You walk your team down the tunnel and out onto the floor for WGI Winterguard World Championship Finals and climb the long stairway to the sound table. It’s this moment that you’re able to take it all in – the full stage you’ve assembled; from props and flags to costuming and floor.
When many teams approach designing for the Dayton Arena, they consider space and height. But what about the elements of the arena? How does the large black curtain or the stadium seating tie into your overall design?
Fusion Winterguard Takes us through their Design Process
The design team at Fusion World Guard based in Clifton, New Jersey takes a unique approach to their early design considerations by overlaying their “look” into a virtualized Dayton Arena.
“It may seem so simple, but it gives us an instant indication on how the floor absorbs the environment around it,” says Fusion’s Director, Rob Watson. “When we take the floor in competition, we want the spectators to immediately feel immersed in the world we’re creating for them.”
This virtual reality approach goes further than just the floor. The Fusion World team also considers flags and costuming as a part of this exercise.
Working with DPG to get Fusion World’s Winterguard designs ready for production
Once Fusion’s team had a clear plan in place for their winterguard floor tarp and flags, DPG stepped in to execute all their digital printing needs. First, a mini-floor sample was printed and sent to Fusion to test color vibrancy and to get feedback on any changes prior to the full floor going into production. Once the design was approved, DPG’s production team went into action and printed and assembled the 65’ x 95’, 13oz winterguard floor.
Check out the time lapsed video of Fusion’s 2020 floor in production:
The 2022 UD Arena
As we return to LIVE, in-person shows for the 2022 season, the UD Arena will take on a new look. The traditional red and blue stadium seating has been replaced with new, darker blue seating with black backs and will provide a more neutral, dark box to the arena. This is really important when considering how your show consumes the big stage this season.
Apply the process to your space
Not attending World Championships? You can apply the same process to the spaces you will perform in during the 2022 season. Use a photo of your home gym, your circuit’s championships space, or your WGI Regional location as you design your 2022 production. Think of your floor tarp, flags, and costuming in your space, and be sure to think about those items all together. Picture your entire visual production in the space. Learn more about all the floors DPG offers here.
From floors and flags to costumes and props, DPG is your single source to help bring your visualizations to life this season. Special thanks to Rob Watson and the team at Fusion World for sharing their design inspirations. DPG is proud to be the official printing partner for Fusion World 2022.
Learn more about Fusion World and their other programs here!
DPG is a proud sponsor of Winter Guard International. Learn more about the upcoming WGI 2022 Season.
Fusion World’s 2020 Production: “Demographic”