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Alan E. Schwanke

SCENIC DESIGN
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Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet 0f 1812

Book, Music, & Lyrics by Dave Malloy; Adapted from WAR AND PEACE by Leo Tolstoy

UAB Department of Theatre - Birmingham, AL

Directed by Santiago Sosa

Scenic Design by Alan E. Schwanke

Costume Design by Kimberly Schnormeier

Lighting Design by Kelly Allison

GREAT COMET - ProdP5.jpg
GREAT COMET - ProdP1.jpg
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GREAT COMET - ProdP3.jpg
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GREAT COMET - ProdP4.jpg
GC Prod Photo A2.jpg
GC Prod Photo A5.jpg
 Production Photos

Production Photos

GC Prod Photo A1.jpg
 Final Model - 1/4” Scale

Final Model - 1/4” Scale

GREAT COMET PAINT - Full Stage Rendering FINAL 9-25-24.jpg
GREAT COMET PAINT - Floor Front FINAL 9-11-24 CC.jpg
GREAT COMET PAINT - Floor Plan FINAL 9-11-24 CC.jpg
 Paint Elevations

Paint Elevations

 Modeling Process

Modeling Process

 3D Design Renderings of Period Gaslight Chandeliers

3D Design Renderings of Period Gaslight Chandeliers

GC Research 1.jpg
GC Research 2.jpg
GC Research 3.jpg
 Inspirational Research Imagery

Inspirational Research Imagery

GREAT COMET - Final_REVISED Ground Plan - Plate 1.jpg
GREAT COMET - Final_REVISED CL Section - Plate 2.jpg
 CAD Drafting Plates

CAD Drafting Plates

Dreamgirls

Book by Tom Eyen; Composed by Henry Krieger

Produced by Red Mountain Theatre - Birmingham, AL

Directed and Choreographed by Vasthy Mompoint

Scenic Design by Alan E. Schwanke

Costume Design by Kendra Weeks

Lighting Design by Joe Doran

Production Photos by Stewart Edmonds

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Dreamgirls 4.jpg
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Dreamgirls 12.jpg
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Dreamgirls 18.jpg

Apollo's Fire

Conceptual Design and Renderings for a Greek Themed Special Effects Show at A Theme Park in China.

Creative Producer: David H. Bell

Producer: Rod Kaats

Conceptual Designs by Alan E. Schwanke

 The Palace of Antiquities  Hologram of "The Nemesis' Head" appears above "The Protectors".  Storm Troopers surround the hall.  Apollo's flame is extinguishing.

The Palace of Antiquities

Hologram of "The Nemesis' Head" appears above "The Protectors".  Storm Troopers surround the hall.  Apollo's flame is extinguishing.

 The Control Booth  Teleportation and Levitation Effects

The Control Booth

Teleportation and Levitation Effects

 The Battle of the Hydra  Waterfall floods the stage floor and giant electrified Hydra heads emerge from the water and ruins and attack "The Protectors". 

The Battle of the Hydra

Waterfall floods the stage floor and giant electrified Hydra heads emerge from the water and ruins and attack "The Protectors". 

 The Colossus of Hades  The world is lit aflame and a Giant Colossus attacks "The Protectors".

The Colossus of Hades

The world is lit aflame and a Giant Colossus attacks "The Protectors".

 The Palace of Antiquities V2  Outdoor Amphitheater  In a later incarnation of the Conceptual Renderings, investors were interested to see what the space might look like if the show was done outdoors in daylight. As a reaction, we changed most of the

The Palace of Antiquities V2

Outdoor Amphitheater

In a later incarnation of the Conceptual Renderings, investors were interested to see what the space might look like if the show was done outdoors in daylight. As a reaction, we changed most of the colors schemes and added a few flourishes like a giant brass etched futuristic city-scape in the background, “Nemesis” Banners hanging from the above and a rounded “jumbo-tron” like mechanism for the evil Nemesis character to occasionally make his threatening presence known to the “Protectors” of the Relics.

