Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacelyn Stewart.
Hi Jacelyn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Initially, my participation in theatre was always on the stage. I was a devout performer all the way up to when I applied for Graduate School. There was something about being on the stage and expressing a story and message to an audience that truly made me feel complete. That was until I began my undergraduate degree at the University of Southern Indiana. Through my curriculum I was reintroduced to the side of theatre I had taken for granted for many years. I found myself immensely drawn to set design, model building, and prop making. I was pouring everything I had into my scenic design classes and I came to the realization that this was something that filled my soul and love for the craft on a different level.
I realized this passion for design was something I wanted to explore and nurture farther. I had only discovered my interest near the end of my time in Undergraduate, and once I graduated I knew I had to take a big leap if this was something I really wanted. I took the time during the pandemic to really figure out where I wanted to go and all roads led me to Graduate School. I applied and met with numerous schools, and after receiving offers, I landed on the University of Minnesota.
Coming to Graduate School has been utterly life changing. I am currently in my 3rd year and near graduation, and the difference I feel as a designer and collaborator is something I could only have dreamed of. I have been blessed with many design opportunities through the University and many theatres throughout the Twin Cities. And beyond Scenic Design, my love for Scenic Painting and Prop Making has only grown stronger. Studying here has had a huge impact on my skill set and knowledge. I have been able to create things I never thought possible and everyday has been such a fun experience coming up with new ways to make really weird and fun props.
My time in Minnesota thus far has supplied me with even more passion for the arts than I had ever had before. I have experienced the challenges and rewards of theatre artistry, and that has changed my life forever and has set my course on a path I was not aware could be an option for me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Once I came to Graduate School, I was very aware of all I had to learn. It was extremely difficult in the beginning to know if I had made the right choice starting this journey. I interacted with many seasoned collaborators who were very thoughtful, articulate, and knowledgeable, seemingly about everything I was not. I struggled often with feeling like an imposter among these brilliant people. I just focused on things I could control, which was my exposure to new things. I focused on all of my weak skills and made strides to combat it. I also said yes to projects I wasn’t sure I was ready for. Surprisingly, to myself, I made it out of all of these projects successfully. Once I proved to myself that I could do the things I set my mind to, I didn’t feel as caught up in what I didn’t know. I was able to shift my mindset into understanding that not knowing things isn’t limiting, but an opportunity to learn and grow.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Since moving to the Twin Cities I have been able scenic design a variety of shows. Through the University of Minnesota I designed, “Pride & Prejudice ” in 2023. I also designed, built, and painted a dance piece in 2024 entitled “Soft Sediment”, at the Goodale Theatre in the Cowles Center. I am currently designing a production of “The Ferryman” which will have it’s Minnesota debut at Park Square Theatre in St. Paul, in the last week of April.
Beyond scenic design, I also have an interest and skillset in Scenic Painting. I have professionally painted shows at Chanhassen dinner theatre. I was also hired as the lead scenic artist last summer for the musical “Once”, which was put on at Theatre L’Homme Dieu, in collaboration with The Hive Collaborative.
I also have a deep love for props artistry. I love crafting and creating new things and have become known at school for making weird and realistic props. Last year I had the opportunity to create hanging cow carcasses for a butcher shop in a production of “F**cking A”. This project was featured in Rosco Paints Blog, “Rosco Spectrum”. It was the number one blog post of 2024. This past year I have made a wide variety of props, another highlight was creating the decapitated head of Anne Boleyn, for the production of “Anne Boleyn” at the Guthrie. I also worked as the props coordinator for “The Reunion” a murder mystery show that debuted at the Gremlin theatre in collaboration with Trademark Theatre.
One of the things I am most proud of is my work in the props field. I have felt significant growth in what I have been able to accomplish and create. I think what sets me apart from others is my drive to make something that feels real, and the amount of thought, detail, and effort that goes into it. I feel I am incredibly hard working and dependable when I am set with a project.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I am an avid anime fan! I have seen probably over 100 different ones, and my current watch is One Piece.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jacelyndesign.com
