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Artist Statement

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Shayna is a recent Michael Merritt award winner, in the year 2022. She is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Columbia College Chicago, where she received a B.A in Theatre Production Design & Technology.

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I began my career in scenic design because I loved creating miniatures. Creating a model box was my favourite part of the design process. Soon I realised that the reason that I love creating miniatures is because I love paying attention to the smaller details. This is exactly what theatre design needs, attention to smaller detail. Every brush stroke counts, maybe the back row won’t notice it but I like to believe that at least one person in the front row will notice every little element it took to create the set and truly appreciate it.

I believe in truth onstage, but my favourite designs allow me to play with that, to create worlds that the audience feels like they can see themselves having been in or one day being in, but there’s something off, something happening they just can’t pinpoint I believe that the art that I create is more for deeper shows that ask questions, I want to reflect a dilemma. I want to work with artists that want to do the same, they want to question what is happening not only what is happening on stage but what is happening in the audiences minds.

To begin my design process, immediately after reading the script , I look at abstract art that uses the colours, textures, motions that I see fit for the play. I then use what I’m feeling from the play to imagine shape and composition, creating images where images may not exist. I use this process to comprehend my feelings for the play and help me convey that emotion into a set.

Resume

THEATRE SCENIC DESIGN

2018-2023

JUNIE B. JONES                                                  Young People's Theatre Company                  DIR. RANDY WHITE 

THAT MUST BE THE ENTERANCE TO              Vision Latino Theatre Company                      DIR. XAVIER CUSTODIO

      HEAVEN

A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE                              Shattered Globe Theatre Company                 DIR. LOU CONTEY

DORY FANTASMAGORY                                    Young People's Theatre Company                  DIR. RANDY WHITE

SANCOCHO                                                        Vision Latino Theatre Company                       DIR. XAVIER CUSTODIO

NATIONAL MERIT                                               The Boho Theatre                                                        DIR. ENRICO SPADA

HEAD OVER HEELS                                            CCC Courtyard Theatre                                               DIR. DONTERRRIO JOHNSON

LIVIN’ IT UP – MUSICAL THEATRE                         CCC Courtyard Theatre                                               DIR. AMY UHL

STOP KISS *DESIGN MENTOR                                  CCC Classic Theatre                                                    DIR. SYLVIE STAIGER

CONTACT – A CASE STUDY                                 CCC Sheldon Patinkin Theatre / Classrooms             DIR. TOMMY RIVERAVEGA

LA CASA AZUL *DESIGN MENTOR                        CCC Sheldon Patinkin Theatre                                    DIR. ANNIKA KUZ

4.48 PSYCHOSIS                                                 CCC Sheldon Patinkin Theatre / Dressing Rooms     DIR. ANNIKA KUZ

AMERICAN MENU (CANCELED BY COVID)         CCC Studio 404                                                             DIR. DAWN RENEE

LIVIN’ OUT LOUD – MUSICAL THEATRE            CCC Courtyard Theatre                                                DIR. AMY UHL

DOG                                                                    CCC Classic Theatre                                                     DIR. ANNIKA KUZ

HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE                             CCC Classic Theatre                                                     DIR. LEO BATAUTIS

OKLAHOMA! *ASSISTANT                                      CCC Studio 404                                                             DESIGNER. DOMINIQUE ZARAGOZA

 

MUSIC VIDEO

HARMONY KORINE - FREDO DISCO            2019 PROPS CONSTRUCTOR & DESIGNER     DIR. MICHAEL HERRICK

EQUIP SUNGLASSES - HOT MULLIGAN       2020 MAKE UP ARTIST & COSTUME PROP      DIR. MICHAEL HERRICK

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SCENIC CONSTRUCTION & PAINTER

ALL SHOWS I'VE DESIGNED                         CHARGE ARTIST                                                                         

VISUAL SCENE                                                (ENGLAND) SCENIC PAINTER                                                BRETT NAYLOR

COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO                 SCENE SHOP WORK AID – CONSTRUCTION & PAINTER    GRANT SABIN

LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE                           CHARGE ARTIST                                                                                    SARAH BURNHAM

THE FACTORY THEATRE                               CHARGE ARTIST                                                                                     TIMOTHY AMOS

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OTHER

WHERE WE'RE BORN- BOARD OPPERATOR            THE DEN THEATRE                                            DIR. MORGAN WRIGLEY

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SKILLS

  • Auto Cad

  • Scenic Construction

  • Scenic Painting

  • Theatrical Make Up

  • Typography

  • Puppet Design & Construction

  • Perspective Drawing 

  • Properties Design and Construction

  • Miniature Model Making

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