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Trim profiles are essential elements in scenic design, bringing detail and character to architectural elements like crown molding, baseboards, and more. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to use Vectorworks’ Polyline Tool to create accurate and scalable 2D trim profiles quickly and efficiently. Step 1: Finding a Real-World Trim Profile To begin, I recommend sourcing a reference with real-world dimensions. For this example, I visited Udecor , which provides detailed trim profiles with accompanying size and material information. Once you’ve selected a trim profile, right-click on the image, save it to your device, and rename the file for clarity—such as "Crown Molding [Product Code]." Step 2: Importing the Reference Image In Vectorworks: Go to File > Import and select Image File . Locate the saved trim profile on your computer. Choose between JPEG (smaller file size) or PNG (supports transparency). Since transparency isn’t necessary for this process, I opted for JPEG. Your reference image will now be imported into your Vectorworks file, ready for tracing. Step 3: Tracing the Trim Profile While some users scale the image before tracing, I prefer to trace first and scale later for greater precision. Here’s how to do it: Select the Polyline Tool (hotkey: 5) and start tracing the trim profile. Use Corner Vertex Mode for straight lines and corners. Toggle to Point Arc Mode (hotkey: U) for curves and rounded edges. Once the basic outline is traced, refine it: Use Add Vertex Mode to add or adjust points on arcs. Use the Move Polygon Point tool to ensure your traced shape aligns with the reference image. When you’re satisfied with the traced shape, change its class to a hatch or section class to ensure consistency in your drafting. Finally, delete the reference image to clean up your workspace. Step 4: Scaling the Trim Profile Using the real-world dimensions from the reference website (e.g., breadth, height, and width), scale your trim profile: Select the traced object. Adjust the X Dimension and Y Dimension in the Object Info Palette. For example: Height: 4 inches Width: 4 inches This ensures your trim profile is accurately scaled to real-world dimensions. Step 5: Creating a 2D Symbol To make the trim profile reusable in your project: Select the object and hit Command/Control + K to create a symbol. Name the symbol (e.g., "Crown Molding"). Choose the following settings: Next Mouse Click for placement. World-Based Units for consistency across projects. Uncheck Insert in Wall since this will remain a 2D symbol. Save the symbol to your Resource Manager . Now, the trim profile is a reusable 2D symbol that can be easily placed and modified within your document. Conclusion This process transforms a real-world trim profile into a precise, scalable 2D drafting element that enhances your scenic designs. By leveraging the Polyline Tool and scaling features in Vectorworks, you can create professional trim profiles with ease. Watch the Full Tutorial For a step-by-step guide, watch my video: How to Create Trim Profiles in Vectorworks Let’s Connect Have questions or tips to share? Leave a comment below or connect with me on YouTube and Instagram . I’d love to hear how you’re using trim profiles in your designs! scenic design insights: https://www.brandonptdavis.com

As regional theatres reveal their 2024-2025 lineups, one trend stands out: minimalist scenic design is leading the way . With a mix of contemporary plays, reimagined classics, and timeless musicals, this season continues to favor simplicity, functionality, and clever use of space . For designers, this is an exciting challenge—a chance to innovate within the practical demands of regional theatre. The 2024-2025 season also signals growth in theatre productions , a promising sign of recovery. American Theatre magazine reported 1,560 productions at 558 TCG member theatres in 2023-2024, up from 1,298 the year before. Though the numbers still trail pre-pandemic levels, early announcements for this season show a stronger lineup of performances. They reflect the theatre community's resilience and creativity. Why Minimalism Works Minimalist scenic design remains a favorite in regional theatres for a good reason: Flexibility: Touring shows and shared venues need designs that adapt to different stages. Story-First Approach: Stripping down the set keeps the focus on the narrative and performances. Cost-effective: Simple sets free up budgets for lighting, costumes, or other creative elements. Room for Creativity: Constraints spark innovation, pushing designers to think outside the box. Scenic Design Trends for 2025 This season, theatres are embracing a range of strategies to make minimalist designs even more impactful: Printed Backdrops: They are low-cost and stunning. They create great, quick settings without much building. They’re especially useful for shows with multiple settings or touring productions. Projection Mapping: Technology continues to transform scenic design. Projection mapping allows for immersive, ever-changing environments that evolve with the story. Sustainable Materials: Designers are using eco-friendly, recycled, or reusable materials for their sets. This reduces waste and aligns with broader sustainability goals. Modular Set Pieces: Flexibility is key. Modular designs enable quick scene changes. This is vital for productions with many settings or limited stage space. LED Technology: LED screens and panels are now a staple for dynamic backdrops and interactive elements. They offer both versatility and depth. 