'Ulalena
As a Theatrical Technician for 'Ulalena I worked backstage during the show, operated moving stage automation, rigged acrobats, assisted performers, and controlled props. I also restored and repaired various props, costuming, and set pieces.
'Ulalena explores relationships between people, nature and mythology. The use of metaphors integrates Hawaiian chants and dances, original music and choreography, lighting and projections to support the talents of unique performers.
"A Spectacular Theatrical Sensation"
-National Geographic
En Masse
My designs for En Masse earned me a Minnesota SAGE award for outstanding design, as well as a City Pages "Best of" award.
These designs included wearable lighted shoes for 15 performers, large-scale microphone boom arms with lighted microphones, and a set of backlit "speakers" rigged above the stage.
"En masse is a grand, pulsing, unpredictable body of communal experience designed with the intention that anyone, regardless of background or barrier, can participate. En masse attracted 80+ volunteer participants. Participants joined the project from all areas of the community. The bulk of the work was inspired by the rehearsal process among the discussions of the participants during a time of economic hardship and the outbreak of H1N1 virus."
Choreography and Direction
Vanessa Voskuil
Video
John Koch and Vanessa Voskuil
Stage design
Vanessa Voskuil
Light props
David Mehrer
Sound
Vanessa Voskuil
VOCA:OMNI
As a set designer and performer in VOCA:OMNI, I introduced lighted, interactive set pieces that moved with performers and musicians onstage to evoke an ethereal and inspiring visual design.
A sonically and visually evoking interdisciplinary performance event that involved live musicians, sculptural set designs and choreography.
"Vocara Omnibus
to be called in all things."
Composed by Zachary Crockett
Choreographed and Performed by Vanessa Voskuil
Sculptural Set Designs by David Mehrer
Music Performed by Zachary Crockett, Cory Grossman, Nathan Hanson, Solange Yvette Guillaume
SHIFT
"SHIFT is a sound and interactive movement environment located in the lobby of the Barbara Barker Center for Dance at the University of Minnesota. SHIFT asks which communicative qualities contribute to a sustainable, evolving society, best serve the conversation, and lay the groundwork for growth. In between performance events, spectators will be invited to explore the interactive environment freely."
Design installation by David Mehrer
Sonic environment and technology by Manjunan Gnanaratnam
Conceived and directed by Vanessa Voskuil
Forthcoming
My original light halo design for photography was adapted by Tom Barrett for dance performances in Minnesota.
Light Sculptures
Original Design
David Mehrer,
Adaptation by Tom Barrett
Costumes, Choreography by
Vanessa Voskuil
Presented by Ballet of the Dolls as part of Renovate: A Choreographer's Evening, Ritz Theater, Minneapolis, MN