Dancing with The Stars Staircase design

[Karen Robertson]

Can anyone give advice to me for my stage design team on recreating a similar look?dancing with the stars stage.jpg

[Tom Livings]

Do you want to create a similar design? Or simulate this image in 3d?

[Karen Robertson]

"Do you want to create a similar design? Or simulate this image in 3d?"

Reply: I'd like advice for a similar design and also have suggestions for materials to create the lit effect.

[Tom Livings]

Its a very open question. If the project in front of you is 'concepting' for a client, I'd recommend doing it with pencils and markers...

Design for stage is kind of weird. I mean take a close look at the image you've posted. It's essentials just some steps, a curtain and a bunch of lights. The stage is meant to promote the people that are on it, not be the star itself. It also has to be constructed quickly and cheaply. It's not designed to be seen from all angles like a building is, just for particular vignettes.

Design is more often about constraints than a blank canvas. You'll have to start designing before you start asking questions. Limitations will guide design to its natural conclusion.

So for the technical attributes...if we were looking at a 3d image now instead of a photo I'd have been impressed by the volumetrics, the folds of the curtain and how well the people were done. Those are going to be the tough parts to create.

[Karen Robertson]

What materials do you think are used for the facing of the steps and the frame of the steps?

[Tom Livings]

Karen, what do you do for a living?