Scene Shift: The Podcast

About Scene Shift: The Podcast

Scene Shift: The Podcast focuses on conversation between theatrical set designers to convey the process and collaborations that theatre makers rely on. Traditionally designers have played a support role, considered as 'backstage' but the scope of design elements is growing. Today the boundary between design and performance has shifted and designers actively share the stage with performers. In this series, set designers come together to share and uplift their expanding roles in theatre making.

Publisher

Scene Shift

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

8 Jul 2025

Latest episode

3 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Sept 2026

   Celestial Energy of Abigail DeVille

   Multidisciplinary artist Abigail DeVille joins Scene Shift: The Podcast for a conversation about cosmological time, informed intuition, and making space for history to speak. Known for large-scale sculptures and site-specific installations that engage the material and lived memory of communities, Abigail discusses how she thinks about time as a cosmological framework: constellations, recycled energy, and the long ancient trip we're all on. From sourcing 43 burned cabinets off Craigslist for “Dio Vindice (Orion's Cabinet)” at the Geffen Contemporary to uncovering her great-grandfather's medical records at the Central State Hospital for the Colored Insane (the institution behind her work “A Mourning”) this episode moves between the deeply personal and the historically vast. We also talk about working with 11 installers and knowing when to let go, the performative dimension of visual art spaces, her USC processional and what the students taught her about endurance, her bond with Cauleen Smith (19 years and counting, thanks to Skowhegan), and why her most recent work is the most restrained she's ever been and what that might mean. 🎙️ CHAPTERS 0:00 – Golden nugget: cosmological time and recycled energy 0:58 – Welcome & Abigail DeVille introduction 1:43 – “Monuments” at the Geffen: origins, scale, and the No Kings protest 3:35 – Why the show probably won't travel and why it should 4:33 – Sourcing 60 cabinets in New Jersey and burning them for three weeks 8:52 – The 2 AM fire and knowing when to go home 13:17 – Time as subject: constellations as compositional devices 16:51 – How prolific output looks different when you think in constellations 18:33 – Cauleen, “Monuments,” and the shared monument neither planned 19:15 – The Tucker Boatwright Festival and the University of Richmond 19:55 – Skowhegan 2007: 65 weirdos in the woods and a life-changing summer 23:53 – Informed intuition: how research enables trust in the gut 25:41 – The USC procession: letting go and letting it become a relay 28:53 – Lafayette College and the next procession 30:51 – Holding audiences in visual art spaces: making the whole room a painting 32:34 – “A Mourning:” the most restrained work yet 33:28 – Central State Hospital: the first Black mental hospital in the nation 35:01 – Finding her great-grandfather's medical records and solving a family mystery 36:26 – Transcribed doctor conversations and the family sense of humor 38:02 – The unmarked burial ground and what was happening inside 43:28 – Drapetomania, mass incarceration, and the plantation logic of the institution 44:31 – Suspicion, stigma, and bypassing bias to find the truth 46:58 – The archive: 800,000 records, Dr. King Davis, and what the paperwork preserves 48:06 – “Deo Vindice” traveling to Richmond 48:44 – Wrap-up Scene Shift: The Podcast is hosted by performance designer Maureen Weiss and set designer Sibyl Wickersheimer, co-authors of “Scene Shift: US Set Designers in Conversation,” a book of conversations between mostly women and nonbinary theatrical designers. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with working designers in theatre, installation, and performance. #AbigailDeVille #SceneShift #InstallationArt #TheatreDesign #SetDesign #PerformanceDesign #SiteSpecific #BlackHistory #CentralStateHospital #Monuments #TheatrePodcast #ArtPodcast #SceneDesign

2. 

   15 Jun 2026

   Allowing Time for Lighting Designers to Respond with Set and Lighting Designer Jiyoun Chang

