The Final Curtain on Native Garden and a Glimpse of What’s Next

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.

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As we strike the set and say goodbye to this production, I’m walking away with a deep appreciation for the risks it allowed me to take and the creativity it encouraged.
The good news? This isn’t goodbye for long.

I’ll be returning later this year to design another production—one that I’m incredibly excited about, even if I can’t share the details just yet. What I can say is that it will bring its own set of challenges and opportunities, and I’m already looking forward to diving into a completely new world.

If Native Gardens reminded me of anything, it’s that the most rewarding work often comes from stepping outside of what feels familiar. And I can’t wait to do exactly that again.
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Until then, thank you to everyone who was part of this journey—onstage, backstage, and in the audience. It’s been a truly memorable experience.

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