Lauren THompson
Production
Designer
thompsonlauren588@gmail.com
BLUE STOCKINGS
I started this project by reading the script and talking about key elements with the director. This included the colour palette, settings, and significant symbolism, such as the Girton College emblem. I also completed personal research on the play and its context.
SET DESIGN
Initial design ideas, taking inspiration from Cambridge’s iconic archways and libraries. I also drew up initial ideas for the orchard scenes.
Final Designs, and 3D Sketchup drawings, incorporating the director’s requests for a singular tree and archway to represent the orchard. Also using the idea of the stairs blending in with the bookshelf, to create a cohesive collegiate set piece.
The build process took us 6 weeks , during which time we constructed a bookshelf and a lectern, as well as a stained glass window of the Girton emblem. We then completed the Get in, which took 8 hours.
Production photos
THE EXPERIMENT
IMMERSIVE THEATRE
The Experiment was an immersive theatre escape room, for which I took on the role of creative director, along with a team of 3 other people. Together, we pitched the initial idea and then helped to develop it, including the set design, props, script, and marketing. We started with initial sketches, which we then developed with the set department, as well as a concept poster and moodboard.
THE EXPERIMENT
We sourced props from connections at BBC Doctors and local schools. I also wrote the script for the experience. We then used these set pieces and props to create a set for the trailer, which we filmed with the help of some broadcast students.
This portion of the script which I wrote was given to all of the speaking roles during rehearsals. We then managed the rehearsals as a producer team. The event received brilliant reviews from visitors.
ONLY IN BRUM
MOCKUMENTARY CREATIVE DIRECTION
Only In Brum was a mockumentary written by students, which I creative directed. My I had the responsibilities of sourcing costumes and props for the series, as well as designing the set for the youth centre in the ‘Hip Hop’ episode. I firstly read over and annotated the script.
Concept board
Initial design and Sketchup model
For the youth centre set, I chose to have a chaotic colour palette, mixing bright colours with pastels in order to create an unorganised, homemade tone. When I did the scale model in Sketchup, some parts of the design changed as I played with the space.
FInal set
THE TEMPEST
MODEL BOX MAKING
This project was a hypothetical brief which specified that the set would have to fit in multiple spaces, such as classrooms, larger halls, and theatres. It also stated that the set would have to be transported in a singular Luton van. The initial design was simple and most of it could be flat-packed to fit the limitations of transport.
I created a 3D Sketchup model, followed by a foamboard model box. I decided that the flooring could either be a readily-painted sheet, or painted on the floor of the venue. This would depend on the size of the venue as well as the audience.
COSTUME DESIGN
INTO THE WOODS
Concept Board: THe Witch
My concept for this hypothetical design for Into The Woods was to make the witch transform into a part of the woods. I would include a range of textiles such as knits and weaving in order to create green accents on the 1830s style dress
PREVIOUS THEATRE EXPERIENCE
As a student, I have had multiple opportunities to aid the creation of shows for The Old Rep Theatre in Birmingham. This includes producing a Halloween Circus entitled ‘Behind the Curtain,’ as well as being part of the set department for the 2023 Christmas show ‘Peter Pan.’
I have also had the opportunity to work on Stage Experience’s ‘Bring it On’ at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham. My role on this production was a Makeup Artist and Dresser, which gave me experience in different areas of the theatre-making process. It also helped my communication skills and organisational skills, due to the interrelating and scheduling required for the roles.
Furthermore, most recently, I worked as a casual stage technician on Birmingham Royal Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ at the Birmingham Hippodrome. This was valuable experience with industry professionals to bring the show to life. My role included scene changes and the interval change, as well as the resets of the show.
