In this episode, Scene Shift's set designers Maureen Weiss and Sibyl Wickersheimer learn so much from lighting designer Pablo Santiago. He explains the process of lighting design in theater, his career path from film, and the art of collaboration with other designers and directors. They discuss the importance of embracing imperfections and the role of lighting in storytelling, drawing insights from experiences with renowned directors like David Lynch and José Luis Valenzuela. The conversation dips into the creative process, the balance between the technical and artist expression, and the aspirations for making impactful moments in theatre.

Music by Claire McKeown "Sarabande in D minor"https://open.spotify.com/track/33X6NXAFqKXffxbdxCJ80A?si=2163333f328d4722

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In this episode of Scene Shift: The Podcast, hosts Sibyl Wickersheimer and Maureen Weiss reconnect with their former student-turned-colleague Shing Yin Khor, an installation artist, cartoonist, game designer, and puppeteer exploring Mythic Americana, collaborative storytelling, and new human rituals. What began over twenty years ago in the Cal State Long Beach scene shop has evolved into a friendship built on shared curiosity, respect for craft, and a refusal to follow prescribed norms.Khor reflects on the journey from set design to creating immersive installations, graphic novels, and independent games, and how puppetry became a liberating practice for exploring gender, embodiment, and control. The conversation moves fluidly between the tactile and the philosophical: cordless drills and band saws, the joy of making, and a rejection of digital detachment captured in Khor’s memorable line, “Computers do not make me happy.”Together, they unpack how physical labor connects to moral intention, how commercial art differs from independent work, and how creative collaboration can serve as quiet resistance to capitalism’s demand for productivity. The trio also begins to explore the concept of moral ambition: what it means for artists to pursue work that not only tells stories but reshapes culture with integrity, care, and purpose, a topic inspired by Rutger Bregman.Chapters00:00 – Origins in Set Design05:00 – Ritual and Mythic Making10:00 – Puppetry & Gender25:00 – Labor and Tools38:00 – Commercial vs Independent Art49:00 – Moral Ambition & Creative IntegrityMusic by Claire McKeown "Sarabande in D minor"https://open.spotify.com/track/33X6NXAFqKXffxbdxCJ80A?si=2163333f328d4722More info about Scene Shift https://www.scene-shift.com/Like, subscribe, and join our newsletter for our latest episodes and news!

Join us for an honest roundtable discussion with theatre designers Chen Wei-Liao, Collette Pollard, Lee Jellinek, Louisa Thompson, Mimi Lien, Yvonne Miranda, and Naomi Kasahara, hosted by Maureen Weiss and Sibyl Wickersheimer.

They share personal stories from gossiping in the theater with their kids to the challenges of balancing schedules during tech.

They offer insights into various styles of integrating and navigating parenthood as professional designers. Some reflect on their upbringing, connecting aspects of their current practice with influences from their caregivers' careers and lifestyles.

Key Highlights:

Collette Pollard discusses the intersection of personal history and professional storytelling. Lee Jellinek shares insights on re-entering the design world post-pandemic. Louisa Thompson talks about the challenges of juggling theater, teaching, and parenting. Yvonne Miranda highlights the unique dynamics of costume versus set design and the very real lack of support for caregivers built into the theatre systems. Chen Wei-Liao reflects on family influences and the joy of creating and gives her “control group” perspective of why she chose not to have children and pursue this career. Sibyl Wickersheimer shares anecdotal experiences of unexpected bringing her kids to tech rehearsal and sharing a moment with her son at a play. Maureen Weiss shares advice for how to get through meltdowns and balance work and family. Mimi Lien sheds light onto the lessons our children teach us and how things don’t always go as planned as a parent

In this discussion with Tony Award Winning set and costume designer David Zinn, we explore the importance of community among designers, the challenges posed by institutional frameworks, and the nuances of decision-making in design.

We reflect on the performative aspects of our roles and the joy of collaboration, emphasizing the need for flexibility and openness to surprises in the creative process.

We delve into the intricacies of collaboration in theater design, emphasize the importance of trust among team members, and discuss the journey of finding one's unique voice as a designer.

Takeaways

• The pandemic allowed for more meaningful connections among designers.
• Isolation in the creative process can be mitigated through community.
• Flexibility in decision-making is crucial for successful collaboration.
• Surprises in theatre can enhance the audience's experience.
• Compartmentalization helps designers switch between different roles effectively.
• The creative process often involves embracing chance and accident.
• The joy of design comes from both control and relinquishing it.
• Collaboration is key in theatre design.
• Trust among team members enhances the creative process.
• Post-tech conversations are beneficial for team cohesion.

