University of Iowa
Iowa Research Online
Theses and Dissertations
Spring 2015
Telling stories with pictures : exploring theatrical
design
Joshua Michael Christoffersen
University of Iowa
Copyright 2015 Joshua Michael Christoffersen
This dissertation is available at Iowa Research Online: http://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/1568
Recommended Citation
Christoffersen, Joshua Michael. "Telling stories with pictures : exploring theatrical design." MFA (Master of Fine Arts) thesis,
University of Iowa, 2015.
http://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/1568.
Follow this and additional works at: http://ir.uiowa.edu/etd
Part of the Theatre and Performance Studies Commons
TELLING STORIES WITH PICTURES: EXPLORING THEATRICAL DESIGN
by
Joshua Michael Christoffersen
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the
Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Arts
in the Graduate College of
The University of Iowa
May 2015
Thesis Supervisor: Associate Professor R. Eric Stone
Copyright by
JOSHUA M. CHRISTOFFERSEN
2015
All Rights Reserved
Graduate College
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL
____________________________
MASTER’S THESIS
_________________
This is to certify that the Master’s thesis of
Joshua Michael Christoffersen
has been approved by the Examining Committee for
the thesis requirement for the Master of Fine Arts degree
in Theatre Arts at the May 2015 graduation.
Thesis Committee:
____________________________________________
R. Eric Stone, Thesis Supervisor
____________________________________________
Bryon Winn
____________________________________________
Loyce Arthur
To Emily, my beautiful wife. Thank you for making this possible.
ii
PUBLIC ABSTRACT
This document will chronicle the theatrical design work of Josh Christoffersen at
the University of Iowa from August of 2012 through the spring of 2015. The bulk of the
images included will be production photos of realized productions—both large-scale
mainstage and smaller independent productions—as well as draftings, paint elevations,
and sketches to illuminate the process of the artist. The intent is that this document will
stand as a record of the various techniques and tactics used throughout my graduate
career to tell a story through design
iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES …………………………………………………………………...xi
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA THEATRE PRODUCTIONS……………………...............1
UNIVERSITY MAINSTAGE SERIES…..……………………………….1
IOWA NEW PLAY FESTIVAL…...……………………………………...3
UNIVERSITY GALLERY SERIES……………………………………….5
iv
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. The Liar. University Mainstage Series, Flat Front Elevation. ............................. 8
Figure 2. The Liar. University Mainstage Series, Flat Front Elevation. ............................. 9
Figure 5. Striking 12. University Mainstage Series, Production Photo ............................ 12
Figure 6. Striking 12. University Mainstage Series, Production Photo ............................ 13
Figure 7. Striking 12. University Mainstage Series, Production Photo ............................ 14
Figure 8. Striking 12. University Mainstage Series, Production Photo ............................ 15
Figure 9. Striking 12. University Mainstage Series, Production Photo ............................ 16
Figure 10. Striking 12. University Mainstage Series, Production Photo .......................... 17
Figure 11. Striking 12. University Mainstage Series, Early Design Sketch ..................... 18
Figure 12. Striking 12. University Mainstage Series, Sketchup Model Photo ................. 19
Figure 13. Striking 12. University Mainstage Series, Model photo.................................. 20
Figure 14. Striking 12. University Mainstage Series, Concept Sketch ............................. 21
Figure 15. Striking 12. University Mainstage Series, Paint Elevation.............................. 22