2025’s Most Produced Shows and Their Scenic Needs Looking at the top productions of the year, it’s clear how minimalist design enhances their storytelling. Here’s a deeper look at the top 10 plays and musicals, with playwright credits, production numbers, and notable venues: What the Constitution Means to Me by Heidi Schreck (16 productions) Venues: Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Set: A straightforward debate hall. Impact: Keeps the focus on personal and political themes. Fat Ham by James Ijames (14 productions) Venues: Yale Repertory Theatre, Wilma Theater Set: A backyard barbecue. Impact: Highlights the play’s reimagined take on Hamlet’s themes in a modern setting. King James by Rajiv Joseph (14 productions) Venues: Center Theatre Group, Steppenwolf Theatre Set: Intimate, realistic settings such as living rooms and sports bars. Impact: Grounded, realistic design keeps the focus on character dynamics. Primary Trust by Eboni Booth (13 productions) Venues: Roundabout Theatre, Guthrie Theater Set: Minimal, evocative spaces that shift subtly. Impact: Creates a whimsical but grounded atmosphere for introspection. Jersey Boys by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice (11 productions) Venues: Paper Mill Playhouse, Dallas Theater Center Set: Modular platforms with sleek backdrops. Impact: Matches the concert-style energy of the show. Waitress by Jessie Nelson (11 productions) Venues: Signature Theatre, Ogunquit Playhouse Set: A diner with counters and booths. Impact: Rooted in a few iconic pieces, with lighting adding depth. Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B by Kate Hamill (10 productions) Venues: Cincinnati Playhouse, Hartford Stage Set: Versatile, playful interiors. Impact: Supports the comedic, fast-paced tone of the adaptation. Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy by Kate Hamill (9 productions) Venues: Portland Center Stage, Cleveland Playhouse Set: Gothic and symbolic, often leveraging minimal yet evocative staging. Impact: Enhances the bold reinterpretation of the classic tale. The Play That Goes Wrong by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields (9 productions) Venues: Cleveland Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse Set: A deceptively simple design with precise technical elements. Impact: Adds chaos and humor. The Wolves by Sarah DeLappe (9 productions) Venues: Studio Theatre, The Old Globe Set: A minimalist indoor soccer field. Impact: Highlights the raw emotional intensity of the players’ stories. Exceptions to the Minimalist Trend Many productions favor minimalist scenic design. Yet, some shows need a more elaborate approach to tell their stories. These exceptions highlight the diversity of scenic design and the need for flexibility in the craft. The Play That Goes Wrong Why It Stands Out: What seems simple is actually a highly technical set designed to "fail" in specific ways. This requires meticulous planning and construction to execute the comedic disasters seamlessly. Jersey Boys Why It Stands Out: While sleek and modular in concept, its concert-style aesthetic calls for dynamic lighting, projections, and staging that elevate it beyond minimalist norms. Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy Why It Stands Out: Gothic and symbolic staging, often with layered scenic elements, creates a bold and visually striking reinterpretation of the classic tale. These productions show that even in a season dominated by minimalism, there’s room for scenic designs that push boundaries and embrace complexity . Creativity Within Constraints Minimalist scenic design doesn’t limit creativity—it inspires it. Designers are finding new ways to: Use projections and lighting to create expansive worlds. Develop modular elements for seamless transitions. Engage the audience’s imagination to fill in the details. This trend also aligns with sustainability efforts, as minimalist sets often use fewer materials and are easier to repurpose. Resources for Scenic Designers For those looking to incorporate the latest trends and technology into their scenic designs, here are some helpful companies and tools: Vectorworks: Industry-standard software for creating detailed scenic designs and integrating 3D modeling. Learn more . Twinmotion: A powerful tool for real-time rendering and visualization. Learn more . ETC (Electronic Theatre Controls) offers advanced, minimalist lighting solutions that integrate with modular designs. Learn more . Rosco: Specialists in scenic painting, backdrops, and projection technology. Learn more . Encore Scenic Studio: Providers of high-quality printed backdrops for theatre and events. Learn more . LED Technology Solutions: Companies like Chauvet and Absen offer dynamic LED panels for immersive and interactive backdrops. Learn more and Absen LED . These resources can help scenic designers realize their creative visions while staying on trend and meeting the practical needs of modern theatre. Looking Ahead Audiences are valuing storytelling over spectacle, and minimalist design meets that demand. This isn’t just a practical choice; it’s an opportunity for designers to craft meaningful, evocative spaces that support the narrative. Minimalism is more than a trend—it’s a creative philosophy that’s shaping the future of scenic design.

