I shape concepts into moving experiences using story to inspire and delight.
I designed a festival stage experience that served as both backdrop and interactive space, shifting fluidly between onstage performances and attendee engagement outside the tent. Multiple entry points (interactive performances, quiet reading, and a ritual of writing what guests were “composting” to burn in the evening fire) made the space inviting to many types of guests and distinct from other stages while remaining true to the event theme.
Working closely with the event producer, I curated and wove together performances in dance, storytelling, puppetry, music, and craftsmanship (such as glassblowing) to create an immersive “village” experience. We developed the stage design to be thematically grounded while offering moments of exploratory delight for attendees.
Case Study
Festival Stage Design
7,000 Attendees
Regional Arts Festival
Artistic Direction & Experience Design
The Results
The stage turned a busy walkway into an interactive destination with performers drawing audiences from the crowd. Both children and adults alike found delight as characters gathered, then guided them, through the “village.” Participatory dance and movement was a distinct highlight, with attendees reporting back their surprise at their own willingness to try something new. Overall festival attendance was at an all time high, with word of mouth selling out the event.
Takeaway
There may be a main pathway of experience you hope to funnel a core audience through, but the small side quests designed for variations on your audience will provide exponential delight and help scoop up unknown audience personas.
Takeaway
Inviting performers out into the fray improves the chances an audience will feel immersed in a world rather than simply observing it - moving attendees from observer to participant.