Figure 16. The Imaginary Invalid. University Mainstrage Series, Production Photo....... 23
Figure 17. The Imaginary Invalid. University Mainstrage Series, Production Photo....... 24
Figure 18. The Imaginary Invalid. University Mainstrage Series, Production Photo....... 25
Figure 19. The Imaginary Invalid. University Mainstrage Series, Production Photo....... 26
Figure 20. The Imaginary Invalid. University Mainstrage Series, Paint Elevation Center
Section of Floor..................................................................................................... 27
Figure 21. The Imaginary Invalid. University Mainstrage Series, Paint Elevation of
Columns ................................................................................................................ 28
Figure 22. The Imaginary Invalid. University Mainstage Series, Prop Sketch ................ 29
Figure 23. Out of the Pan Into the Fire. University Mainstage Series, Production Photo 30
Figure 24. Out of the Pan Into the Fire. University Mainstage Series, Production Photo 31
Figure 25. Out of the Pan Into the Fire. University Mainstage Series, Puppet Close-up. 32
Figure 26. Out of the Pan Into the Fire. University Mainstage Series, Early Concept
Sketch.................................................................................................................... 33
Figure 27. Out of the Pan Into the Fire. University Mainstage Series, Production Photo 34
Figure 28. Out of the Pan Into the Fire. University Mainstage Series, Puppet Close-up. 35
Figure 29. And I Will Hold You/When You Are Broken. Iowa New Play Festival, Concept
Sketch.................................................................................................................... 36
v
Figure 30. And I Will Hold You/When You Are Broken. Iowa New Play Festival,
Groundplan ........................................................................................................... 37
Figure 31. And I Will Hold You/When You Are Broken. Iowa New Play Festival,
Groundplan ........................................................................................................... 38
Figure 32. Half-Sick of Shadows. Iowa New Play Festival, Production Photo ................ 39
Figure 33. Half-Sick of Shadows. Iowa New Play Festival, Production Photo ................ 40
Figure 34. Half-Sick of Shadows. Iowa New Play Festival, Production Photo ................ 41
Figure 35. Half-Sick of Shadows. Iowa New Play Festival, Model Photo........................ 42
Figure 36. Water Bound. University Gallery Series, Production Photo ........................... 43
Figure 37. Water Bound. University Gallery Series, Production Photo ........................... 44
Figure 38. Water Bound. University Gallery Series, Production Photo ........................... 45
Figure 39. Water Bound. University Gallery Series, Production Photo ........................... 46
Figure 40. Water Bound. University Gallery Series, Concept Sketch .............................. 47
Figure 41. Pocketful of Sand. University Gallery Series, Production Photo .................... 48
Figure 42. Pocketful of Sand. University Gallery Series, Production Photo .................... 49
Figure 43. Pocketful of Sand. University Gallery Series, Production Photo .................... 50
Figure 44. Pocketful of Sand. University Gallery Series, Production Photo .................... 51
Figure 45. Pocketful of Sand. University Gallery Series, Concept Sketch ....................... 52
Figure 46. Pocketful of Sand. University Gallery Series, Paint Elevations ...................... 53
Figure 47. Pocketful of Sand. University Gallery Series, Groundplan SR ....................... 54
Figure 48. Pocketful of Sand. University Gallery Series, Groundplan SL ....................... 55
Figure 49. Dust and Ash. University Gallery Series, Production Photo ........................... 56
Figure 50. Dust and Ash. University Gallery Series, Production Photo ........................... 57
