“The Secret Garden” Wows Audiences with Cutting-Edge Video Production Design

The Arts at St Margaret’s presented the Upper School musical production of the childhood classic "The Secret Garden," based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The performances were an unqualified success portraying the timeless message about the importance of family and the enduring power of love.

Head of School William N. Moseley, who was among the many admiring attendees, said, “This was one of the greatest high school productions I have ever seen.”

In four well-attended performances, students demonstrated myriad talents, including acting, singing and dancing, combined with technical and artistic expertise. Other specialized student involvement was apparent in costumes, makeup and set design.

Director Nathan Wheeler and Assistant Director Erin Fitzpatrick, grade 12, were impressed with the students’ dedication and collaborative spirit from the time production began in September to the final moment of the play. Click here to read about and see a video of the making production.

 

“They made it their own,” Mr. Wheeler said of his extensive cast and crew.

The 40 Upper School cast members were coached by Vocal Director Stacey Miles and Choreographer Jamie Leneau. Accompanying the troupe were the Upper School Orchestra and the Chamber Ensemble, conducted by Orchestra Director Gene Wie. The orchestra also included a number of Middle School students and several professional musicians.

What made this play unique was the use of trailblazing video production to design and illustrate the set and scenery. Senior Shelby Nicholas created dozens of original artwork and frame-by-frame animations that were projected onto the floor and background of the sloped stage. One thrilling moment was when the actors entered the magical garden and the illustrations suddenly turned from black-and-white to color.

Bryan Dauterive was technical director and resident designer. Stage Manager Cooper Zediker, grade 12, and the tech crew learned the subtleties of the video projection process with guidance from Set Designer Masha Tatarintseva, a graduate of the CalArts Master in Fine Arts program in video performance.

Click here for the playbill.