Designer Michelle Harvey

Our meeting at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 3 at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts will include presentations by Scenic and Projection Designer Michelle Harvey and by Sixth Grade Scholar Student Kriti Bande.

Michelle Harvey is a freelance scenic and projection designer for theatrical events, an artist, and educator.  She holds a BA degree in theatre from The Ohio State University and a Master of Fine Arts degree in scenic design from the University of Arizona. As an Associate Professor with the Missouri State University Department of Theatre and Dance she teaches a variety of theatrical design, art, and technical classes. She is a member of United Scenic Artists Local 829, a union and professional association for designers, artists, and craftspeople in the entertainment and decorative arts industries.  Recent design credits include the scenic design for Le Nozze di Figaro with the Aspen Music Festival, scenic and projection design for The Happy Elf with the Dallas Children’s Theater and White Christmas with Missouri State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance.  She offers the following artistic statements ahead of her presentation on Thursday:

• Scenic designers solve the intricate puzzles created in the playwright’s imagination.

• Scenic designers are world builders. The goal is to allow the audience to feel immersed in the story and connected to the characters.

• Design is an essential part of life; we design our world every day and choose how to live in it.

• Circles are funny.

• Theatre is a collaborative sport. All members of the production team work together to achieve one goal- transport the audience to another time, another place, and tell a compelling story.