In 2017, I was approached to create set designs for the Grand Rapids Ballet’s Junior Company’s presentation of the Wizard of Oz. Over the next year I worked with Director Attila Mosolygo on realizing his vision. I needed to learn the Adobe After Effects program to animate the background images. I took on the challenge and signed up for the School of Motion’s After Effects class, and hit the ground running.
For the next six months I worked on the images closely with Attila as well as the lighting and sound crew to create an integrated performance. In the spring of 2018 the Junior Company presented the Wizard of Oz to sold out audiences. The show went so well, it’s now being presented in other venues around the state.
With the dancers, on-stage props, and the backdrops playing and changing throughout, the Wizard of Oz became an incredibly gripping show.