Scenic Design

Villette by Sara Gmitter

Scenic Design. This project was completed in January of 2024 at Pepperdine University. Director: Nanci Carol Ruby. Lighting: Derrick McDaniel. Projections: Omar Ramos. Costumes: Melanie Watnick. Advisor: Rick Aglietti, Paul Dufresne

In the play, based on the Charlotte Bronte novel of the same name, there is a dichotomy presented by the main character, Lucy. She is highly practical and rational, yet constantly considers what it would be like if she were to loosen her grip and live life as a freer, more feeling individual. The set was designed with that dichotomy in mind. One half of the traverse stage is filled with rigid lines and angles, and the door which represents Lucy's rationality, while the other side holds the garden and the tree, the place where Lucy goes to daydream.

This project was challenging for me as it was my first time working together with a director rather than working as my own director. I learned a lot about communication with both a Shop Manager, Technical Director, and Director.

Ground Plan

CL Section

Paint Elevation- wall

Renderings

Oedipus Rex by Sophocles

Scenic Design. This project was completed in February of 2022 as a part of the Scenic Design course at Pepperdine University, instructed by Rick Aglietti.

This set is made up of a platform and archway, set above a pool of dark water.

One of the major themes of Oedipus is the idea of fate having control over the lives of the characters. This is represented in the set by the pathway that encircles the stage, painted on the walls and floor. Oedipus is on this fated path, but he cannot see through the murkiness of the water and everything only becomes clear to him once the prophecy has been fulfilled.