Knute Rockne Football Musical Project

Based on the Play by Buddy Farmer; Music by Michael Mahler; Lyrics by Michael Mahler & David H. Bell

SOMETHING IN THE GAME

Remount Production

Produced by the American Musical Theater Project,; Northwestern University; Coaches LLC, Greg Schaffert & Tony Cacciotti

Directed & Choreographed by David H. Bell

Scenic Design by Alan E. Schwanke

Costume Design by Robert S. Kuhn

Lighting Design by Jesse Klug

KNUTE ROCKNE: ALL AMERICAN

World Premiere Production (Original)

Theatre at the Center - Munster, IN

Directed & Choreographed by David H. Bell

Scenic Design by Alan E. Schwanke

Costume Design by Nikki Delhomme

Lighting Design by Jesse Klug

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 SOMETHING IN THE GAME  Final 3D Renderings

SOMETHING IN THE GAME

Final 3D Renderings

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Knute Rockne All American 11.jpg
Knute Rockne All American 12.jpg
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 KNUTE ROCKNE: ALL AMERICAN  PRELIM PHOTOSHOP SKETCHES

KNUTE ROCKNE: ALL AMERICAN

PRELIM PHOTOSHOP SKETCHES

Knute Rockne All American Model 1.jpg
Knute Rockne All American Model 2.jpg
Knute Rockne All American Model 3.jpg
 KNUTE ROCKNE: ALL AMERICAN  FINAL MODEL - 1/4” SCALE

KNUTE ROCKNE: ALL AMERICAN

FINAL MODEL - 1/4” SCALE

The Little Foxes

By Lillian Hellman

Asolo Repertory Theatre - Sarasota, FL

Directed by Frank Galati

Scenic Design by Alan E. Schwanke

Costume Design by Tracy Dorman

Lighting Design by Paul Miller

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Pippin

Book by Roger O. Hirson; Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz

Northwestern University Department of Theatre - Evanston, IL

Directed by Dominic Missimi

Scenic Design by Alan E. Schwanke

Costume Design by Chantal Calato

Lighting Design by Brandon Wardell

Pippin 1.jpg
Pippin 3.jpg
Pippin 5.jpg
Pippin 8.jpg
Pippin 11.jpg
Pippin 12.jpg
Pippin 13.jpg
 Final Model - 1/4” Scale

Final Model - 1/4” Scale

Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical

Book & Lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado; Music by Galt MacDermot

Northwestern University Department of Theatre - Evanston, IL

Directed by Matt Hawkins

Scenic Design by Alan E. Schwanke

Costume Design by Anna Wooden

Lighting Design by Joseph Burke

Production Photos by Joseph Burke

Additional Close-Up Production Photos by Justin Barbin Photography

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 Final Model - 1/4” Scale

Final Model - 1/4” Scale

 Paint Elevation - Deck Layout

Paint Elevation - Deck Layout

 Paint Elevation - Hanging Pieces

Paint Elevation - Hanging Pieces

 Paint Elevation - Tracking Panels

Paint Elevation - Tracking Panels

The Conference of the Birds

Adapted by Peter Brook & Jean-Claude Carriere

Willamette University Department of Theatre - Salem, OR

Directed by Shana Cooper

Scenic Design by Alan E. Schwanke

Costume Design by Bobby Brewer-Wallin

Lighting Design by Rachel Kinsman-Steck

Conference of the Birds 1.jpg
Conference of the Birds 3.jpg
Conference of the Birds 7.jpg
Conference of the Birds 8.jpg
Conference of the Birds 9.jpg
Conference of the Birds 13.jpg
Conference of the Birds 15.jpg
Conference of the Birds 17.jpg
 Final Model - 1/4” Scale

Final Model - 1/4” Scale

CotBirds - Rough Model 1.jpg
CotBirds - Rough Model 2.jpg
CotBirds - Rough Model 3.jpg
CotBirds - Rough Model 4.jpg
CotBirds - Rough Model 5.jpg
CotBirds - Rough Model 6.jpg
CotBirds - Rough Model 7.jpg

Willy Wonka The Musical

Based on the book by Roald Dahl; Book by Leslie Bricusse & Tim McDonald, Music & Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newley

Chicago Shakespeare Theatre - Chicago, IL

Directed by Joe Leonardo

Scenic Design by Alan E. Schwanke

Costume Design by Alison Siple

Lighting Design by Diane Ferry Williams

Willy Wonka The Musical 1.jpg
Willy Wonka The Musical 2.jpg
Willy Wonka The Musical 3.jpg
Willy Wonka The Musical 4.jpg
Willy Wonka The Musical 6.jpg
Willy Wonka The Musical 8.jpg
Willy Wonka The Musical 11.jpg
Willy Wonka The Musical 12.jpg
Willy Wonka The Musical 14.jpg
Willy Wonka The Musical 15.jpg

The Chicago Sound Connection

Conceived by David H. Bell; Musical Arrangements by Alan Schmuckler & Michael Mahler

