Behind the Curtain
Behind the Curtain explores the creative process behind theatrical design—from the first idea to the final moments on stage. It’s a look into my own design process, as well as the designers and productions that inspire me.
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One of my favorite parts of theater is the moment when a design idea opens up the storytelling in a new way. That’s exactly what happened while designing the set for Native Gardens. From the beginning, I knew this play thrives on visibility. The comedy, tension, and neighborly rivalry all build from what the characters can see — and what they can’t. So I started asking a simple question: what if we removed the traditional walls altogether? Instead of fully enclosed houses, I chose to eliminate several walls so the audience can see the action unfolding both in the gardens and inside the homes at the same time. This approach lets the audience watch the characters move between public and private spaces without losing the rhythm of the story. Conversations that start outside can spill inside instantly, and moments happening in one house can play visually against what’s happening next door. It creates a layered stage picture that mirrors the escalating conflict between neighbors. It also keeps the audience in on the joke. With open sightlines, viewers get to watch reactions, misunderstandings, and overlapping moments that would normally be hidden behind walls. The result is a stage environment that feels alive and constantly in motion — exactly what this fast-paced comedy needs.  Another highlight of this project has been collaborating with director Lisa Devine again. Working with Lisa is always a joy because she approaches storytelling with such clarity and trust in the design process. From our earliest conversations, we focused on how the space could support the actors and amplify the humor and tension of the script. That collaboration made it easy to explore bold choices like opening up the houses and allowing the audience to see everything unfold in real time.  The gardens may be the battleground of the play, but the homes themselves are just as important. By visually connecting the interiors and exteriors, the set reinforces how personal the conflict becomes — and how thin the line between public politeness and private frustration really is. The show opens March 6th and runs through March 21st, and I’m incredibly excited for audiences to experience this world we’ve built. Buy Tickets Here Cast, Crew, and Designers for Native Gardens
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