Music by Claire McKeown "Sarabande in D minor."

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In this conversation with Maureen, Sibyl, and guest Marsha Ginsberg, they discuss Marsha's artistic journey and the role of collaboration in creating impactful designs.

They explore how Marsha's background in fine arts and architecture informs her approach to set design, emphasizing the significance of lighting, composition, and the emotional resonance of walking into a theater space for the first time.

The discussion also touches on the adaptations required when transitioning from smaller venues to Broadway, highlighting the evolving nature of set design and the interplay between time, light, and audience perception.

English (by Sanaz Toossi) is used as the prime example, of which Marsha was recently nominated for a Tony Award for the best scenic design of a play. Marsha discusses the creative challenges faced during productions, the joy of collaboration with actors and creative teams, and the evolution of her design approach.

She reflects on the significance of visual dramaturgy in theater and shares insights into her upcoming projects, emphasizing the importance of making design feel inevitable and interconnected with the narrative.

Topics

• Researching real spaces enhances the authenticity of set designs.
• The aesthetic of a space can significantly impact emotional responses.
• Collaboration with directors is essential for effective set design.
• Understanding composition involves recognizing the tension between objects.
• Lighting plays a crucial role in guiding audience focus.
• Marsha's journey reflects the integration of fine arts and theater design.
• Teaching architecture students offers a different perspective on design.
• The evolution of a set design is influenced by the venue's characteristics.
• Beauty in design can challenge stereotypes and clichés.
• The relationship between time and light is vital in theater production. Knud was interested in internal shifts during a scene.
• The exterior of the box was done by skilled plasterers.
• The production had a clear path of what was needed.
• The piece felt more resonant in the current anti-immigrant moment.
• The incorporation of transitional moments has been magical.
• The design should feel inevitable and linked with the play.
• Visual dramaturgy is crucial in making a successful production.
• There's a need for diversity in theater participation.
• The space should not overshadow the performance.
• The importance of initiatives outside educational institutions.

Music by Claire McKeown, "Sarabande in D minor."

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In this conversation, Maureen, Sibyl, and Narelle Sissons explore the intricate relationship between set design and painting, discussing how experiences in theatre inform artistic expression.

They delve into the importance of emotional depth in art, the role of improvisation, and the balance between collaboration and independence in the creative process.

Narelle shares her journey from set design to painting, emphasizing the lessons learned from theatre that continue to influence her work. The discussion highlights the significance of personal experiences, reflection, and the impact of feedback in shaping artistic endeavors. In this conversation, Narelle Sissons discusses her journey as an artist transitioning from stage design to painting.

She reflects on the boldness she has developed in her artistic expression, the importance of personal narratives in her work, and the physicality involved in her painting process. Narelle also shares her future plans, including upcoming exhibitions and the exploration of feminine perspectives in her art.

Topics:

• Compartmentalizing is essential for mental health in creative work.
• Art can be a reflection of personal experiences and emotions.
• Theatre teaches valuable lessons that can be applied to painting.
• Improvisation is a key component of both set design and painting.
• Collaboration can enhance creativity but also requires discernment.
• Emotional attachment to work can lead to more authentic art.
• Taking breaks can provide fresh perspectives on artwork.
• Feedback can reveal insights that the artist may overlook.
• The process of creating art often involves trial and error.
• Finding the right moment in art is crucial for impactful expression.
• Narelle's boldness in production has evolved over time.
• Set design plays a crucial role in creating visual narratives.
• Personal experiences significantly influence artistic creation.
• The physicality of painting is essential to Narelle's process.
• Narelle is excited about integrating different art forms in her future work.
• Exploring feminine perspectives is a key theme in her art.
• Art can evoke personal memories and connections for viewers.
• Narelle's work challenges traditional notions of femininity in art.
• The importance of risk-taking in artistic endeavors is emphasized.
• Narelle's journey reflects a continuous evolution in her artistic practice.

Music by Claire McKeown "Sarabande in D minor."

More info about Scene Shift https://www.scene-shift.com/

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Scene Shift: The Podcast focuses on conversation between theatrical set designers to convey the process and collaborations that theatre makers rely on.

Traditionally designers have played a support role, considered as 'backstage' but the scope of design elements is growing.

Today the boundary between design and performance has shifted and designers actively share the stage with performers.

In this series, set designers come together to share and uplift their expanding roles in theatre making.

Checkout scene-shift.com for more.