How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying
MUSICAL
Penn State, PA, 2025
Director - Chris Campbell
Set Designer - Paole Calderon
Technical Director - Chris Russo
Lighting Designer-Vinny Pilone
Costume Designer- Michael Ciaramitaro
Music Director- Joseph Ivan
Sound Designer- Curtis Craig
Production Stage Manager - Gaylin Lee
DESIGN STATEMENTThe scenic design for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying consistently taps into mid-century modern architecture and office symbolism to either caricature or critique the corporate climb. From transparent, multi-level structures to functional set pieces like lifts and sliding panels, designers skillfully reinforce themes of ambition, conformity, and satirical corporate critique.
CONCEPT
Inspired by the architecture and interior design of 1960s New York City, this work draws on geometric forms and modern shapes, as well as the era’s innovative use of materials. Referencing the aesthetics of the time, I looked to designers such as Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, whose work embodies clean geometry, experimentation with materials, and a refined balance between function and style.