Northwestern University Department of Theatre - Evanston, IL

Directed & Choreographed by David H. Bell

Scenic Design by Alan E. Schwanke

Lighting Design by Sara Hughey

Chicago Sound Connection 1.jpg
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Chicago Sound Connection 3.jpg
Chicago Sound Connection 4.jpg
Chicago Sound Connection 5.jpg
Chicago Sound Connection 6.jpg
Chicago Sound Connection 7.jpg
Chicago Sound Connection 9.jpg

American Buffalo

By David Mamet

Third Rail Repertory Theatre - Portland, OR

Directed by Daniel Stern

Scenic Design by Alan E. Schwanke

Costume Design by Emily Horton

Lighting Design by Don Crossley

American Buffalo 1.jpg
American Buffalo 2.jpg
American Buffalo 3.jpg
American Buffalo 4.jpg
American Buffalo 5.jpg
American Buffalo 6.jpg

 Final Model - 1/4” Scale

Final Model - 1/4” Scale

Buried Child

By Sam Shepard

Profile Theatre - Portland, OR

Directed by Adriana Baer

Scenic Design by Alan E. Schwanke

Costume Design by Jessica Bobillot

Lighting Design by Kristeen Willis Crosser

Buried Child 1.jpg
Buried Child 2.jpg
Buried Child 4.jpg
Buried Child 8.jpg
Buried Child 9.jpg
Buried Child 10.jpg
Buried Child 12.jpg
Buried Child 13.jpg
 Rough Model - 1/4” Scale

Rough Model - 1/4” Scale

 Final Model - 1/4” Scale

Final Model - 1/4” Scale

My Profile: Designing BURIED CHILD

Scenic Designer, Alan E. Schwanke, discusses his process and final design for Profile's production of BURIED CHILD.

The Road to Mecca

By Athol Fugard

Profile Theatre - Portland, OR

Directed by Adriana Baer

Scenic Design by Alan E. Schwanke

Costume Design by Jessica Bobillot

Lighting Design by Kristeen Willis Crosser

Production Photos by Jamie Bosworth Photography

Road To Mecca 1.jpg
Road To Mecca 2.jpg
Road To Mecca 3.jpg
Road To Mecca 4.jpg
Road To Mecca 5.jpg
Road To Mecca 6.jpg

 Final Model - 1/4” Scale

Final Model - 1/4” Scale

 Paint Elevation - Floor Layout

Paint Elevation - Floor Layout

 Paint Elevation - Windows & Doors

Paint Elevation - Windows & Doors

To Kill A Mockingbird

Based on the book by Harper Lee; Adapted by Horton Foote

Salem Repertory Theatre - Salem, OR

Directed by David Janoviak

Scenic Design by Alan E. Schwanke

To Kill A Mockingbird 1.jpg
To Kill A Mockingbird 3.jpg
To Kill A Mockingbird 4.jpg
To Kill A Mockingbird 5.jpg
To Kill A Mockingbird 8.jpg
To Kill A Mockingbird 9.jpg
To Kill A Mockingbird 10.jpg
 Final Model - 1/4” Scale

Final Model - 1/4” Scale

Suitcase (or Those That Resemble Flies From A Distance)

By Melissa James Gibson

Northwestern University Department of Theatre - Evanston, IL

Directed by Jaclyn Biskup

Scenic Design by Alan E. Schwanke

Suitcase 1.jpg
Suitcase 2.jpg
Suitcase 3.jpg
Suitcase 4.jpg
Suitcase 5.jpg
Suitcase 6.jpg
Suitcase 7.jpg
 Final Model - 1/4” Scale

Final Model - 1/4” Scale

The Manor

Theoretical Storytelling Project

Conceived by Alan E. Schwanke

 THE MANOR  Storytelling Project  Model 1 - 1/4” Scale

THE MANOR

Storytelling Project

Model 1 - 1/4” Scale

 THE MANOR  Storytelling Project  Model 2 - 1/4” Scale

THE MANOR

Storytelling Project

Model 2 - 1/4” Scale

Wozzeck

Composed by Alban Berg

Theoretical Opera Design Project

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Wozzeck 3.jpg
Wozzeck 4.jpg
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Wozzeck 9.jpg
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Wozzeck 11.jpg
Wozzeck 12.jpg
Wozzeck 13.jpg

Duke Bluebeard's Castle

Composed by Bela Bartok

Theoretical Opera Design Project

Duke Bluebeards Castle Rendering 1.jpg
Duke Bluebeards Castle Rendering 2.jpg
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Duke Bluebeards Castle Rendering 6.jpg
Duke Bluebeards Castle Rendering 7.jpg
Duke Bluebeards Castle Rendering 8.jpg
Duke Bluebeards Castle Rendering 9.jpg

