You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown
Technical Director, Scenic Designer, Media Designer, Audio Engineer
Ice House Theater - Visalia, CA
Director: Charlotte Garcia Da Rosa
Character Details by Abigail Colvin
This production brought the classic Peanuts comic strip to life, emphasizing the cartoon’s iconic look with bright, simple, yet textured visuals. The scenic and technical concept centered on combining traditional stagecraft with interactive digital backdrops. Inspired by traditional productions while leaning heavily into animated styling, the design allowed the set and projections to work seamlessly together, supporting the story and creating a playful, immersive environment for kids and families.
Scenic & Technical Design
The set featured 2D scenic elements that matched the projected backdrops. Using luan panels, each piece was traced, cut, and painted to match the illustrations, effectively translating the comic strip into a three-dimensional stage space. Projections enhanced scenes but were not relied upon exclusively. Key moments included a scrolling street to simulate the school bus ride and Charlie Brown’s kite flying, both achieved with simple yet clever mechanical solutions and precise timing with the music. The illustrated, animated style of the set and backdrops reinforced the story’s charm and playful tone.
Original Digital Artwork by Mal Lockwood
The primary creative challenge was designing and executing digital projections that synchronized with the music while integrating new technology into a venue that had no previous projection capabilities. Logistically, scaling the projector and keystoning it to fit the space without interfering with actors required careful measurement and planning. Special technical moments, such as the bus ride and the kite, required precise coordination and rehearsal to make the effects believable and safe.
Challenges
Original Digital Backdrops by Mal Lockwood
I’m most proud of the projection wall and the lasting impact it had on the theater’s capabilities. Audiences, particularly kids and families, responded enthusiastically to the illustrations and interactive set. This production reinforced the importance of clear communication and planning, and it taught me how to adapt and fine-tune projection technology for future shows, setting a new technical standard for productions at the Ice House Theater.
