Niki has over eight years of experience working in technical theatre shops as a scenic artist. While she is educated in scenic design and construction, her focus is on painting scenery.
CLOWN SHOW
d/Malcolm Tulip
University of Michigan
Designed and painted for Annual UMich Clown Show
Full set image in Newman Studio
Floor Design and Treatment
Detail shot
POWER CENTER 50th ANNIVERSARY
Commissioned by University Productions to design and paint interior and street banners to celebrate the history of the theater and promote the current season.
University of Michigan/ University Productions
MURAKAMI BY THE SEA
2019 & 2022
d/Tzveta Kassabova
University of Michigan
While performing (seen on ladder), I painted the entire set during the one hour and a half performance each night.
My design was over 2,000 sq ft of recycled cardboard found by dumpster diving to promote sustainability within theatre. We used paper to paint on for each show and reused as much as possible.
At the end of each performance we ensemble members would cut out paint pieces of the set and give them to audience members.
Model For Pre-Show
Model for Post-Show
SCENIC PAINTING
SHE KILLS MONSTERS
d/David Forsee
University of Michigan- Basement Arts
My design was influenced by Dungeons and Dragons and LGBTQ+ aesthetics.
I painted the floor treatment using fast techniques for our tight schedule
A grid was hung to continue the design of the floor in front of the projection scene.
Paint Evaluations
Model
KISS ME, KATE
d/ Michelle Petrucci
Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts
Backstage design that flipped into Petruchio's House.
The Taming of the Shew set remained behind the Backstage set and hinged forward once the backdrop was lifted.
Show Curtain
Dress Room set pieces that flipped into Backstage doors.
Model for The Taming of the Shrew
Model for Backstage
Elevations
MOON OVER BUFFALO
d/ Brad Barfield
Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts
My first scenic design to be produced on stage.
The paint treatment was a base coat with 5 layers of sponging.
Downstage flats were on hinges to allow for the Private Lives pieces to move center stage.
Model
Two balcony units
MODEL BUILDING AND DESIGN
Mary Zimmerman's Metamorphoses
Macbeth
