Black Ensemble Theater needed a refresh when it came to key art and design direction for its main stage productions. These are their most visible and most vital mainstage money makers. With only four per year, the marketing has to prompt action.

The BE audience (nostalgic boomers) and productions (musicals bringing American history to life) crave authenticity. The mood calls for it to feel nostalgic but not old, to recreate but not copy, with a bit of contemporary flair. To honor these personalities with the utmost respect, we created a look of instant recognition for the audience.

 

 

We had to tell the story in one image. A mix of vintage photos of Josephine and contemporary superstars were used for inspiration. But one photo of the young starlet sitting in her own shadow would do. The BE formula has a "young version" and "mature version" of a character played by two actors. Young Josephine sitting in her own shadow would be used to tell the story.

Baby boomers make up the core BE audience. They are nostalgic aficionados about the music and stars they grew up with. They crave an authentic recreation. They are most loyal when they know the music.