Figure 51. Dust and Ash. University Gallery Series, Production Photo ........................... 58
Figure 52. Dust and Ash. University Gallery Series, Paint Elevation .............................. 59
Figure 53. Dust and Ash. University Gallery Series, Paint Elevation .............................. 60
Figure 54. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Scenic Design Classwork, Concept Sketch 61
Figure 55. Secret Garden. Scenic Design Classwork, Concept Sketch ............................ 62
Figure 56. Secret Garden. Scenic Design Classwork, Model Photo ................................ 63
Figure 57. Secret Garden. Scenic Design Classwork, Model Photo ................................ 64
vi
UNIVERSITY MAINSTAGE SERIES
Play:
The Liar
Playwright:
Pierre Corneille, adapted by David Ives
Venue:
E.C. Mabie Theatre
Date:
April 2015
Director:
Eric Forsythe
Stage Manager:
Kelsey Peterson
Scenic Designer:
Josh Christoffersen
Lighting Designer:
Cassie Malmquist
Costume Designer:
Angelina Esposito
Sound Designer:
Bri Atwood
Play:
Striking 12
Playwright:
Brendan Milburn, Rachel Sheinkin, and Valerie Vigoda
Venue:
E.C. Mabie Theatre
Date:
December 2014
Director:
John Cameron
Stage Manager:
Adrianna Fernandez
Scenic Designer:
Josh Christoffersen
Lighting Designer:
Cassie Malmquist
Costume Designer:
Angelina Esposito
Sound Designer:
Bri Atwood
1
UNIVERSITY MAINSTAGE SERIES continued
Play:
The Imaginary Invalid
Playwright:
Moliere, adapted by Emily Dendinger
Venue:
David Thayer Theatre
Date:
November 2013
Director:
Carol MacVey
Stage Manager:
Katie Burnett
Scenic Designer:
Josh Christoffersen
Lighting Designer:
Cassie Malmquist
Costume Designer:
Emily Busha
Sound Designer:
Jeffrey Shuter
Play:
Out of the Pan Into the Fire
Playwright:
Dominique Serrand, Steven Epp. Nathan Keepers
Venue:
David Thayer Theatre
Date:
January 2013
Director:
Dominique Serrrand
Stage Manager:
Katie Burnett
Scenic Designer:
R. Eric Stone
Lighting Designer:
Peggie-Mead Finizio
Costume Designer:
Jess Fialko
Puppet Designer:
Josh Christoffersen
Sound Designer:
Andrew Stewart
2
IOWA NEW PLAY FESTIVAL
Play:
Below The Pacific
Playwright:
Ryan Olivera
Venue:
David Thayer Theatre
Date:
April 2015
Director:
Marina
Stage Manager:
Rachele Eckstrand
Scenic Designer:
Melissa Gilbert
Lighting Designer:
Joshua Hinden
Costume Designer:
Josh Christoffersen
Sound Designer:
Play:
And I Will Hold You/When You Are Broken
Playwright:
Lisa Flora Myers
Venue:
David Thayer Theatre
Date:
April 2014
Director:
Mario El Caponi Mendoza
Stage Manager:
Amber Lewandowski
Scenic Designer:
Josh Christoffersen
Lighting Designer:
Cassie Malmquist
Costume Designer:
Jae Hee Kim
Sound Designer:
Ray Ockenfels
4
IOWA NEW PLAY FESTIVAL continued
Play:
Half-Sick of Shadows
Playwright:
Katharine Sherman
Venue:
Theatre B
Date:
April 2013
Director:
David Hanzal
Stage Manager:
KatyBeth Schmidt
Scenic Designer:
Josh Christoffersen
Lighting Designer:
Matt Carney
Costume Designer:
Noah Brown
Sound Designer:
Matt Benyo
5
UNIVERSITY GALLERY SERIES
Play:
Water Bound
Playwright:
Sam Lahne
Venue:
Theatre B
Date:
October 2014
Director:
Ariel Francouer
Stage Manager:
Megan Sorenson
Scenic Designer:
Josh Christoffersen
Lighting Designer:
Cassie Malmquist
Costume Designer:
Angelina Esposito
Sound Designer:
Ray Ockenfels
Play:
Pocketful of Sand
Playwright:
Emily Dendinger
Venue:
Theatre B
Date:
February 2014
Director:
Aaron Weiner
Stage Manager:
Kelsey Peterson
Scenic Designer:
Josh Christoffersen
Lighting Designer:
Cassie Malmquist
Costume Designer:
Angelina Esposito
Sound Designer:
Bri Atwood
5
UNIVERSITY GALLERY SERIES continued
Play:
Dust and Ash
Playwright:
Lisa Flora Myers
Venue:
Theatre B
Date:
February 2013
Director:
Remington Smith
Stage Manager:
Kristine Moffit
Scenic Designer:
Josh Christoffersen
Lighting Designer:
Cassie Malmquist
Costume Designer:
Emily Brink
Sound Designer:
n/a
7
Figure 1. The Liar. University Mainstage Series, Flat Front Elevation.
8
Figure 2. The Liar. University Mainstage Series, Flat Front Elevation.
