NU Stage is Northeastern University's premier student-run musical theater group. They put on seven musical productions along with smaller student-run events throughout the year. Each production has its own graphic designer. As such, I work with the director of each show to capture their vision and present it in visual form. This includes any print and digital materials used to promote the show including posters, programs, social media, apparel, and more.
Best Served Cold
Best Served Cold, directed by Rachel Stuller, is a musical revue with songs from shows such as Beetlejuice, Hamilton, Nerdy Prudes Must Die, Matilda, and more. The show explores the topic of revenge; instances where characters retaliate against an unjust world and take what's rightfully theirs. Though revenge may be a cold and delectably sweet treat, its pleasant sensation never lasts, as illustrated by the melting ice cream cone.
The Ones You Don't Remember
The Ones You Don't Remember, directed by Patrick Sanpietro, is a musical revue with songs from shows such as Catch Me If You Can, Chicago, Secondary Characters, and more. The show focuses on the stories of those not in the spotlight. The aforementioned secondary characters who despite not being the main focus in their respective shows, each have just as pertinent stories to tell.
Legally Blonde
Legally Blonde, directed by Lauren McDermott, is a musical about Elle Woods, a sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner. She discovers how her knowledge of the law can help others, and she successfully defends exercise queen Brooke Wyndham in a murder trial. Throughout the show, very few characters have faith in Elle, but she manages to surprise them when she defies expectations while staying true to herself.
Secrets, Secrets
Secrets, Secrets, directed by Liam Prendergast, is a musical revue about the secrets we tell ourselves and others: all the lies we tell each other and the thrill of doing something so-wrong-it's-right. The show features 14 songs from shows including Catch Me If You Can, Cabaret, Little Shop of Horrors, Hadestown, The Pajama Game, and more.
Something Rotten!
Something Rotten!, directed by Bhuvana Kanakamedala, is a musical comedy. Set in 1595, the story follows the Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel, who struggle to find success in the theatrical world as they compete with the wild popularity of their contemporary William Shakespeare. During the rehearsal and production for this show, there was a heavy theme of eggs, specifically referencing the "Omelette" musical (a misinterpretation of Shakespeare's future plays including "Hamlet") that the Bottom brothers create. With this, it only made sense to carry on this egg theme.
Choose Your Own Story
Choose Your Own Story is a musical revue illustrating the concept of heroes and villains, or lack thereof. The show features 20+ songs from a variety of musicals such as Rent, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors, Dear Evan Hansen, Pippin, Chicago, West Side Story, and more. As described by director Steven Fontana, there isn't a simple dichotomy between good and evil. Instead, it's a blur of actions that affect ourselves and others.
"Reggie's contributions can be felt across every production. I've had the pleasure of working with him as a graphic designer on several shows, and the day he walks into a meeting with poster proofs in hand feels like Christmas. His talent and professionalism are self-evident, and I can't wait to see what he does next."
— Revue Director
@nustage_fanatics
I have also run a social media account showcasing the various productions that NU Stage did over their 2023-2024 seasons. Content included behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, photography, and some light-hearted reels.
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@nustage_fanaticsLighting design involved working with technical production staff to decide on the overall look and feel of each number. Cues and notes are written down in preparation of programming. Once designed, I created a simple visual mockup to assist the board operator in programming the lighting cues before the performance.
Between the initial designs and the final set of cues, changes are often made to accommodate adjustments in choreography, blocking, music, timing, complexity, or general look and feel.
Don't Break the Rules
In NU Stage's musical revue, The Ones You Don't Remember, this song from Catch Me If You Can focuses on FBI Agent Carl Hanratty, who gives a few words of wisdom to the check fraud he is tracking down. For this number, the lighting design and colors were meant to illustrate the stern intensity and chaotic nature of the song.
Livin' It Up On Top
The first number in the second act of The Ones You Don't Remember is a song from the award-winning show Hadestown. Here, Persephone arrives in the world above and celebrates summertime. The goal of the lighting design for this scene was to emulate the arrival of spring, while also supporting the jovial choreography in this feel-good song.
Pippin Set Design
Designing
Initial concept work, models, and budget calculations were made after discussing with the director and production staff on set priorities: elevation, space, and a minimalistic stationary set.
Building
Using the allocated budget, the set was constructed and painted over the course of eleven weeks leading up to the show. Adjustments to the overall scope were made based on construction progress.
Assembling
The large 16'x16'x2' platform was comprised of 8 separate overlapping sections. Each utilized an acoustic underlayment to minimize impact sounds as cast members walked and danced across the stage.
"I would trust Reggie to save me from a burning building and then rebuild the whole thing from scratch."
— NU STAGE Production staff member
Pippin Set Design
Testing
Structural tests were conducted to determine any areas that required reinforcing, especially given the 20+ people that could be on the set at once.
Loading In
The week of the performance, the set was moved into the theater where cast members had the opportunity to adjust to the fully-assembled structure prior to the big show.
Performing
The set was prepared and examined prior to each rehearsal and performance. Checks were done during breaks or intermission to monitor any signs of deterioration.