Q: Where did you grow up? Were there any activities you did as a child that led to your passion for the arts?
I grew up in McMinnville, TN. I was active in all clubs at school and the community theatre near my town, the Arts Center of Cannon County in Woodbury, TN. I also took as many art classes as possible in high school.
Q: Where did you receive training? How did this prepare you for your work in the theatre world?
I first went to school at Middle Tennessee State University, but then transferred to University of Memphis, known as Memphis State to some. There I obtained my B.F.A. in Theatre with a double emphasis in Scenic Design and Musical Theatre. Along with my education, I received my training through various internships and Summer Stock throughout the country. I have painted in five different states. By doing this I got to experience professional theatre faster than most of my colleagues.
Q: What is your full-time position with Charleston Stage?
I’m currently the Scenic Charge/Scenic Design Associate. Last year I was a Resident Actor for the company and got the chance to paint for Charleston Stage and design along side Julian during Shakespeare in Love and design BILLY, GOAT, GRUFF The Musical myself. This year I will be painting everything you see on stage, and set designing Of Mice and Men, Number the Stars, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley.
Q: Please discuss your process and what was involved with set designing for the classic play Of Mice and Men.
When I started the process I wanted to do something different, and really transform our space. The show is very intimate, so it’s designed around that along with the feeling that came from the Great Depression and the work force during that time. When I started, I drew multiple sketches that eventually transformed into draftings and elevations on my computer after many talks with the director and design team. Then when all was done I created a miniature scale model of the set.
Q: What are you most excited about that audiences will experience with your designs for Of Mice and Men?
It really is something different we have done with the space. I’m excited for the audience to experience some vibrant color and the use of real metal in the set. And I’m hoping that the story will be a bit more intimate with the way we use the set.
Performances of Of Mice and Men run Oct. 17 – Nov. 4 at the Historic Dock Street Theatre. To purchase tickets online, click here.