“The role of a clown and a physician are the same - it’s to elevate the possible and to relieve the suffering.”
- Hunter “Patch” Adam
Stories… We all have them
A story has 5 basic elements, which include, character, setting, plot, conflict, and resolution.
CHARACTER: Amber Vaughn (Sr. Show Set Designer. Storytelling Designer.)
SETTING: Currently, I am located in my home, sitting with my computer, listening to a 90’s sitcom play in the background. Although this setting seems simple enough, my scenery has not always been as such. Broader locations include: Atlanta Metropolitan Area (GA), Savannah, GA, Winston-Salem, NC and Orlando, FL
PLOT:
BEGINNING: Grew up in a small-one-caution-light-town, where I lived on a farm until the age of 9. My hometown does not contain an entertainment venue of any kind; residents would either leave town for entertainment or find ways to create their own. While growing up, I searched for outlets to allow performance, creativity and design. I found through educational opportunities and community service work that I could be creative in designing platforms for not only educating, but helping. I took this passion with me to study Theatre in Savannah, GA, where I found my path to work in The Themed Entertainment Industry (Orlando).
MIDDLE: Working as a Show Set Designer, bringing to life themed environments for people to create and live in their own stories.
END: In the future I hope to continue to spread joy and happiness.
CONFLICT: My life has had many pains, trials and tribulations. Not all of which I will disclose. However, as an advocate for positive mental health and someone who has had their own battles, I have experience in being trapped in a dark mental state of mind. Seeking medical help without resolution, as well as, being turned away from getting help, are feelings that are not lost on me. After a lot of time learning that medications are not always the solution when it comes to mental health, I discovered the positive effects life-style changes and change of scenery could have on a person’s overall well-being.
RESOLUTION: Storytelling Through Design. Knowing I am not alone in the types of struggles I have experienced, I also know that I am not alone in the type of healing processes and methods I have practiced. The most effective method of healing, I have found, is the ability to escape. Escape from the current reality by throwing yourself into an alternate reality, either through engaging in a book, film/television or physically entering into a new environment. Sometimes an expertly constructed story, such as film or television, open the door for healing. Other times, walking into a new (thoughtfully designed) environment gives the individual the ability to physically write their own story, in turn allowing them to self-heal. Being the designer of atmospheres/environments, allows me to assist in every individual’s story and help in their healing process. Not all atmospheres are created through story; sometimes, the story is created through the atmosphere.
I will continue to design so that people can live their stories.
- Amber Vaughn