A storybook scene covers the Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts stage.Layers of platforms add dimension to the stage. The stage mimics a pop up picture book with prominent scenery including a swing in the sky, tall, brightly colored lifeguard stands, blue base on the floor of the stage, rocky islands on either side.
Liana Gianopoulus ‘25 served as assistant set designer for this production. Helping with every show since she came to Wofford, Giannopoulos has served as a Co-Set Designer and Props Designer for 13 Wofford Theatre productions.
Giannopoulos worked with Colleen Ballance, assistant professor of theatre, while designing the set. Giannopoulos is currently enrolled in a set design class this semester.
“Ideally when you’re co-designing, you need to be on a level playing field, but that didn’t play out because she is a professor with 30 years of experience. I would say the balance was 40:60,” said Giannopoulos. “The set extending into the audience was my idea but Colleen took that idea and ran with it. I wouldn’t have done it that big but she made it a super prominent part of the set.”
Giannopoulos explained the emphasis of the set design is on color and interactive props. She shared that the use of bright colors was decided early on in the designing process. In addition to bright colors, Ballance and Giannopoulos worked on creating a heavily interactive set.
“There’s a palm tree that you can climb, a cave, and massive lifeguard stands. We put a lot of fun elements in that were full of whimsy, and incorporated objects the actors could fully interact with,” Giannopoulos said.
In total, Giannopoulos worked on the show for a total of 170 hours this semester, collaborating on props and set design.
Similar to the set, a vibrant and animated cast of characters take the stage in “Missing Moon,” which is a play oriented toward younger audiences. The show is written and directed by Kerry Ferguson. Ferguson is an adjunct instructor at the college, and writer of over 10 plays, seven of which were plays for youth.
The selection of a children’s show for this year’s spring production establishes a connection between what is taught in the classroom and what theatre majors do upon graduating.
“Theatre for Youth came out of me trying a new genre and seeing a real need for children’s theatre. Wofford theatre graduates were leaving Wofford and working in youth theatres so there was a real market need,” Ferguson said.
Although everyone in the “Theatre for Youth” class is expected to participate in this production, not everyone involved is in the class. The cast of characters includes a mermaid, goblin, and the moon, personified into a character named Linda.
Taylor Jordan ‘27 is Melissa, a mermaid in the show. Though “The Missing Moon” is a play, Jordan showcases her vocal talent in the show through music written by Rachel Johnson ‘24.
She stressed that even though the show is for kids, it can be entertaining for all ages.
“Missing Moon is a sweet story about friendship, teamwork, and bravery that anyone can enjoy! Technically it is an absolutely stunning show with amazing designers who made the set, costumes, and lights so beautiful to watch,” Jordan said.
Senior and Wofford Theatre veteran, Mary-Michael O’Hara, shares her involvement in the production. Like Giannopoulos, this is also her thirteenth show at Wofford.
“I am the costume designer for this show and I am also playing Bianca Blue. I also work in the scene shop which includes helping build the set and hang and focus the electrics. I’ve also helped some with the marketing and social media for the show,” O’Hara said.
Some of O’Hara’s title roles include Dr. Dysart in “Equus” and Blanche in “A Streetcar Named Desiree,” though she claims she doesn’t have a favorite. Each role shapes her work as an actress.
“Wofford theatre has pushed me in every comfort zone imaginable which has made me a better leader, designer, actor, student, but also just better as a human,” O’Hara said. “I have learned that you get out of something what you are willing to put in, and it has made my passion as an artist stronger and more articulate.”
Delve into the world of Palm Pine Island and Coconut Key in the story of the “missing moon.” Students, Wofford Community members, and the greater Spartanburg community can see “The Missing Moon” April 17 and 18 at 7pm or April 19 at 2pm in the Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts Richardson Theatre.
For students, tickets are only five dollars. Buy tickets in advance or at the box office an hour prior to show time.
