Darcy Prevost (BA, Magna Cum Laude) was a 2005 double major graduate (Architectural Studies and Theatre Arts).
Darcy remembers her time in the department fondly and shared some photos from the 2005 Department of Theatre Arts Award Ceremony.
Fast forward to 2022, and Darcy's experience of winning an Emmy for Production Design on the TV special "Muppets Haunted Mansion" for Disney+.
Were there challenges on this project that you had not come across before?
For this special we experimented with using a Virtual AR wall (think Mandalorian technology) so it was a fun new challenge to learn how to design for a virtual build instead of a practical build. Turns out the design process is almost identical, it’s just a virtual team that does the building instead of carpenters. We did build some of our sets or set pieces practically too. The soundstage we worked in had a limited footprint, so we had to get creative with our scheduling to figure out how to store scenery pieces when they weren’t being filmed. Puppet projects are always a little more creative with the designs and builds and this was no exception.
Early concept images from the Muppets.
How did your past work/experience help you with this project?
Thankfully this was my 4th or 5th puppet show that I’ve been hired to design so my tool kit to working on this type of project keeps expanding. Each show is different and working with “The Muppets” is different than animatronic puppets like on Earth to Ned. Working in the art department makes you very used to walking into a show and knowing everything will be new so I’m always ready for a curve ball and open to learning.
How do you think earning the Emmy will impact your career going forward?
Awards are so exciting- being recognized by fellow voters working in my field is a true honor. I’m hopeful that the win will continue to open new doors to keep working on projects I love with great collaborators. If I keep getting to do more of what I’m already doing I’ll be beyond satisfied.
Can you talk about the evening/celebration you attended to receive the Emmy?
The whole evening was glamorous and exciting and a bit overwhelming too if I’m being honest. Even though I thought the chances of winning were low I had the stress of knowing that if we: did: win I was the one who had to go up and give a speech. Our category was the 4th award of the evening, so we had barely settled in when it happened. I had written a few names down just in case, but I made the mistake of not actually practicing saying them out loud! When our project was called as the winner I apparently ran/ skipped down the aisle and cannot remember anything I said in my acceptance speech. It was a total blur, and I couldn’t even read my little slip of paper. After you win, they whisk you away to the press/ red carpet room for pictures and that’s where you sign for your official trophy. We tied with “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock” so our two teams took time celebrating together, laughing and taking pictures before returning to the ceremony.
I tend to say “working with the Muppets is usually reward enough” so this whole thing was unexpected and amazing.
