THE CINEMA
FOR SAME SAME BUT DIFFERENT MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Cinema was an exercise in creative freedom and resourceful production. Working within a limited budget, I led the design and build of an immersive, environment that matched the festival's unconventional programming.
Through eclectic scenic design, playful details, and hands-on fabrication, we brought the wonderfully absurd world of the Cinema to life. Built alongside a creative community I've collaborated with for four years, the project reflects what I love most about experiential design: ambitious ideas, inventive problem-solving, and the collective effort of bringing something unexpected to life.
My small but mighty team: Mitch Noland & Jack McAdam
ROLE:
Stage Designer & Creative Build Lead
PROJECT:
Experiential Stage Design & Space
SCOPE:
Concept Development / Scenic Design / Fabrication / Build Management
2024-2026
Lake Perris, CA
01 / THE TICKET BOOTH
Part entrance, part performance. Guests were greeted by mischievous clowns who challenged them to complete absurd tasks before earning a ticket to the show. Designed and built on the fly, the facade evolved through quick sketches, resourceful fabrication, and plenty of improvisation.
02 / INSIDE THE CINEMA
A fully blacked-out tent transformed into an unconventional movie house, complete with a classic cinema-inspired stage, full-size projection screen, red poufs for theater seating, a popcorn vendor, and live magic shows & more!
Hidden within was the Editor's Back Office — a secret, red-lit room filled with eclectic details and a wall of televisions streaming live festival programming, classic films, and interactive games. Part cinema, part surreal hideaway, the space rewarded curiosity and discovery.
