With the school stage production of The Little Shop of Horrors starting this week the Technology department explains how the set design was created.

Under the leadership of Richard Dougherty and using the exact process used in workshop with Design and Technology students the set design was created for the stage production. 

The process involved Richard meeting with the stakeholders of the production to get an idea of the requirements for the set, including props and stage sets. He took these initial ideas and sketched out explorative concepts of the set design, using a range of drawing techniques to communicate his ideas. These ideas went back to the stakeholders, the director, and refinements were made. Richard then finalised the ideas, what they would look like, and the structures required to ensure they were stable and fit for purpose.

With a budget at hand, Richard sorted out the materials needed and then placed the call to students of his Senior Technology class to be a part of the construction team. Over the course of a day and a weekend, the props were measured and marked out, cut, shaped, joined and assembled to their final form. 

An example of effective technological practice working to limited time and budget constraints to produce a high quality outcome.

While Richard has a fine arts background, the painting of the set design and props was handed over to the Art Department to be given the finishing touches ready for final rehearsals.

The rest of the Technology team assisted Richard in his efforts and we are pleased to be given an opportunity to not only contribute to the school's production of The Little Shop of Horrors, but be able to role model the technological process in a real world context for the students that we teach. Below are a series of photos capturing the efforts of our students contributing to the school production.

A big thanks to Richard for taking on this initiative which is over and above his normal teaching commitments to contribute to this awesome school event.