Set Design and Props

Doing set design in theater has developed my skills in so many ways that directly translate to the professional world of both theater and film. I’ve learned how to collaborate with directors, lighting designers, and costume teams to bring a shared vision to life, all while managing tight deadlines and budgets. It’s taught me to think spatially and creatively—how to tell a story through environment and mood. Working in live theater also sharpened my problem-solving skills, especially when adapting designs to different stages or handling last-minute changes. These experiences have made me more adaptable, resourceful, and detail-oriented—traits that are essential in the fast-paced world of film production as well.

Props for Silent Sky used a lot of wood and imitation wood designs.

For American Buffalo, many intricate props had to be selected to make the pawn shop set believable.

At Southwestern University, it has been one of my favorite classes and held many fantastic experiences with creating a set and selecting props. With the help of instructor Professor Justin Smith, I was able to gain a vast knowledge of set design and building. Not only was I able to help ideas come to life by just following instructions, I was able to learn many skills that will help me in the future of set designing. I learned about all of the tools in the shop, how to use them, and why we use them. His teaching style helped me use logic and creative thinking in finding solutions to make a producer's vision be exactly portrayed on stage.

Experience on Set Building, Design, and Props

American La Ronde (2021) Southwestern University

Little Women (2020) Southwestern University

The Effect (2019) Southwestern University

American Buffalo (2019) Southwestern University

Heathers (2019) Southwestern University

Sideways Stories from Wayside School (2018) Southwestern University

Silent Sky (2018) Southwestern University