Behind the scenes of CDS's production of Clue!
It’s safe to say that the sets for CDS productions are outstanding. This year’s set, designed by Sarah Barbanchon, built by Kim Marchessault, and dressed by Kira Duff, Will Hofstetter and Daniel Robertson, was no exception. The attention to detail and craftsmanship were of a professional grade. In fact, one audience member declared that the set was like another character on stage - just as integral to the story as the actors - and they are absolutely correct.
View photo gallery
View Video
View photo gallery
View Video
It’s safe to say that the sets for CDS productions are outstanding. This year’s set, designed by Sarah Barbanchon, built by Kim Marchessault, and dressed by Kira Duff, Will Hofstetter and Daniel Robertson, was no exception. The attention to detail and craftsmanship were of a professional grade. In fact, one audience member declared that the set was like another character on stage - just as integral to the story as the actors - and they are absolutely correct.
One personal touch on the set that was a joyous addition was the many portraits that appeared on stage. Integral to the story, the portraits served to hide a secret safe and the “evidence’. However, the directing team decided early on that only two portraits wouldn’t suffice and that the subjects of the portraits needed to be personal. Along with the portrait of Austin Li ‘24, who played Mr. Boddy, we asked colleagues to sit for the portraits. Aimee Lee, Patrick Dermody, Dave Harvey, Joshua Simmonds and Andres Mejia all generously gave of their time and creative energy to sit for photos.
Sarah Barbanchon gave them all costumes and together with Belinda Cheng ‘25 and Lisa Wang ‘26, took photos of the faculty members. Amy Cicchillo, myself and Sarah Barbanchon also posed for a photo, in full Marie Antoinette wigs and period dresses. Belinda then created her own Photoshop filter to make the photos look like oil paintings. The photos were blown up, professionally printed and mounted on stage in gilded frames. It is this level of commitment to detail that helps make the final performances at CDS so successful. Audience members laughed when they realized who was in the painting on stage and immediately felt a connection to the show. They are now on display outside the Business Office in Rogers Hall so students and staff can examine and admire them up close.
Isn’t that the reason we come together to share in this art form in the first place - to feel connected? The incredible collaborative effort of the entire team is needed to put on a show. The behind-the-scenes aspects of a show aren’t always recognized as they need to be, so I wanted to take a moment to celebrate the incredible work of all of the faculty and students who put their efforts and energy into the phenomenal production. Please take a moment to watch this video shot by Zach Lawton last Friday and tour our incredible set up close and personal!
Bravo!
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
