Theatrical designs in global competition

TEMPE, Ariz. – Designs by two ASU Herberger College School of Theatre and Film faculty members are part of the USA National Exhibit at the 11th Edition of the International Competitive Exhibition of Scenography and Theatre Architecture, (Prague Quadrennial) held June 14-24, 2007 in Prague, Czech Republic. Known as the world’s most prestigious competitive theatre art exhibitions, the Prague Quadrennial has occurred once every four years since 1967.

The lighting design by Linda Essig, director of the School of Theatre and Film and costume design by Connie Furr-Solomon associate theatre professor are from the 2006 MainStage Theatre production of Venus. The Venus set was designed by Douglas Clarke, an undergraduate student pursuing concurrent degrees in Theatre (design and production) and Art (intermedia). The women were selected by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) in the “Production – Multiple Designers” category. USITT is the largest organization of theatre designers, technicians, educators, manufacturers and suppliers.www.usitt.org.

“I am thrilled to have been selected as one of only 15 lighting designers representing the United States in this prestigious exhibit,” Essig says. “I’m even more proud that a production originating at ASU is one of only two university productions in the Production – Multiple Designers category.”

Essig and Furr-Solomon’s displays are showcased alongside exhibits from 60 countries. Furr-Solomon has a chance to gain one of several gold medals for a variety of themes, including best costume design, which are judged by an international jury and bestowed by the Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic. A grand prize, the Golden Triga, is awarded to the country’s exhibit that has the best presentation of its own individual theme. The USA exhibit theme is contemporary issues in politics and culture. In addition to the competition, the Prague Quadrennial also includes lectures, discussions and performances. www.pq.cz/en/

The Herberger College School of Theatre and Film provides a comprehensive range of courses in performance and directing; design and production; new work development; theatre and performance studies; film; and theatre for youth. Its Theatre for Youth program is nationally ranked in the top three and the creative writing/playwriting program is ranked 15th among public institutions by “U.S. News & World Report.” Learn more about the School of Theatre and Film at: theatre.asu.edu. 

Editor’s note regarding all downloadable images:
Copyright © Arizona Board of Regents. Use is limited to members of the media in conjunction with media coverage of Arizona State University and by ASU faculty and staff on web pages and in materials related to university or school business. All other uses are prohibited without the prior written consent of the Arizona Board of Regents.