Azura

Jan.2024 - Apr.2024

Timeline —

Role —

Stage Designer Interaction Designer

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Collaborator —

Individual Project

Rhino Blender Adobe Set Figma

Azura is a conceptual stage design for the "Believe" scene in Finding Neverland, crafted by distilling the scene's key themes and emotions into a reimagined form. The front stage, representing reality, features rotating mechanisms that symbolize both the transition of the scene and the emotional journey of the main character. Layered backdrops depict the world of imagination, shifting in harmony with the front stage. Enhanced by immersive projections and innovative lighting, Azura invites you to explore a boundless realm of wonder, discovery, and emotional depth.

“A transformative and interactive stage design project inspired by Finding Neverland musical, where reality seamlessly merges with imagination.”

01. Introduction of Finding Neverland

This interactive stage design project is inspired by the musical Finding Neverland, which explores the creation of J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan.

The narrative follows Barrie, a struggling playwright who finds inspiration through his friendship with the Llewelyn Davies family. As Barrie forms a close bond with the children, he discovers a world of imagination and wonder, ultimately crafting a timeless tale that captures the hearts of audiences.

01. Background

Act 1 Scene 4 - “Believe”

The 'Believe' scene invites the audience to embrace the magic of imagination. During this time, Barrie is facing a low point in his playwriting career, while the Llewelyn kids is grieving the loss of their father.
In this moment, Barrie inspires belief in the impossible, transforming the garden into a lagoon on the sea.

My FN Performance Photo in High School

Beginning - "Believe" scene marks the start of the story

Essence - This moment encapsulates the essence of the musical, which is the power of imagination

Engagement - It deeply engages the audience, drawing them into the narrative's enchanting world

02. Why Believe?

The 'Believes' stage offers a wealth of opportunities for exploration. As an iconic stage, it features intriguing transformations and unique characteristics.

The musical is based on the 2004 movie of the same name, which in turn was inspired by the play The Man Who Was Peter Pan by Allan Knee, a bibliography of JM Barrie. Peter Pan finished first performance in 1904, Finding Neverland first performance in 2014.

The musical uses primarily traditional technology to create the stage and experience, such as lighting and sound design. These technologies provide a relatively immersive environment, but there is no way for the audience to become directly involved.

03. Creation History

In this scene, there are two main groups: Peter / Mr. Barrie with the Llewelyn family. A significant conflict unfolds between these groups, highlighting the contrast between 'following the heart and imagination' and 'facing reality and submitting to life.'

04. Character

02. Stage Redesign

01. Ideation

Architectural Inspiration - Circular Shape

Continuity & Wholeness: A circle has no beginning or end, symbolizing the limitless nature of imagination and belief
Reflects the timeless and enduring nature of the Peter Pan story and the continuing inspiration of imagination.
Focus & Attention: Encourage everyone to focus on the power of imagination and creativity

Projection Design

By attempting to add new projection technologies, the stage can enrich the narrative with visual metaphors and immerse the audience in the play

02. Sketches

Front Stage: Real world with garden elements.

Center Stage: Combination, rotating stage represents eternal transition.

Background: Imagination world with fairytale and waving elements.

02. Exploded Axon

This exploded axon shows more layers as a whole structure.

03. Technical Drawing

Detailed Plan

Detailed Elevation

Detailed Section

Some model making process

04. Physical Model

Final model photos

03. Interactive Stage

After constructing the physical model, I used digital modeling software to explore more ways to enhance the interaction between the actor, the stage, and the audience. I used projections to transform the central stage into a lagoon, extending the oceanic ambiance into the audience area to create an immersive theatrical experience.

01. Storyboard