Backstage Spotlight: Goosebumps the Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium

Meet Scenic Designer Tim Brown and get your tickets for this family-friendly show, perfect for Halloween, running through November 2nd!

What inspired you to become a theater maker and scenic designer?

I started doing theatre when I was in elementary school and fell in love with the community and working with all sorts of people. I also really loved watching theatre and wanted to be a part of the action. Eventually that led me to working backstage and I really fell in love with being able to create worlds on stage. In short, I really like the people who create theatre and I wanted to be a part of that group.

What kind of education prepared you for this career?

I went to undergrad and graduate school studying theatre design and technology. I went to the University of Miami for undergrad and Yale School of Drama for Grad School. I also found some great mentors who inspired me and taught me a lot.

What school subjects that our students may be studying do you use every day?

I use math a lot when I am drafting and planning out the sets. I also do a lot of script analysis and reading and a bit of writing. A lot of my everyday work involves creating, so I often use skills that I learned in art class, like drawing, model building, color mixing. I also work on the computer everyday drafting and make digital renderings.

What is your favorite part about being a scenic designer?

I love being a part of the storytelling and creating a world on stage. I love the ability to put something bold on stage that is unexpected. I also love working with my collaborators, the director, actors, the other designers, and all the technicians, carpenters and painters.

How did you collaborate and draw inspiration from the director and designers for Goosebumps The Musical?

I was inspired by the director’s excitement for Goosebumps how she wanted to have moments that are scary and fun. I really loved all the color that the costume designer was using. I worked close with the lighting designer to have parts of the set glow bright green using UV lights and special paint. I love how it turned out.

Can you tell us about one design idea you had for Goosebumps The Musical that you’re especially excited about?

I had a bold idea of having the proscenium arch bend and stretch towards the audience with a distorted sign on top. I didn’t know if it was possible until I tried to draw it. I love how weird it is. Which falls in line with this musical. Something strange is happening in this middle school, and I love that the set was a little strange. I also love how the set glows sometimes.

When you are scared, what do you do to become more brave?

I usually laugh.

What are three words you would use to describe this production?

Spooky, Warped, Campy