THEORETICAL PROJECT: WINTER PARADE 🌲

COVID-19 PROJECT, 2020

During the industry wide shutdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic I found myself quarantined in the Theme Park capitol of the world: Kissimmee, FL. Through regular Zoom check ins with members of the Slice Creative Network & networking events with the Themed Entertainment Association & I.A.A.P.A. - I thought I’d give myself a bit of a homework assignment to keep the creative juices flowing.

My initial concept for a Winter Parade was to take a side step from the typical contemporary approach and to shift the overall mood and atmosphere in a more rustic “old world” folk tale direction. I drew inspiration from Ukrainian and Russian folklore, children’s storybook illustration as well as historical and national dress.

 

UNIT 1 • WINTER FOREST

The opening unit of the parade introduces the tone of our story & sets the stage for an atypical take on a classic holiday tradition. Through the character of “The Wanderer” (a child, set out on an adventure) we travel through a snow covered forrest, meeting various wintery visions and spirits that come to life along the way.

CHARACTER: THE WANDERER

At the top of the parade I envisioned a child character who - with his lamp & teddy bear - is taking us along for his journey. He’s looking for something, we just don’t know what that is yet.

This character is inspired by the Russian folk tale “The Malachite Casket”

fairycropped.gif

CHARACTER: SNOWFLAKE FAIRIES

As we journey further into the winter woods we come across our first glimpse of fantasy come to life - the snowflake fairies. As they “flurry” in formation, their costumes and surrounding trees come to life with twinkling lights.

These classic characters are inspired by the first act “Snowflakes” from the ballet The Nutcracker.

CHARACTER: SNOW MAIDEN

Towards the end of the first unit, the Snow Maiden welcomes you to the fantastical celebration ahead. I envision her being surrounded by her guardians of the forrest - various northern dwelling woodland creatures - in puppet form with visible puppeteers in traditional national clothing.

The Snow Maiden finds origins in Slavic folklore (as Snegurochka), an important figure surrounding traditional New Years celebrations.