Performance Design

Bring fantastical dreams, boundless energy, an enthusiasm to collaborate with others and a sense of challenge and fun. We will consider the sensory appeal of performance to the spectator and audience - the way performance is experienced through sight and sound. New worlds are created through setting, costume, properties, lighting and sound. We will explore some of these aspects of performance design through creative experiments and practical exercises working in collaboration with other workshops at NYDS.

Students will also get a glimpse into the costume process and how to apply that to many situations. They will also get the chance to design the costumes for another class’s final showing.

Sean Coyle is a Theatre Designer with close to 20 years experience. He trained at Toi Whakaari and has completed a Graduate Diploma in Theatre Design from the Victorian College of the Arts Melbourne, and a Masters in Art and Design from AUT. Some design credits include “Wheelers Luck”, “The Talented Mr Ripley” and “The Bellbird” for Auckland Theatre Company, “Goodnight The End”, “Ranterstantrum” and “Sons” for Downstage Theatre, and varied work for Circa Theatre and Taki Rua Theatre. Sean is also Programme Leader at the Pacific Institute of Performing Arts in Auckland.

Assistant Tutor: Kylie Clow has a Diploma in Costume Construction and an Advanced Diploma in Entertainment Technology from Toi Whakaari N.Z Drama School. Since graduating Kylie has worked with Empress Stilt Dance as a costume maker and supervisor on events such as Cuba St Carnival and the Rugby 7s. She also worked on the New Zealand tour of Starlight Express.