High School Zoomsical
Production Designer · Musical Short Film · 2020
OVERVIEW
High School Zoomsical is an original musical short created during the COVID-19 shutdown. When a ten-year high school reunion moves online, former choir student Patti Peters reluctantly reconnects with her classmates—and discovers an unexpected opportunity for romance.
Written by Drew Fornarola and directed by Jessica Ryan, the production brought together more than 50 Broadway performers and musicians. It was filmed remotely using approximately 60 computers across 15 states.
CONTRIBUTION
Matthew Solomon served as Production Designer, developing a cohesive visual world across the production’s many independently filmed locations and digital frames. With the performers working remotely, the design transformed individual environments and the familiar Zoom interface into a unified setting that supported the musical’s characters, comedy, and storytelling.
RECOGNITION
PRODUCTION DETAILS
Year: 2020
Script and Score: Drew Fornarola
Director: Jessica Ryan
Original Concept and Producers: Sarah Ellis, Greg Kamp
Production: MT Shorts, in association with Broadway Unlocked
Starring: Ryann Redmond, Alan Wiggins, Kay Brown
Choreographer: Kate Bailey
Music Director: Jeremy Robin Lyons
Production Designer: Matthew Solomon
Assistant Costume Designer: Madeline Corcoran
Editors: Aaron Milus, Eric Bachaus
Executive Producers: Andrew Goren, Larry Goren — Harmony Helper
Virtual Premiere: November 15, 2020
Online Release: March 31, 2021
Recognition: MT Shorts was recognized at the 2020 Zoomtopia Innovation Awards for using Zoom as both a film set and a central part of the story.