Space as a Storytelling Tool

Sometimes I’m given unconventional spaces to work with. And although they present obstacles, I’m usually up for turning them into a fun and fascinating creative challenge for myself. Empty warehouses, hidden lofts, outdoor landscapes, even a "stage" that isn’t really a stage, all offer opportunities to reshape environments into immersive experiences. My focus is on using space to tell a story, creating a sense of discovery for attendees, while ensuring everyone’s safety. Immersive experiences dissolve boundaries, allowing the environment itself to become a living, breathing part of the narrative.

Movement in these spaces is often nonlinear and exploratory. Audiences navigate rather than remain confined to fixed seating. Every placement whether set piece, furniture, lighting, or pathways is intentional, sometimes subtly guiding perception and interaction. And the psychology of space plays a role in shaping an audience’s experience. Carefully crafting spatial relationships can influence movement, evoke emotion, and encourage connections with the space.

Space is not passive. It is an active, evolving character that invites exploration, sparks emotion, and enhances narrative depth. When designed to feel alive and responsive, environments can transport audiences from spectators into fully embodied experiences.

What are some of your favorite spaces? What stories are being told in the world around us? And how do the people within them shape the stories?