Date of Defense

10-12-2025

Date of Graduation

12-2025

Department

Theatre

First Advisor

Sydney Becker

Second Advisor

Joan Herrington

Abstract

Utopia, written by Charles L. Mee, is a play that delves into the complexities of love and the human experience of how we connect, interpret, and express affection in all its forms. My engagement with this production became more than an academic exercise; it was an exploration of identity, artistry, and collaboration. As a scenic, props, and lighting designer, I discovered how design can shape emotion, reveal meaning, and guide an audience’s perception of love and connection.

Designing Utopia demanded an approach that was emotional, symbolic, and conceptual rather than purely literal. The challenge lay in balancing abstraction with accessibility, creating an environment that allowed for emotional resonance without sacrificing clarity. Each visual element had to harmonize: the light, texture, and set pieces all speaking the same language. My process centered on the consistency of symbolism and thematic unity, and I drew inspiration from nature. Floral imagery became the backbone of the design’s emotional vocabulary: day lilies represented renewal and transience; pink and red roses evoked tenderness and passion; sunflowers embodied optimism and growth; and carnations reflected the layered complexity of human relationships. Through these symbols, the world of Utopia became both intimate and alive. Warm lighting and leafy green textures created an atmosphere that audiences described as “deeply comforting” and “too lovely to leave.” The design sought not to dictate emotion, but to offer space for reflection, to let the audience interpret the performance freely. In that restraint, I discovered the power of subtlety: how light could breathe with the play's rhythm, guiding attention without imposing meaning.

Of course, not every experiment succeeded. Some symbolic choices, such as the gradual lighting transitions meant to convey the passage of time, proved too delicate to register fully with the audience. These moments taught me valuable lessons about balancing nuance with clarity and ensuring that symbolic layers remain both thoughtful and legible.

Ultimately, Utopia became a deeply personal and transformative artistic journey. It reminded me that effective design is not about spectacle, but about empathy, creating a space where emotion and meaning can unfold naturally. This project encapsulates my growth as a designer with learning to trust simplicity, to communicate, and to reflect on the complexity of being human.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Restricted

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