Creating a Visual World for Theatre
This one-off class introduces the art and practice of scenography, exploring how designers shape the visual world of a production. You will follow the creative journey from initial concept through research, collaboration, design development, and final realisation to opening night. With a focus on discovering and articulating a cohesive visual language, the session will examine how space, colour, texture, light, and form communicate meaning on stage. Through discussion and practical exercises, you will gain insight into the designer’s process and leave with tools and inspiration to approach theatrical storytelling with imagination, clarity, and creative confidence.
Date: Tuesday 17th November
Time & format: The course will start at 10am, with a coffee and tea break followed by a lively facilitated discussion to answer all your curious questions. The course will finish at 12pm each week
Location: The Common Room, 227 Heretaunga Street East, Hastings 4122
About the experts
Dr Sean Coyle
Dr Sean Coyle is an acclaimed interdisciplinary artist, award-winning theatre designer, and creative arts leader with over three decades of practice in Aotearoa New Zealand. Holding a PhD from the University of Tasmania, his work spans scenography, visual arts, and pedagogy.
Sean has led major institutions, currently serving as Head of School at EIT’s IDEA School and Head of Toihoukura School of Māori Visual Arts. He has designed for premier national companies and festivals, earning accolades like Wellington’s Set Designer of the Year and representing New Zealand at the Prague Quadrennial. His teaching combines deep industry expertise with collaborative rigor.
Christina Tay - Learning Facilitator
Christina is a lifelong learner with a profound passion for exploring diverse cultures and disciplines. Her curiosity has inspired extensive global travel, from teaching English to Buddhist monks in Laos and volunteering at a Thai orphanage to visiting museums across Europe, the UK, and Asia. A highlight of her travels is the Bishop Museum in Hawai'i, which she visits frequently, including during the 2014 World Indigenous Peoples' Conference on Education.
Her academic journey began with law and politics at Waikato University, where she discovered dispute resolution. She subsequently earned a Master’s in Mediation and Conflict Resolution from Strathclyde University, UK. This period included an exchange at the East China University of Political Science and Law in Shanghai and research in Hong Kong on the ombudsman's role.
Currently a Learning Facilitator for Love Heart Social Learning, Christina also teaches the Restorative Practices microcredential at Victoria University. A fully accredited restorative justice facilitator and assessor, she recently delivered mediation training in Micronesia. Previously, she served as Director of Employee Assistance Resolution Services at Victoria University.
Outside of work, Christina enjoys connecting with loved ones and attending international events, such as the 2025 Restorative Practices conference in Singapore, to continually expand her expertise.
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