BRANDON PT DAVIS
ARTICLES
Scenic Insights
Articles on design philosophy, process, and the craft of scenic design.
The Modern Theatrical Design Portfolio: A Guide for 2026
Learn how to create a standout digital theatrical design portfolio for 2026. Simplify site structure, optimize SEO, and enhance content to boost visibility.
Video Game Environments: Lessons for Scenic Design
Exploring how video game environment design principles can inform and enhance theatrical scenic design.
Becoming a Scenic Designer: A Comprehensive Guide
Everything you need to know about pursuing a career in scenic design, from education to professional practice.
Framing the Martyr: Scenic Design as Memory Work in Romero
A deep dive into the scenic design process for Romero, exploring how physical space can frame memory and martyrdom.
What Makes a Good Scenic Design Rendering?
Unleash your creativity with Vectorworks, the precision tool for captivating scenic design renderings. Bridge ideas and emotions to craft compelling visual stories.
The Lights Were Already On: Maude Adams’ Legacy at Stephens College
Discover Maude Adams’ legacy at Stephens College, her impact on theatrical lighting, and how she shaped future artists. A tribute to a Broadway icon’s influence.
The Evolution of Themed Entertainment: From Ancient Gardens to Modern Immersive Experienceses Everything
Discover the evolution of themed entertainment, from ancient gardens to today’s immersive experiences, as the industry evolves with tech-driven innovations.
Designing the Keller Home: A Look Back at All My Sons
Designing ‘All My Sons’ was a formative journey, highlighting Arthur Miller’s critique of capitalism and the American Dream. Explore the depth of Keller’s home.
Artistic Vision in Scenic Design: Finding My Creative Voice
A reflection on artistic identity, creative independence, and building a scenic design career driven by authenticity rather than algorithmic validation.
Minimalist Scenic Design: Dominating Regional Theatres in 2025
Discover how minimalist scenic design is transforming regional theatres in 2025, showcasing innovation, simplicity, and functionality in upcoming productions.
Urinetown Scenic Design: Building a Dystopia That Feels Uncomfortably Familiar
Explore Urinetown’s scenic design where dystopia meets reality, with themes of class struggle and corporate power sharpened post-pandemic. Discover a city of control.
You’re Wasting My Time” — A Scenic Design Lesson in Growth and Revision
A formative moment at URTAs taught me the importance of intentionality, revision, and knowing your worth as a designer.
Sora in the Studio: Testing AI’s Potential for Theatrical Design
Exploring OpenAI’s Sora video generation tool as a potential resource for scenic design visualization and concept development.
Understanding Computer Hardware: Why Scenic Designers (and All Theatre Designers) Need to Care
A comprehensive guide to computer hardware for theatre designers, from CPUs and GPUs to RAM and storage.
The Art of Presenting Theatre Design: A Guide for Designers
Best practices for presenting your scenic design work to directors, collaborators, and production teams.
Lighting Styles in AI Models: How Lighting Changes Everything
Explore 20 AI lighting styles transforming scenes dramatically. See how Midjourney & Sora prompts create visual storytelling with cinematic precision.
Navigating the Scenic Design Process: A Comprehensive Guide
A step-by-step guide through the complete scenic design process, from script analysis to opening night.
Empowering Theatre Production Students with Computer Literacy
Empower theatre students with essential computer literacy skills to navigate modern tech and make informed choices, bridging the digital divide in education.
COURSE MATERIALS
Musical Theatre & Cinema
Articles from a course I taught exploring the history and evolution of musical theatre and cinema.
The 1960s Musical Revolution: When Hollywood’s Golden Formula Met Rock and Rebellion
Explore how the 1960s revolutionized Hollywood musicals, blending rebellion and tradition, influencing today’s entertainment from Broadway to TikTok trends.
The Golden Age of Cinema: Musicals in the Spotlight
The Golden Age of Cinema: Musicals in the Spotlight
The Golden Age of Broadway: A Defining Era in Musical Theatre
Celebrating the legendary scenic designers who defined Broadway’s Golden Age and their lasting influence.
Building the Visual World: Art Direction in Film & Television
Discover how art direction shapes film & TV worlds. Learn about art director roles, visual identity, and collaboration in creating captivating narratives.
Opera’s Foundations: The First Act in American Entertainment
A journey through the history of scenic design in opera, from the Baroque era to contemporary practice.