The Perils of Hyperdesign
I always hate it when the performers in a show get lost in the design. Great design lifts the performers up, giving them a vehicle to shine. But sometimes a show can suffocate the performers, or perhaps even attempt to mask a lack of skills and basic training. It can be exciting to look at, but we can all tell when a show is all dessert and no vegetables.
I recently read a great article in the New York Times titled “On Broadway Stages, the Beautiful Rooms are Empty.” It begins with the line “In recent musicals, hyper design is outstripping writing and direction for clarity, expressiveness and excitement.”
In the article, Jesse Green makes the point that some productions are visually exciting but can cause us to lose track of the characters or story. Or perhaps the story and dialogue is so weak that it’s being propped up by the glitz. Believe me, by the end of the evening we are all often exhausted and disappointed.
Green writes: But for the most part, hyperdesign is a hint that something fundamental is missing. Often that missing element is the conceptual discipline that allows a piece of theater, even when set on an empty stage, to hang together and score its points.
This made me think of many marching productions with “Hyperdesign.” If the ensemble is talented and the design is smart, then it all matches up to allow everyone to shine. Groups at the very top of our activity can thrill us when this happens. But we’ve also seen shows where the band can’t march or play well, yet thousands of dollars has been spent on props, sets, and show shirts. But if it doesn’t sound good, I don’t want to watch. I don’t care how beautifully built the stages and set pieces are.
What we seek is a balance of design and performance. We are music educators first and foremost. Every winter guard needs great technique and training before it needs elaborate costumes and backdrops. Do you need show shirts or a woodwind tech? Let’s put our money and effort where it’s most needed, and where it can benefit students the most.
By the way, I realize that sometimes a group that is growing and aspiring to greatness might use Hyperdesign to help it move forward. Exciting design can propel a group in important ways. Exciting shows that catch our attention can attract new members and bring success on the road to excellence. Just make sure that there is good training, great instruction, and attention to member growth. Spend money on both fronts and you’ll find your group moving forward and headed where you want it to go. Plan that journey thoughtfully!
Tim Hinton
January 2, 2022
