The Mystery of Edwin Drood — a theatrical world of red curtains, gilded architecture and light

SET · LIGHT · IMAGE · IMAGINATION

Where space
becomes story.

Creating worlds. Shaping emotion.
Bringing the unseen to light.

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SET & PROJECTION DESIGN
01 / 03
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THE ART OF ATMOSPHERE

Between the first sketch and the final cue,
there is a world waiting to be imagined.

01 / SELECTED WORKAN ONGOING EXPLORATION

Many mediums.
One imagination.

From intimate marks on paper to
worlds that fill a stage. Explore
the work, in all its dimensions.

Full archive ↗

Production clips.

Interactive projection · 9 sec · Silent excerpt

A wall of televisions

In this interactive installation, the images on the televisions respond to changes in lighting, sound, and camera angle. The excerpt pans across rows of flickering pink and red screens that wrap around the room.

View all production videos
02 / THE PLAYGROUND LIVE EXPLORATION

A little light.
A different world.

Pan left or right, or tilt up to reveal a design from the portfolio. Try a different lighting cue to change the mood.

AN INTERACTIVE DIGITAL SKETCH
Use the project links below to explore the designs.
THE CUE
03 / BEHIND THE WORLDSTHE ARTIST & THE PRACTICE
Behind the scenes at a lighting and projection console from Tao Wang’s portfolioWHERE IMAGINATION MEETS THE CUE.

DESIGNER · ARTIST · EDUCATOR

Hello.
I’m Tao Wang.

My journey began with chalk drawings in Xinjiang, China. Painting taught me how to see. Theatre taught me how to make people feel.

Today, I move between set, light, projection and fine art, creating visual worlds that give stories a place to live. Each project begins with curiosity, and a belief that the most powerful design comes from the heart.

TEACHING

Assistant Professor
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

MEMBERSHIP

United Scenic Artists
Local USA 829

More about my practice ↗
THE PRACTICE

Storytelling × Design × Education

Writing & recognition ↗
04 / THE NEXT CHAPTERLET’S START A CONVERSATION

What world
shall we create?

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For productions, collaborations
and possibilities.

CONTINUE EXPLORING
THE MOVING COLLECTION

LIGHT. IMAGE. MOVEMENT.

Worlds in motion.

Watch trailers and explore the work on the producing theatres’ websites.

Watch the projection clip ↓