There’s always a unique kind of bittersweet energy that comes with closing a show—especially one that challenged you creatively in all the right ways. As Native Gardens comes to an end, I’ve found myself reflecting not just on the run itself, but on the journey of bringing its world to life on stage.

This production was a departure from my usual design approach, and that’s exactly what made it so exciting. From the beginning, I knew the set needed to do more than simply represent two neighboring backyards—it had to tell the story visually. The contrast between the spaces became the heart of the design. Clean lines versus organic growth, control versus chaos, intention versus neglect—these themes guided every choice, from layout to texture to color.

What made this process so rewarding was leaning into that contrast without overcomplicating it. Sometimes the most effective storytelling comes from restraint. Finding that balance—where the design supports the narrative without overwhelming it—was both the challenge and the joy of this project. It pushed me to think differently, to simplify in new ways, and to trust that subtle details could carry significant weight.

And then, of course, there’s the collaboration. A set never exists in isolation. It lives and breathes with the actors, the lighting, the direction. Watching the space evolve from an idea into a fully realized environment—one that performers could inhabit so naturally—was incredibly fulfilling. By closing night, it no longer felt like a design. It felt like a place.

One of the most exciting stages of any production happens long before the audience ever takes their seats—when the design begins to take shape through collaboration. As we begin work on Native Gardens, I’m thrilled to dive into the creative process alongside the director to develop a visual world that fully supports the story being told on stage.
Our upcoming design meetings will focus on exploring the themes embedded within the script and uncovering how they can be expressed visually. Native Gardens is rich with layered ideas—identity, ownership, legacy, and the often-unspoken tensions that exist just beneath the surface of polite society. Together, we’ll dig deeper into the text, examining character motivations, tonal shifts, and moments of contrast to inform every design choice.
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This collaborative process allows us to move beyond what’s simply written on the page and ask bigger questions:
What does this world feel like?
How can the set reflect both the order and chaos that coexist in this story?
By approaching the design as a conversation—between director, designer, and script—we’re able to challenge initial assumptions and push toward a fresh, fully realized visual interpretation. These discussions often lead to unexpected discoveries, inspiring an entirely new visualization of the space that elevates the storytelling.

I look forward to sharing more as the design evolves and Native Gardens continues to grow from the page into a vibrant, living world on stage.

Designing Native Gardens at MainStage: A Fresh Creative Journey Begins
I’m excited to share that I’ve officially begun the design process for MainStage Irving-Las Colinas’ upcoming production of Native Gardens, directed by the incredibly talented Lisa Devine. Many will remember Lisa’s beautiful work last season on Into the Breeches, where she brought a perfect blend of humor, heart, and humanity to the stage. I’m thrilled to collaborate with her again—this time on a play that mixes sharp comedy with timely themes of boundaries, identity, and the idea of what truly makes a home.

Early Design Phase: A Blank Canvas With Big Possibilities
Right now, I’m in the earliest stages of conceptualizing the world of our production. This is always my favorite part—the moment where anything is possible. Before sketches, elevations, or models, it’s all about absorbing the script, talking through ideas with Lisa, and discovering what makes this version of Native Gardens unique.

While many productions take a literal, realistic approach to the neighboring backyards central to the story, Lisa and I are fascinated by the play’s deeper themes: ownership, perspective, cultural contrast, and the idea of nature as both battleground and bridge. This has opened the door to exploring a design that leans more conceptual, symbolic, and visually expressive than you might expect for this show.

This production will look entirely different from previous stagings of Native Gardens.
We’re aiming for something bold. Something unexpected. Something that frames the humor and tension of the play in a fresh visual language—one that invites audiences to experience the story from a new angle.​

Secure Your Tickets for the Final Weekend of Noises Off!
Don't miss your chance to experience the final weekend of Noises Off, presented by MainStage at the Irving Arts Center! This production offers a fresh visual take on the classic farce, but don’t worry—it’s packed with all the tried-and-true chaos that has made this show a staple in theatre for decades.

From perfectly timed door slams to missed cues and misplaced sardines, Noises Off delivers non-stop laughter and backstage mayhem in the most delightful way. Whether you're seeing it for the first time or the fifth, this version brings a new layer of energy and style you won’t want to miss.
🎭 Get your tickets now before the curtain falls!
Click here to purchase tickets
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Final performances are this weekend—see you at the theater!

​Enjoy the video below for a special behind-the-scenes look at Noises Off, presented by Mainstage. From the controlled chaos of slamming doors to the laughter-filled rehearsals, this peek offers a glimpse into the fun and fast-paced world behind one of theater's most beloved comedies.