Models, Sketches & Paint Elevations

 THIEF RIVER  Profile Theater  Final Model - 1/4” Scale

THIEF RIVER

Profile Theater

Final Model - 1/4” Scale

 THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA  UAB Department of Theatre  3D Renderings

THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA

UAB Department of Theatre

3D Renderings

 SHAKESPEARE’S AMAZING CYMBELINE  Portland Center Stage  Final Model - 1/4” Scale

SHAKESPEARE’S AMAZING CYMBELINE

Portland Center Stage

Final Model - 1/4” Scale

 SHAKESPEARE’S AMAZING CYMBELINE  Portland Center Stage  Paint Elevation

SHAKESPEARE’S AMAZING CYMBELINE

Portland Center Stage

Paint Elevation

The Bacchae - Sketch 1.jpg
 THE BACCHAE  Northwestern University Department of Theatre  Preliminary/Inspirational Marker Sketches

THE BACCHAE

Northwestern University Department of Theatre

Preliminary/Inspirational Marker Sketches

 PERIOD OF ADJUSTMENT  TheatreSquared  Final Model - 1/4” Scale

PERIOD OF ADJUSTMENT

TheatreSquared

Final Model - 1/4” Scale

 PERIOD OF ADJUSTMENT  TheatreSquared  Sketch Model - 1/8” Scale

PERIOD OF ADJUSTMENT

TheatreSquared

Sketch Model - 1/8” Scale

 PERIOD OF ADJUSTMENT  TheatreSquared  Paint Elevations

PERIOD OF ADJUSTMENT

TheatreSquared

Paint Elevations

 LIPS TOGETHER TEETH APART  Profile Theater  Final Model - 1/4” Scale

LIPS TOGETHER TEETH APART

Profile Theater

Final Model - 1/4” Scale

 MAURITIUS  Salem Repertory Theater  Final Model - 1/4” Scale

MAURITIUS

Salem Repertory Theater

Final Model - 1/4” Scale

 MACBETH  Bag&Baggage Theater Company  Full Stage Paint Elevation

MACBETH

Bag&Baggage Theater Company

Full Stage Paint Elevation

 THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR  Western Oregon University  Final Model - 1/4” Scale

THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR

Western Oregon University

Final Model - 1/4” Scale

 MAD FOREST  Northwestern University  Final Model/Storyboards - 1/4” Scale

MAD FOREST

Northwestern University

Final Model/Storyboards - 1/4” Scale

 SPINNING INTO BUTTER  Conceptual Project  Final Model - 1/4” Scale

SPINNING INTO BUTTER

Conceptual Project

Final Model - 1/4” Scale

 THE TEMPEST  Tulsa Performing Arts Center  Conceptual Sketches

THE TEMPEST

Tulsa Performing Arts Center

Conceptual Sketches

 DIALOGUE OF THE CARMELITES  Northwestern University Opera  Preliminary Conceptual Sketch

DIALOGUE OF THE CARMELITES

Northwestern University Opera

Preliminary Conceptual Sketch

 HARD TIMES  CoHo Theater  Final Model - 1/4” Scale

HARD TIMES

CoHo Theater

Final Model - 1/4” Scale

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ht13.jpg
 HARD TIMES  CoHo Theater  Paint Elevations

HARD TIMES

CoHo Theater

Paint Elevations

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26
Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet 0f 1812
10
Dreamgirls
Hydra 1.jpg
5
Apollo's Fire
6T3A2547-X3.jpg
33
Knute Rockne Football Musical Project
12
The Little Foxes
Pippin 12.jpg
8
Pippin
Wirtz_Fy16_HAIR_JustinBarbinPhotography_Photo6_7.14.16-X3.jpg
22
Hair
Conference of the Birds Gallery Image.jpg
16
The Conference of the Birds
Willy Wonka The Musical 4.jpg
10
Willy Wonka The Musical
Chicago Sound Connection 6.jpg
8
The Chicago Sound Connection
American Buffalo 3.jpg
8
American Buffalo
Buried Child 4.jpg
11
Buried Child
Road To Mecca 1.jpg
11
The Road to Mecca
To Kill A Mockingbird 8.jpg
8
To Kill A Mockingbird
Suitcase 6.jpg
8
Suitcase (or Those That Resemble Flies From A Distance)
 THE MANOR  Storytelling Project  Model 1 - 1/4” Scale
2
The Manor
Wozzeck 8.jpg
13
Wozzeck
Duke Bluebeards Castle Rendering 1.jpg
9
Duke Bluebeard's Castle
 THIEF RIVER  Profile Theater  Final Model - 1/4” Scale
26
Models, Sketches & Paint Elevations