9
Figure 3. The Liar. University Mainstage Series, Groundplan SR
10
Figure 4. The Liar. University Mainstage Series, Groundplan SL
11
Figure 5. Striking 12. University Mainstage Series, Production Photo
12
Figure 6. Striking 12. University Mainstage Series, Production Photo
13
Figure 7. Striking 12. University Mainstage Series, Production Photo
14
Figure 8. Striking 12. University Mainstage Series, Production Photo
15
Figure 9. Striking 12. University Mainstage Series, Production Photo
16
Figure 10. Striking 12. University Mainstage Series, Production Photo
17
Figure 11. Striking 12. University Mainstage Series, Early Design Sketch
18
Figure 12. Striking 12. University Mainstage Series, Sketchup Model Photo
19
Figure 13. Striking 12. University Mainstage Series, Model photo
20
Figure 14. Striking 12. University Mainstage Series, Concept Sketch
21
Figure 15. Striking 12. University Mainstage Series, Paint Elevation
22
Figure 16. The Imaginary Invalid. University Mainstrage Series, Production Photo
23
Figure 17. The Imaginary Invalid. University Mainstrage Series, Production Photo
24
Figure 18. The Imaginary Invalid. University Mainstrage Series, Production Photo
25
Figure 19. The Imaginary Invalid. University Mainstrage Series, Production Photo
26
Figure 20. The Imaginary Invalid. University Mainstrage Series, Paint Elevation
Center Section of Floor
27
Figure 21. The Imaginary Invalid. University Mainstrage Series, Paint Elevation of
Columns
28
Figure 22. The Imaginary Invalid. University Mainstage Series, Prop Sketch
29
Figure 23. Out of the Pan Into the Fire. University Mainstage Series, Production
Photo
30
Figure 24. Out of the Pan Into the Fire. University Mainstage Series, Production
Photo
31
Figure 25. Out of the Pan Into the Fire. University Mainstage Series, Puppet
Close-up
32
Figure 26. Out of the Pan Into the Fire. University Mainstage Series, Early
Concept Sketch
33
Figure 27. Out of the Pan Into the Fire. University Mainstage Series, Production
Photo
34
Figure 28. Out of the Pan Into the Fire. University Mainstage Series, Puppet
Close-up
35
Figure 29. And I Will Hold You/When You Are Broken. Iowa New Play Festival,
Concept Sketch
36
Figure 30. And I Will Hold You/When You Are Broken. Iowa New Play Festival,
Groundplan
37
Figure 31. And I Will Hold You/When You Are Broken. Iowa New Play Festival,
Groundplan
38
Figure 32. Half-Sick of Shadows. Iowa New Play Festival, Production Photo
39
Figure 33. Half-Sick of Shadows. Iowa New Play Festival, Production Photo
40
Figure 34. Half-Sick of Shadows. Iowa New Play Festival, Production Photo
41
Figure 35. Half-Sick of Shadows. Iowa New Play Festival, Model Photo
42
Figure 36. Water Bound. University Gallery Series, Production Photo
43
Figure 37. Water Bound. University Gallery Series, Production Photo
44
Figure 38. Water Bound. University Gallery Series, Production Photo
45
Figure 39. Water Bound. University Gallery Series, Production Photo
46
Figure 40. Water Bound. University Gallery Series, Concept Sketch
47
Figure 41. Pocketful of Sand. University Gallery Series, Production Photo
48
Figure 42. Pocketful of Sand. University Gallery Series, Production Photo
49
Figure 43. Pocketful of Sand. University Gallery Series, Production Photo
50
Figure 44. Pocketful of Sand. University Gallery Series, Production Photo
51
Figure 45. Pocketful of Sand. University Gallery Series, Concept Sketch
52
Figure 46. Pocketful of Sand. University Gallery Series, Paint Elevations
53
Figure 47. Pocketful of Sand. University Gallery Series, Groundplan SR
54
Figure 48. Pocketful of Sand. University Gallery Series, Groundplan SL
55
Figure 49. Dust and Ash. University Gallery Series, Production Photo
56
Figure 50. Dust and Ash. University Gallery Series, Production Photo
57
Figure 51. Dust and Ash. University Gallery Series, Production Photo
58
Figure 52. Dust and Ash. University Gallery Series, Paint Elevation
59
Figure 53. Dust and Ash. University Gallery Series, Paint Elevation
60
Figure 54. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Scenic Design Classwork, Concept
Sketch
61
Figure 55. Secret Garden. Scenic Design Classwork, Concept Sketch
62
Figure 56. Secret Garden. Scenic Design Classwork, Model Photo
63
Figure 57. Secret Garden. Scenic Design Classwork, Model Photo
64
65