opera designers Es Devlin, Vicky Mortimer and Nicky Gillibrand, clear patterns emerged from each: Es Devlin often has an over-exaggerated use of perspective in her designs; Vicky Mortimer plays with contrast in scale, colour and texture; Nicky Gillibrand explores colour palettes and textures. Each of these specific design elements were translated from their original large-scale setting into a small 15 by 15 foot scale model. After asking audience members to engage with the models, their responses suggested that playing with perspective is a very successful method to make small designs feel grand. These findings can be applied to theatre, opera and performing art companies who are looking to increase the perceived production value of their performances without increasing budgets. Further, by applying the traditional scientific method to practice-based research in the arts, this project demonstrates that theatrical ideas can be made easily accessible to wider communities, and that such methods can contribute to potentially inventive interdisciplinary methodology.