COSI in Columbus, Ohio, is preparing for the 2024 solar eclipse in a big way—with song and dance (not to mention science and animation). The science center worked with Alphabet Rockers, choreographers Momentum-Excellence, 2Tall Animation, and other creative forces to produce an original film that is now available for streaming on YouTube.
ASTC asked Tony Auseon, COSI’s Senior Director of Creative Media—and the film’s writer, director, producer, and editor—to share more about how the film came to be:
Inspired by the once-in-a-generation Total Solar Eclipse in Ohio on April 8, 2024, COSI, under the executive production of Dr. Frederic Bertley, President and CEO, partnered with a diverse team of dynamic artists to produce the original short film, Eclipse: The Musical.
Written, directed, and produced by COSI, this creative exploration of the unique science phenomenon showcases a blend of new music from GRAMMY-winning artists, Alphabet Rockers, exciting live-action choreography, imaginative animation, and a relatable narrative. The film tells the story of two teen characters who help their peers and teacher rethink the way a science story can be told. After all, “you don’t have to be a scientist to Be Curious!”
In planning for this eclipse, COSI set out to offer a range of epic experiential activities across the institution, including several signature events in Ohio, a new Solar Connects Kit, and even an original beer (called Totality) in partnership with a local brewery.
Within that spirit of innovative experiences, Eclipse: The Musical was born out of a one simple idea: “do something unexpected.” What started as a funny vision—a character in a Sun costume being wheeled on a squeaky pulley in a school play—took full shape over a whirlwind few months. Local arts organizations, creators, and performers responded to COSI’s invitation with enthusiasm, bringing great talent and an authentic artistic point-of-view to this science story.
COSI’s Creative Media and Science Content teams collaborated with Kaitlin McGaw and Tommy Soulati Shepherd (Alphabet Rockers) to guide the original music and lyrical ideas while also allowing the artistic freedom to genuinely respond and discover the emotional core of these themes. On two busy filming days in February in Columbus, the story and songs were brought to life by passionate young performers who created characters with whom all audiences can connect.
With Eclipse: The Musical, COSI continues its journey into unexpected new twists on conventional science communication. With the show free and available for all to watch on YouTube, COSI invites everyone—from science museums, to those “not into science,” and everyone in between—to watch, share, and above all BE CURIOUS.
Behind the scenes filming Eclipse: The Musical. Photos courtesy COSI.