UC San Diego

The pandemic changed everything. The entire theater world was thrust onto darkened stages. I began to bring the chaos and uncertainty of the pandemic into my work. Without performances to focus on I turned my attention to creating large-scale light installations as interactive performances, a step inspired by the last in-person production I designed before everything was shut down. And as a result of that shutdown, I became increasingly enthralled by the need for communication and connection, which, even when it had diminished in one area, was heightened through creating virtual performances. Zoom conversations combined with dramaturgical and theatrical theory coursework formed an interest in the role of empathy within design. To look at what the role of the designer is in portraying trauma onstage is through looking at my own designs.COVID-19 gave me the time to discover more about myself and the art I want to pursue and to reflect upon the things I’ve learned during my time in the department. Or my journey to help understand the importance of communication, and embodiment, and touch in the expression of my inner voice as an artist.