Bridge Boston Charter School is an inclusive and joyful community that combines a dynamic academic and social emotional learning program with an innovative full service model in order to meet the needs of the whole child and ensure our Scholars can achieve their greatest potential in high school and beyond.
Project Brief
Bridge Boston Charter Schools approached PAYETTE to design and construct a set for their theatre program’s performance of Shrek the Musical.
This set design would be the fourth in a series of theatre sets produced by PAYETTE’s fabrication team in collaboration with a Boston public school, following Dr. Suess the Musical, Lion King Jr., and Aladdin. The most recent of these sets is Aladdin, which was also produced with BBCS.
Similar to past sets PAYETTE has designed, we were asked to consider the maneuverability of the design since the children performing would be the ones switching the scenes throughout the play. We decided the scenes would be made of multiple layers of lightweight 3” thick polystyrene foam and put on casters so the students can move them around with ease. The panels are also double sided, so they can quickly be flipped around for the next scene.
The BBCS team requested 5 scenes for the set design for Shrek the Musical: a large forest scene, a large castle, Shrek’s house, Fiona’s tower, and a field of sunflowers.
Pre-MLK Day Design and Fabrication
These sets were CNC cut on 4×8’ polystyrene panels at PAYETTE’s fabrication lab prior to the day of service. Each cut file was unique and processed through a routing software. The designs were translated into line work before being processed for the CNC. In total 32 panels were scored, carved and cut to create the pieces of the set.
Each layer of the polystyrene had to be cut in a way that provided an outline around objects to make them pop from the stage. This outline, recessed into the foam, will ultimately be painted black – similar to the guidelines in a coloring book. The surfaces raised from the outlines will be painted with various colors selected by the team to bring the scenes to life from the view of the audience. Along with the sets, PAYETTE will provide BBCS paint by number diagrams for the students to follow when painting the set pieces.
Day of Service
PAYETTE’s MLK Day of Service was spent assembling the multiple elements of the theater set in PAYETTE’s fabrication lab. Every team member took part in the various steps leading to the completion of the set.
First, the pieces were thoroughly cleaned and dusted of any remaining particles from the cutting process. The pieces were then dry-fitted to validate their position before gluing them together. Using caulk guns, a construction adhesive was applied to the pieces. Sections of each set were then sandwiched together with adhesive between them, and we secured the assembly with screws connecting the different layers. Each set piece (double sided) is four or five sheets of polystyrene thick, allowing for depth within the design, not just a flat backdrop.
For an ease of movement once on the stage, plywood bases on wheels were added at the bottom of each set piece. The combination of wheels and lightweight material allows for the children performing to move and flip the pieces themselves during quick breaks between scenes.
Now assembled, the set will be brought to Bridge Boston Charter School for the final fabrication step. Teachers, students, and parents will come together for a volunteer paint day on February 8th to add colors and life to the blank set. The PAYETTE team is providing instructions for this effort in the form of paint-by-number drawings; a full-size coloring book exercise.
The set will truly shine when enhancing the work of the young actors. Performances for Shrek Jr.: The Musical will be held on the weekend of February 14th-16th. This will be the culmination of their hard work and multiple rehearsals; and a display for what can be achieved when a community comes together.
We’re hoping that, like previous sets we have designed, this set will live on and serve a different school in the future, bringing smiles, pride, and magic to another group of passionate children.
Community Partner:
Bridge Boston Charter School
PAYETTE Team:
Daniel Dudziak
Blanchard Fagan
James Foye
Kean Goh
Sandrine Heroux
Ching Hua Ho
Rebecca Hsu
Parke MacDowell
Sophie McKenzie
Tracy Tang
