Tony-nominated set designer and creative director David Korins chatted about his “Stages of Imagination” exhibit at The Museum of Broadway in New York City.
Background on his ‘Stages of Imagination’ exhibit
The exhibit invites visitors on an immersive journey into the visionary world of Korins through iconic Broadway set models, original notes from Hamilton, which are also known as the “Hamilton Mixtape,” and the first sketch for Dear Evan Hansen, among others.
The exhibit brings to life the collaborative creative process behind five epic productions: Hamilton, which is celebrating 10 years, Beetlejuice, which is returning to Broadway this fall, as well as Dear Evan Hansen, The Who’s Tommy and Here Lies Love. “It really celebrates the process,” he said.
“Set design is very relatable to everything we do in life: writing, designing, and re-designing… everything is trial and error. I want people to see the process behind some of the most iconic shows,” he explained.
Korins on his exhibit
On his new exhibit, Korins said, “We did this exhibit in Tucson, Arizona, last year. The museum in Tucson is actually focused on miniatures. We were fortunate enough to have it transferred to New York!”
“It’s such a strange experience,” he said about having it at the Museum of Broadway.
“All of the artwork featured in the exhibit are really tools for communication. It is really interesting to have all of these models that were used in the rehearsal room, and they were used to convey what the design would be to the writers, directors, choreographers and the performers,” he elaborated
“To have all of the shows be within a mile of where they played on Broadway is such a strange experience… it feels like bringing it back home,” he acknowledged.
For a limited time, this unparalleled page-to-stage experience will transport Museum of Broadway guests from the ‘Undead’ design handbook of Beetlejuice to an IRL photo opportunity on a full-size replica of the Beetlejuice couch, designed by Korins himself!
“To have Stages of Imagination presented at The Museum of Broadway is very meaningful to me, not just as a personal highlight, but as a tribute to the brilliant craftspeople, creatives, and collaborators, including the remarkable team I work alongside every day in my studio, who help bring theater to life,” Korins explained.
Korins continued, “Like The Museum of Broadway, an institution built to pull back the curtain on how shows are made, this exhibition shines a light on the often-unseen process: the messy, magical journey that begins with a spark and comes to life through the collaboration of directors, designers, actors, and the vibrant communities that support every production.
“I’m honored to share this work, if only briefly, in the heart of the theater capital of the world, in the city that continues to inspire us all,” he added.
Greatest lesson that the entertainment industry has taught him
On the greatest lesson that the entertainment industry has taught him, Korins said, “Nobody does this alone; there is no such thing as a set design by David Korins. It’s a group of people making thousands of decisions that come together to make the set design. Also, nobody makes a piece of theater alone.”
“So, one of the things I am most proud about the exhibit and also about being a theater artist is that it really is amplifying a whole community, and that is on display in this exhibition,” he elaborated.
“There are literally thousands of people that have worked on these five shows, and you have to come together and do it as a group,” he explained.
Proudest moments in this industry
Regarding his proudest moments in the industry, he revealed, “It all goes back to community! I have a studio full of people who I get to spend every single day making my work with. If you go to the exhibit, there are credits of all the people that work on the exhibit.”
“The longest list is the one in which he list every single name of every single person that worked in my studio during the time of these five shows were created (12 to 15 years), and there are a lot of names in that list,” he noted.
“Every single person that contributed to those shows is represented there and that is the proudest thing. Building a studio to express themselves artistically and help to contribute to these ‘forever’ shows is really special,” he explained.
Stage of his life
On the title of the current chapter of his life, Korins said with a sweet laugh, “Stages of Imagination, Part II.”
Future plans
On his future plans, Korins shared, “To keep doing what I’m doing…. More and better.”
“I feel I am just now stepping into my own as a designer and as a creative force. I see myself just now beginning to really know what I am doing, and I am going to keep on doing that,” he elaborated.
Advice for hopefuls
For hopefuls that wish to go into the entertainment industry professionally, he said, “it all goes back to communication.”
“Learn how to communicate your ideas visually, verbally, and in any way that you possibly can,” he said.
“You need to come to a consensus with a creative team, and everyone to get behind your ideas to make them possible. You just can’t do that without clear communication,” he underscored.
Success
On his definition of success, he said, “Success is when my closest collaborators look at the work that we make, and we think it’s good. That is success.”
“I try to surround myself with good people and I certainly hold myself to a very high bar. If we think it’s excellent, that would be a success,” he noted.”
“Also, if my kids can come and see it and enjoy the work, then that’s double success,” Korins concluded.
For more information on Tony-nominated set designer and creative director David Korins, follow him on Instagram and check out his Linktree page.
