Design Rendering

FA/THEA 1100 A - Introduction to Stagecraft I (Fall 2024-2025)

Assignment 3: Design Rendering

I created an in-period prop and costume element rendering for a fictitious subject, presented as if it were part of a production.

The Story Context

The Sushi Musical tells the story of Japan's deep love for sushi while exploring some of the mysteries surrounding it. Sushi has evolved over the years. Originally, it referred exclusively to seafood, but nowadays, sushi includes ingredients that are not seafood.

The musical is set in 17th-century Tokyo. The story centers on Tamago sushi (egg), who feels isolated in the sushi kingdom because he comes from a chicken. All the other sushi are made from seafood, and he is the only one who isn’t. One day, Tamago meets Ebi (shrimp), who has a kind heart and doesn’t judge him based on his origins. Tamago confides his sadness to her, and she reveals that she, too, feels out of place because she is the only sushi with a tail. The other seafood sushi don’t have tails because theirs were cut off. She has been bullied by the others because of her appearance.

As Tamago and Ebi share their similar experiences, they bond and develop a connection. Later, they attend a summer festival together and fall in love. In one scene, their romance is symbolized by them flying through the sky, enjoying the beauty of the night landscape.

The Sushi Musical: Costume Design

The costume design is inspired by mascot characters commonly seen in amusement parks. To ensure the actors' faces and movements are clearly visible, I designed the costumes with distinct, easily recognizable features. The actors wear simple, single-color kimonos. Tamago wears a yellow male kimono with a black obi (Japanese belt) to represent the seaweed in Tamago sushi, while Ebi wears a red kimono, kept plain and pattern-free to emphasize the single-color look of sushi.

A large white cushion, symbolizing rice, is attached to the actors' bodies, representing the unity of the sushi ingredients. As they fly through the air, the cushions remain tightly secured to their bodies. The kimonos are equipped with four rings, allowing wires to attach for the flying scenes on stage.

The hairstyles are designed to reflect the Edo period of 17th-century Japan. Tamago has a samurai-style topknot, while Ebi’s hair is left untied, setting her apart from the other sushi characters and symbolizing the contrast between sushi with and without tails.

They also wear traditional Japanese wooden slippers called geta, adding historical context to the story.

Early Concept Sketch