Sarah Brandner

Artist Statement

Theatre is powerful. It has the ability to affect people in profound ways.
Having the opportunity to participate in such an impactful art form, that can
inspire dialogue, change and self-reflection, is a privilege.
Just as the poet uses words, the designer uses visual terms to express the story,
to make the audience sense the story on another level. When approaching a
design, I always start with the initial concept or script. Understanding why
this piece is important to create now, and knowing the target audience
informs the research and ultimately the design. Dialogue with the entire
creative team can also help inspire ideas, and is important in keeping the
entire production cohesive.
Personally, I have a strong desire to constantly learn new ideas and concepts,
and hope to instill my desire for the arts and learning in others. The idea
that we are never done learning, especially in the ever-changing field that is
theatre, inspires me to constantly try new techniques. Working with fellow
collaborators to experiment and explore ideas, challenging previous ideas
and concepts to create art is fulfilling and exciting. It motivates me to
keep creating
I am reminded daily how excited and engaging art and design can be by
watching children experience the world around them. Working with
children and young adults, I am honored to have the opportunity to
experience things with a sense of magic, awe and wonder that is often lost
as we age. These experiences remind me to find those moments for myself
and unleash my imagination through exploration and research into the
techniques and choices of peers, fellow designers, and those who have come
before me.