Working on  Urinetown  has always been meaningful. After the pandemic, it felt even more urgent. This was my third time designing the show. After living through a time when “essential” workers risked their lives, the themes of class struggle and corporate greed felt sharper. This time, I wanted to create a world that was darker and more industrial. I aimed to reflect a dystopia that is not too far from our reality. Inspirations and Collaborations In collaboration with our director, Dr. Joy Powell, we drew inspiration from: Blade Runner Tim Burton’s Gotham City German Expressionist films like  Metropolis We wanted to build an imposing world, a concrete jungle that dwarfs its inhabitants. This setting holds people captive, both physically and symbolically, in every scene. Satire Through Familiar Symbols The satire in  Urinetown  is powerful. I aimed to bring that tone into every part of the set. One key detail is the  UGC (Urine Good Company) logo . We redesigned it to echo Amazon’s smile. This design serves as a subtle nod to corporate monopolies and their control over people’s lives. The logo looms over scenes at Public Amenity #9 , a place where the poor must pay to use the restroom. This constant reminder highlights the absurdity and cruelty of UGC’s control. Cladwell’s Office: A Symbol of Power and Disconnect When Bobby Strong storms into Cladwell’s office, he enters a different world. We used this space to amplify Cladwell’s wealth and disconnect from the suffering outside. Key features of the office include: Rows of water bottles A live tree These small luxuries highlight the gap between the rich and poor in  Urinetown . For Cladwell, these decorations are a visual declaration of his privilege in a world where water is scarce. This contrast makes Bobby’s fight for justice feel even more significant. Power Dynamics in a Concrete Jungle The set’s levels are essential in showing the hierarchy in  Urinetown . UGC’s offices sit on the highest level, towering over the lower deck where the poor live and fight to survive. This staging allows for powerful visual storytelling. Characters physically ascend to confront UGC or descend to rally with the people.  Most of the action unfolds around Public Amenity #9, where the poor gather, argue, and begin to resist. Keeping this area on the lower level reinforces the idea of the people being “beneath” UGC. It also makes it the heart of the show’s rebellion. The fight for dignity starts here, in the shadow of the corporate overlords. The Secret Hideout: A Glimpse of Hope In scenes where Bobby and the rebels gather in the “Secret Hideout,” we created a shift in scale and atmosphere. An oversized and flashy hideout sign adds a touch of absurdity. Yet, it is also the one place where characters can breathe and dream of a world without UGC. Here, they find the strength to push back. The smaller, more personal space reflects the shift from passive suffering to active resistance. Lighting, texture, and the concrete reality Lighting plays a huge role in defining the mood of  Urinetown . We initially planned to use LED tape lighting. However, our lighting designer, Vincent Williams, suggested LED strips instead. This change allowed us to enhance the dramatic shifts in tone. It also helped to elevate musical numbers and intensify the oppressive feeling of the city during somber moments. For the physical look, we used MDF to create walls that appear like concrete. This smooth material helped us achieve an industrial, unforgiving appearance. The concrete jungle became the perfect setting for a story about scarcity, where resources are minimal. Every corner of the set reminds the audience of this harsh reality. Tying the Design to the Action One great aspect of  Urinetown  is how it uses humor to tackle dark subjects. I wanted the set to support that balance. Bobby’s journey from Public Amenity #9 to Cladwell’s office is both literal and symbolic. Each level represents a step up in his rebellion. When he returns to rally the people, the set visually brings him back to their level. This grounding makes the stakes feel real. In this world, the set is not just a backdrop; it shapes the characters’ movements and decisions. It gives the action a physical presence, showing the weight of oppression on the poor and the arrogance of UGC. With every step, characters confront the structures that define their lives. Making  Urinetown  Feel Both Distant and Real With this design, I aimed to create enough distance for the audience to laugh but with a familiarity that makes them uncomfortable. This world of scarcity, greed, and corporate power is absurd but not far removed from our own reality. I hope that the set supports this duality—entertaining yet thought-provoking.  Urinetown  asks us to consider what happens when resources become weapons. It questions when those at the top control basic human needs. The set reminds the audience that this story, though exaggerated, isn’t as fictional as it seems. In the balance between humor and discomfort, there’s a message worth considering long after the show ends.

