Mathys Herbert Shares His Methodology Behind Creating The “RENT” Set Design!

The ever talented Mathys Herbert shared with us his inspiration and methodology behind creating the SDMT RENT set design!  Commissioned over two years ago, the original set had been loaded into the Horton Grand Theater just to learn the show was going to be postponed due to the Covid 19 pandemic.  Now finally getting to debut on the new performing venue, SDMT Stage, the RENT set design presented new challenges and hurdles that had to be overcome.

Do you have any history with “RENT”?

History with the show?  Well yeah of course, I was that annoying theatre kid in high school who would NOT stop talking about the show. This show was my LIFE in high school. …I’ve calmed down since then.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What was your insight and methodology of your “RENT” set design?

This was a question I had to think a lot about. I designed this show nearly two years ago and I’ve been looking at the progress lately of the set thinking “What exactly WAS my approach with this design?” I like to deconstruct scenery a lot and the original direction was very specific about there being certain levels, set pieces, etc. I think what I had landed on was the idea of this found alley space that a group of people came together in to make a little more beautiful and a little more of a place to call home; To create something substantial out of nothing, something cold in texture but intense with burning passion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How did they pivot and have to redesign the set for the SDMT Stage?

The team has done a wonderful job editing the set into a space that is quite literally 6 feet shorter. While different from the original design, I think this new manifestation is in fact a bit better and is now in a space that actually suits Rent better in my opinion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Any closing thoughts?

We started this show so long ago. When we had to postpone a week before we were to load into the theatre, my heart was a bit broken. To finally see this show finally come to its full realization, I am beyond grateful. I say this tentatively, but I am so happy we are back y’all.

SDMT Presents RENT | October 1-17, 2021
Directed & Choreographed by Courtney Corey
Music Directed by Victor E. Chan
Click HERE to purchase tickets!