#ShoeboxTheatre2024 has been even more epic than last year! We have been blown away by the range and standard of entries. We want to congratulate all of the young people and teachers who entered. It was very difficult to judge this year due to the high standard.
We loved the fact that most of the entries were based on novels, books, films and poems this year! The young people were clearly given autonomy to be creative and this really shines through in the amazing work created.
We are thrilled to announce the winner of the Outstanding Model Box, who will receive £100 vouchers for Hobbycraft. We are also announcing two very special commendations, who will both receive certificates.
Winner of Outstanding Model Box 2024
Sylvie Hutchinson- Aged 14
Okehampton College
Novel & film- Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
A huge congratulations to Sylvie, who created this model box!
Here's what she wrote about her design:
“For my set design I chose to recreate my favourite book and film, Howl's Moving Castle. I chose to design a naturalistic set on a revolve, showcasing the castle's cluttered, cosy interior contrasting with the Baba Yaga inspired exterior. The daunting and industrial scene helps to provide dramatic tension, juxtaposing the inviting set on the reverse side.
Star and night-sky symbolism is featured throughout the set, along with detailed references to scenes like the chattering skull on the bookcase and the Howl Pendragons wanted poster next to the staircase, linking to key themes within the story. Calcifer, the fire demon is designed to be in the center of the stage, as the home and hearth, physically representing Howl's heart.
Nearly all the materials used were recycled from my classrooms and what I had lying around at home. I loved incorporating all of my ideas into one whimsical fantasy on a miniature level and watching my vision come together.”
Here's the judge's feedback on the winning entry:
“This is a really imaginative set design, based on a book. We love the fact that Sylvie has used found mostly recyled and found materials to create her model box. There is so much detail in the book shelves. She has really thought about how the design will transform from one setting to another."
"We were particularly impressed by the fact that Sylvie is only 14. Amazing work!”
Special Commendation 1
Yuen Ching (Chloe) Wong, 17 years old
Oxford High School
Play- A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
We wanted to give a special commendation for this model box. Here's why:
“The precise detail in this set design is truly extraordinary, especially the scale props. Chloe clearly knows and understands the play. The colour palette, with the beige wallpaper and pops of colour from the set dressing works brilliantly. We recognise how much work has gone into creating this model box. Well done and congratulations!”
Here's what Chloe wrote about her model box:
"I chose yellow wallpaper to represent optimism and happiness, but also caution, illness, and anxiety. The darker yellow and arrow pattern suggests weariness and ambition. The rusted 1950s-style fridge symbolizes the Younger family’s financial struggles, while the worn stove, typical of kitchenette apartments, reinforces modest living conditions. A child’s drawing on the fridge reflects family pride, shopping notes showing practicality. The worn carpet, stained tablecloth, and low-quality coffee table emphasize a lived-in, modest home.
Crocheted doilies cover the old couch to hide its worn upholstery, with a blanket for Travis. The parcel and envelope symbolize Asagai's gift and the cheque’s importance, while Beneatha's second-hand medical books highlight her ambition. The laundry line suggests responsibility, while the cross on the door emphasizes religion. Family photos highlight closeness, and the small window reflects their struggle in an oppressive environment. A potted plant centre-stage symbolizes hope and the desire for a brighter future."
Special Commendation 2
Olivia Iskra, 12 years old
Crickhowell High School
Musical- West Side Story
We wanted to give Olivia a Special Commendation for her West Side Story Model Box:
"We thought that the use of light and silhouette was particularly creative and potentially effective. A great deal of work has gone into this design. We also recognise that Olivia is only 12 years old. Superb work!”
Olivia explains how she developed her model box:
"I was inspired by West Side Story and the theme of hiding love from everyone else. I also wanted to portray that when Maria and Tony are together that is when they are happiest . I chose the different colours in the set design to symbolize how different their lives are. I added the characters in the windows to make it look like Maria and Tony are always being watched - the lighting is created with fairy lights taped to the back of the set to create a tense/romantic atmosphere."
If you would like to run Shoebox Theatre this academic year with your students, all of the resources are available to download here: https://www.weteachdrama.com/shoebox
Sign up to our newsletter to find out first when we will be running CPD on Shoebox Theatre, set design and model-making: https://www.weteachdrama.com/get-the-password
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