Kerry Rose Ramsden
SET DESIGNS AND SCENIC ART
In the Spring of 2018 I was asked to spend "a couple of hours" creating a paper mache grotto for Franklin High School's production of The Little Mermaid. Those couple of hours in the scene shop soon turned into weeks and now years. Set design work has taken my painting to new levels and I am deeply greatful for the ever changing themes and eras it enables me to explore.
In the Spring of 2018 I was asked to spend "a couple of hours" creating a paper mache grotto for Franklin High School's production of The Little Mermaid. Those couple of hours in the scene shop soon turned into weeks and now years. Set design work has taken my painting to new levels and I am deeply greatful for the ever changing themes and eras it enables me to explore.
| THE LITTLE MERMAID FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL PRODUCTION 2018 The production that started it all! The eight by eight foot grotto kept me drenched in glue for weeks, but it was totally worth it when I saw it under the stage lights. While I was working on the grotto the carpenters asked if I could sketch up a plan for a boat. It wasn't an easy task given the Director's request that it be able to break apart, but it was a magical moment when it spun on stage and separated. I might have designed it a little smaller if I had known how long it would take me to paint it, but ultimately I like big boats and I can not lie. ;) I also went on to create a bedroom worthy of a mermaid princess complete with a portrait of her prince. I won my first award for Outstanding Set Design from the Overture's Center for the Arts for my work on this production. |
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| THE DROWSY CHAPERONE FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL PRODUCTION 2019 This was the first set I designed entirely from start to finish. On the surface it seemed like a simple apartment, but we had magical moments when characters emerged from a refrigerator and a Murphy bed. Walls shifted to reveal a garden and even an airplane. Plus, I got to paint and embellish a monkey topiary. |
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| SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL WAUWATOSA EAST HIGH SCHOOL 2020 In 2019 I started designing sets for the Wauwatosa East Players. The enthusiasm of this student led theater is contagious. I've relinquished much of the painting and construction to the students, but I've dearly enjoyed sharing my love of set creation with them. The Seussical production was by far the largest I have played a role in to date with multiple moving pieces and a variety of new shapes to explore. The hard work of everyone involved was recognized when we earned an Outstanding Musical award from the Overture Center for the Arts. |
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| SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL 2021 The inspirations for the set for FHS's 2021 production of Songs for a New World are dusk and dawn. Those moments when the sun is setting or rising and painting the sky in the brightest of hues. The moments before everything changes for the day or night. Set piece sides are also matched thematically to colors assigned to each character. For example, during the appearance of the character of Man 1 set pieces will be turned to their "blue" sides. |
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| SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD WAUWATOSA EAST HIGH SCHOOL 2021 The set for Wauwatosa East's production of Songs for a New World highlights the evolution of what we build upon and how it can suddenly shift and change. Wood gives way to brick. Brick gives way to concrete. Concrete gives way to steel. Set pieces that appear stable shift and flux. Pieces drop and rise from the rafters. Through out it all a compass on the floor highlights the different directions our lives can suddenly go. |
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Email: info@kerryroseramsden.com