Architecture Scale Conversion How to Use the Arch Scale Converter for 3D Printing Prepare Your 3D Model: Ensure your 3D model is complete and export it as an STL file. The STL format is standard for most 3D printers and will be used in your slicing software. Select an Edge for Measurement: Identify one edge or feature of your 3D model that corresponds to a real-world measurement. Enter Real-World Measurements: Input the measurement of that edge in feet and inches into the Arch Scale Converter tool. Obtain the Conversion: The tool will provide the scaled length in millimeters that you can use to scale your model in the slicing software. Scale Your 3D Model in the Slicing Software: Use the millimeter value from the Arch Scale Converter to scale your 3D model accurately before printing. Important Note: Please ensure that the scaling factor calculated by the tool matches your project requirements. Verify the settings in your slicing software and check for any specific adjustments needed for your 3D printer. Feet Inches Architect Scale Converted size: 22.22 mm

Media Mentions Directory Explore reviews and articles that highlight the creativity and impact of my scenic designs, showcasing a range of productions from classics to contemporary works. August 8, 2024 Iowa classic ends stellar season FunAtBoji.com “No Trouble in Okoboji; Just an All-Around Great Show”: Commends Davis’s design for The Music Man for its versatility, utilizing a brick-wall backdrop that transitions between various settings, contributing to the show’s dynamic staging. Read Article July 12, 2024 Students, professionals partner perfectly in musical FunAtBoji.com ”‘Freaky Friday’ is Adaptation of Popular Disney Film”: Praises Davis’s comic book-inspired set, with oversized rectangular boxes that rotate to depict different scenes, enhancing the whimsical nature of the production. Read Article May 30, 2023 New Swan Outreach: A New Vision of Community UC Irvine Humanities ‘¡Lotería: Game On!’ Brings Mexican Culture to Life at SilCo”: Highlights Davis’s vibrant and textural scenic design inspired by Mexico, featuring LED lights and abstract visuals that transformed the space into a magical world, immersing the audience in the game. Read Blog July 22, 2021 Murder mystery meets comedy as ‘Clue’ takes the stage FunAtBoji.com “Talented Cast, Skilled Director Make for Another Great Production”: Lauds Davis’s work on Clue: On Stage , noting the rich green walls with gold trim and the clever use of furniture to represent different rooms, effectively bringing the board game to life. Read Article February 10, 2020 UCI’s “The Penelopiad” Brings New Narrative to a Classic Greek Epic New University “UCI Drama Department’s Cleverly-Crafted Production of ‘The Penelopiad’” by Lauren Knight: Highlights Davis’s set design featuring tree roots descending from the ceiling, creating an underworld ambiance that complements the narrative. Read Article June 6, 2019 The Pajama Game Stage Scene LA “Racially Diverse Casting Skyrockets a Sixty-Five-Year-Old Broadway Classic into the 21st Century”: Discusses Davis’s stylish set design for The Pajama Game , which provided seamless transitions and complemented the vibrant choreography and period costumes. Read Blog June 8, 2018 REVIEW – “AMERICAN IDIOT,” UC Irvine The Show Report “REVIEW – ‘American Idiot,’ UC Irvine” by Chris Daniels: Highlights Brandon PT Davis’s dynamic set design, featuring industrial elements like slick gray stairs, overhang walkways, and symbolic mattresses to evoke a gritty, urban atmosphere. The set complemented the high-energy production, seamlessly integrating projections, lighting, and stagecraft to bring Green Day’s politically charged rock opera to life. Read Blog October 7, 2016 A creature rises from the 'Black Lake Lagoon' Santa Maria Times This Season’s Creature Feature at the Great American Melodrama in Oceano”: Highlights Brandon PT Davis’s scenic design for Trudy and the Beast , which brought humor and charm to the production. Davis’s creative set elements, such as the cavern under the 13th hole, complemented the comedic and fantastical tone of the show, enhancing the story’s whimsical atmosphere. Read Article May 27, 2016 What A Night In Denver! Latinos Win DCPA Bobby G. Theatrical Award Denver Post “2016 Bobby G Awards Recognize Colorado High School Theatre Excellence”: Brandon PT Davis was recognized for his work in scenic design alongside Corey Baca and Andre Rodriguez for Westminster High School’s production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee . Their creative efforts were honored as part of this prestigious celebration of outstanding achievement in high school musical theatre. Read Article

Collaboration Directory This directory celebrates the incredible directors, music directors, choreographers, and designers I’ve had the privilege to work with. These collaborators inspire the creativity and innovation behind every production. Explore their contributions to unforgettable shows, and filter by role to learn more about the teams that make the magic happen. Collaborator Select Category Select Production Portfolio Links