Smooth dirt paths weave through a myriad of lively green trees, arriving at a majestic castle which stands tall beneath a clear, open sky. This comforting setting is a common occurrence in fairy tales, the stories we were told as children which still find ways to stir our hearts. Fairytales create a magical feeling, instilling joy in both adult and child audiences. The settings within the stories play a large role in the theme and feelings they provoke.

       Into the Woods, a musical recently released as a film, is a modern day combination of several fairy tales. Thus, it requires various settings to create the full effect. WCA’s Set Club has their work cut out as they strive to produce this elaborate scenery for the fall musical, which will take place on November 19-21.

      The scenes take place in a number of different settings, ranging from a forest to a castle. The Set Club is working to design and assemble a versatile set that can move around between scenes and work for multiple acts. This process has brought its fair share of challenges.

      “Demolishing some of our old pieces for extra wood has been the most difficult and time-consuming part of creating the set,” said Hannah Vitello, senior and president of the club.

      However, in the arduous production, club members have gotten the chance to explore new design techniques and think outside of the box.

      “We purchased a design for the set, but we have changed some of it based on the size of our stage, our timeline for completion, and creative ideas that have occurred to us along the way,” said John Sarra, Upper School Art Teacher and leader of Set Club.

      The students have been able to utilize their creativity while creating the background pieces for the woods.

      “One thing I’ve enjoyed is using leaf stamps to create the foliage pattern,” said Vitello. Using their unique ideas, the group has also created realistic-looking mud and grass.

      One of the Set Club’s major goals is to give their sets a more attractive appearance. To do so, they must learn to figure out ways to use their old set pieces and other supplies to reach a satisfactory end product.

      “A new process we are trying out this year has been using a paint sprayer to break up the solid colors,” said Vitello. “We paint a few layers of a solid color onto whatever flat we are currently working on and then add two to three different bits of color across it.”

      Although the process of creating a set is a complicated one, the club has found ways to make it happen. Various jobs are distributed among the members including measuring and arranging wood pieces, putting the pieces together with screws or glue, and painting.

      “Mr. Sarra’s goal for this year is not only to complete the sets, but to teach club members how to safely use power tools and how to paint – skills that are very useful and practical to have,” said Vitello.

      In addition to the work aspect, Set Club gives students time within their busy schedules to relax and spend time with friends.

      “I really like painting the set, and what makes it even more fun is the people in the club,” said Nichole Romich, senior.

      Set Club meetings are only twice a week each Tuesday and Thursday and are expected to go from 3:15 to 4:45 pm. Students, who should arrive in comfortable outfits, can depend on a warm welcome in an especially fun, creative, and inviting environment.