West Linn High School Performing Arts Dept.

Into the Woods

Set and Lighting Design (and Direction) by Jon Ares.

Fall 2013.

By James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim. Directed by Jon Ares. Choreography by Robert Head. Costume Design by Grace O’Malley. Sound Design by Corbin Wescott.
Vocal Direction by Kaeli Porter, Music Direction by Kevin Egan.

I have directed (and designed) this musical before, and whenever I have another “go” at a show, I look to do something different with it. For this production, I wanted a certain stylized look for the “woods.” I didn’t want super-realistic, as I get tired of that look that is attempted… and, I’m not fond of the over-done fairy tale look, as well.

I decided to go with angled platforms, at various pitches, across the stage, akin to leaves haphazardly strewn across the forest floor. (There were also stylized maple leaves stenciled on the platforms.)

Platforms were basic 2×4 construction, with sound board on top, and wrapped in muslin. This keeps the “thunky” drumming sound to a minimum. There was also a track in the level platforms, Stage Right, for the cow and hen, to enter/exit on. (We attempted to build a cow, but gave up and borrowed one.)