Chloe Butler
Chloe’s production design work explores survival and family dynamics through two projects: City Upon a Hill and Audrey or Sorrow. In City Upon a Hill, she collaborated on three bunker-inspired sets to convey the tension of a nuclear apocalypse. For Audrey or Sorrow, she adapted Marina Carr’s dark comedy to film, designing spaces that reflect the haunting atmosphere of grieving parents encountering their children’s ghosts.
Chloe designed alongside designer Lena Birgisdottir and TV students, directed by Kevin Morthorst and produced by Aaron Hallows. The project explored survival in a nuclear apocalypse through three distinct spaces: a silo, command bunker and an office. The design drew inspiration from military style bunkers, creating cohesive aesthetic that conveyed the harsh, confined atmosphere of a post-apocalyptic setting.
Audrey or Sorrow was a project based on Marina Carr's dark comedy that examines the complexities of family and grief through the eyes of parents haunted by the ghosts of their children. The project explored the transition from theatre to film, with three key sets designed to convey the emotional weight of the story: the parent's downstairs space, the grandparent's kitchen, and the baby's room. Each set was crafted to reflect the haunting yet darkly comedic tone of the narrative.
Chloe's thesis explores the evolving landscape of stage design and how immersive elements like advanced lighting, multimedia effects, and spatial dynamics can shape audience perception. The research examines the progression from simple, static backdrops used in 1960s concerts like The Beatles to the cutting-edge visually dynamic experiences seen in modern performances, such as U2's groundbreaking show at the Sphere in Las Vegas. By analysing these contrasts, the thesis highlights how technology continues to transform the impact and storytelling of live performances.
Chloe is a Production Designer based in Dublin. During her studies, she gained many skills such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, scale models, storyboards and storytelling through design. Chloe gained valuable skills in working in various projects including opportunities in ITV and The Abbey Theatre. Throughout her time at IADT, she continued to refine her creative skills, combining technical skills with a passion for compelling visual narratives.
