It seems that late Winter/early Spring is becoming my time to design sets for Richmond Civic Theatre. This year, I'm working on Addams Family the Musical. I've written about this project in previous posts, and this week the real work begins.

Tomorrow, I'll spend my first day in the shop, pacing fretfully, making lists, rummaging through the paint room, drawing clouds, tombstones, and trees. Also on the list: starting three large family portraits that will hang in the Addams' great hall.

Two weeks ago, I learned how to plan for backstage set storage:

I also learned about how to assign fly lines and about what legs and teasers are for:

As you can imagine, learning these important steps has changed things for me. The last couple shows I designed were approached without any of this knowledge. Mostly because, I don't like to ask for help and a little because, I had no idea what to ask. Luckily, Richmond Civic Theatre has many wonderful and experienced people that LOVE to help and do so without hesitation.

Last Friday, I spent the day creating final color illustrations that will guide me in painting and detail work. I have done this with previous shows, although part of me wants to simply grab the paint and brushes and jump right in. All of these steps will hopefully, make Addams Family my best work yet:

Thankfully, we were fortunate to acquire several set pieces from a previous production of Addams Family — an idea I didn't care for at first. ("Why would I want someone else's work included in 'my' design). Luckily, I thought that through. It will save the crew lots of time.

More updates on this show to come.

Richmond Civic Theatre's production of "Addams Family the Musical" opens Friday, March 17 with shows through March 26. Please go to http://www.gorct.org for more information.