Crimson Lit - Scarlet Letter Setlist

research & impulse collage

Color Studies

Visual Impulse Board

A design inspiration for this show was But I’m A Cheerleader, a 1999 movie about a teen lesbian being sent to conversion therapy camp to “cure” her lesbianism. The color palette of hot pink and medical teal was adjusted over time to hot pink for Winnie and Fran and royal blue for school uniforms in the final design, as the production budget did not allow a custom uniform set.

production photos

Crimson Lit is a riot grrl-inspired musical about Winnie, an 11th grade rebel without a cause who is faced with the choice of failing American Lit or doing a book report on The Scarlet Letter with the class cheerleader, Courtney (who happens to disapprove strongly of Winnie’s homosexual lifestyle). Their antics play out as a retelling of The Scarlet Letter and an ode to queer romance.

The most central part of the design for Crimson Lit was the actor’s comfort in their costume and in communicating their character aspirations (particularly as the ensemble developed their own distinct characters in rehearsal). I was able to foster a wonderful relationship with the cast through forming their characters in costume and consistently asking after their physical and emotional comfort in the clothing they wore.