Theatre design meets STEM learning as Hong Kong students make tiny stages from bento boxes
Technical Arts Festival workshop has given pupils a chance to explore how technology and art go hand in hand.
Crystal Yeung (from left), Annie Xia and Moon Kong hold the miniature stages they designed. Photo: HandoutBehind every spectacular musical or play is a team of theatre technicians and artists bringing the performance to life through stage design.
Students from 10 Hong Kong schools joined a series of stage production workshops, organised as part of this year’s Technical Arts Festival.
Industry professionals taught pupils how to transform ordinary bento boxes into miniature stage designs. They learned STEM skills while exploring the intricacies of theatre production, from making props and costumes to using a Japanese weaving technique called saori.
Organised by the Hong Kong Association of Theatre Technicians and Scenographers, the festival held in West Kowloon last month was centred on the theme “Taste and Space”. It also featured art installations and an exhibition series created by 17 local stage technicians and artists.
A Form Five student from Tuen Mun Catholic Secondary School, Annie Xia Yingying, designed a stage inspired by the Japanese anime Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina. She used 3D printing and laser cutting to create the stage elements on the bento box base.
“In professional stage design, you have to figure out how to bring a scene to life, which isn’t easy,” Annie said.
“People usually think of the stage as a place for performers to sing, dance or play music. But I believe that if something is worth showcasing, it belongs on stage – even if it’s not a person standing there.”
Reflecting on her project, she added, “I had to be more detailed because I’m usually a bit careless. For example, I realised the printed piece needed holes for the parts to fit together. This project taught me the importance of planning the entire structure before starting.”
Hong Kong ethnic minority youth design and model upcycled clothes
Crystal Yeung Nga-yan, 16, said she appreciated the hands-on learning experience of the workshops.
“The most time-consuming part was learning how to connect the wires for the components ... but the workshop helped me learn how to handle them,” she said.
She believed more pupils should join interactive projects like this to develop practical skills beyond academics.
“These kinds of activities ... help students discover hidden talents – things they’re good at but haven’t had the chance to explore,” Yeung said.
Another student, Moon Kong Ying-yuet, 16, added, “I really dislike just studying and writing. I prefer hands-on work, and projects like this let us try out ideas we’re usually afraid to attempt ... and find our interests.”
Artist and instructor Teresa Wong Kai-man explained that the workshops integrated science, technology, engineering and mathematics into the creative process.
“Students use ... laser cutters, 3D printers and other tools, including connecting electrical circuits on their own ... sparking their interest in both technology and the arts,” said Wong, who studied engineering before getting involved in theatre design.
“At first, we guide the students step by step, but as they gain confidence, they start exploring their own ideas and creativity ... We show them images of real stage set-ups, sound systems and other equipment, and then let them experiment with materials to build what they want.”
Wong noted the importance of design thinking for today’s younger generation: “Design thinking is crucial not just for stage design but in every industry. It’s all about problem-solving – thinking creatively about how to tackle challenges and find solutions. Even when mistakes are made, it’s still part of the learning process.”
She added: “Students ... not only learn how to complete a project but also understand that failure isn’t bad.”