   Tony Award-nominated lighting designer Jiyoun Chang (Stereophonic, Slave Play, For Colored Girls) joins Scene Shift: The Podcast for a conversation about light, time, and the creative process. Known for transforming stages into emotionally charged visual landscapes, Jiji discusses how she uses light as a temporal instrument, controlling pace, pulse, and the passage of time in productions. From the incandescent glow of a recording studio in Stereophonic to portrait lighting in The Importance of Being Earnest, this episode is a deep dive into the dramaturgical thinking behind one of theatre's most celebrated lighting designers. We also talk about opera, working in Europe, collaborating across language barriers, the parallels between parenthood and tech week, and why Jiji rarely describes her lighting designs in advance, and why that works. 🎙️ CHAPTERS 0:00 – Golden nugget0:26 – Welcome & Jiyoun Chang introduction1:35 – Current project: The Importance of Being Earnest in Houston4:33 – Using lighting to play with time periods within a single production7:35 – Portrait lighting as concept: making the set feel like a museum piece13:00 – Stereophonic deep dive: lighting time jumps in a recording studio17:22 – Working without a lighting tech: trusting process over planning22:30 – Lighting as scenic thinking: Jiji's dual sensibility24:39 – The labor/theatre metaphor & pure joy of the work28:15 – Parenthood, tech, and finding balance31:10 – Raising theatre kids & watching your child find their own stage34:20 – Traveling for work: New Haven to New York to Austria37:58 – Opera vs. theatre: process, pace, and paper set models43:50 – Lucia di Lammermoor in Austria: design presentation & collaboration47:08 – Working with German crews: cultural communication in tech51:11 – Why Jiji rarely describes her lighting before tech55:37 – Teaching intuition: advice to a Yale directing student57:57 – Wrap-up: responding as a superpower in the room Scene Shift: The Podcast is hosted by performance designer Maureen Weiss and set designer Sibyl Wickersheimer, co-authors of Scene Shift, a book of conversations between mostly women and nonbinary theatrical designers. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with working designers in theatre, opera, and performance. #TheatreDesign #LightingDesign #JiyounChang #SceneShift #Stereophonic #BroadwayPodcast #TheatrePodcast #TonyAwards #SetDesign #PerformanceDesign

3. 

   2 Feb 2026

   Theatre Is(n’t) Dying: Brave Moves and Sustainability with Set Designer Afsoon Pajoufar

   In this episode of Scene Shift: The Podcast, New York based set designer Afsoon Pajoufar reflects on working across the US and Europe, comparing cultural approaches to risk, resources, and sustainability in theatre making. The conversation moves through what it means to be brave and bold as a designer, standing behind strong conceptual choices, embracing limitation, and allowing emotion to leave a visible trace in the work. Afsoon also speaks candidly about material responsibility, reuse, and whether theatre is “dying” or could simply shift into new, more intentional forms of making. Music by Claire McKeown "Sarabande in D minor" (https://open.spotify.com/track/33X6NXAFqKXffxbdxCJ80A?si=2163333f328d4722) More info about Scene Shift. Like, subscribe, and join our newsletter for our latest episodes and news!

4. 

   1 Jan 2026

   Good Doesn’t Always Mean Better with Lighting Designer Pablo Santiago

   In this episode, Scene Shift's set designers Maureen Weiss and Sibyl Wickersheimer learn so much from lighting designer Pablo Santiago. He explains the process of lighting design in theater, his career path from film, and the art of collaboration with other designers and directors. They discuss the importance of embracing imperfections and the role of lighting in storytelling, drawing insights from experiences with renowned directors like David Lynch and José Luis Valenzuela. The conversation dips into the creative process, the balance between the technical and artist expression, and the aspirations for making impactful moments in theatre. Music by Claire McKeown "Sarabande in D minor"https://open.spotify.com/track/33X6NXAFqKXffxbdxCJ80A?si=2163333f328d4722 More info about Scene Shift https://www.scene-shift.com/Like, subscribe, and join our newsletter for our latest episodes and news!

5. 

   5 Nov 2025

   Computers Bring Me No Joy: Discussions with Shing Yin Khor on Puppetry, Gender, and Ethos of Art

   In this episode of Scene Shift: The Podcast, hosts Sibyl Wickersheimer and Maureen Weiss reconnect with their former student-turned-colleague Shing Yin Khor, an installation artist, cartoonist, game designer, and puppeteer exploring Mythic Americana, collaborative storytelling, and new human rituals. What began over twenty years ago in the Cal State Long Beach scene shop has evolved into a friendship built on shared curiosity, respect for craft, and a refusal to follow prescribed norms.Khor reflects on the journey from set design to creating immersive installations, graphic novels, and independent games, and how puppetry became a liberating practice for exploring gender, embodiment, and control. The conversation moves fluidly between the tactile and the philosophical: cordless drills and band saws, the joy of making, and a rejection of digital detachment captured in Khor’s memorable line, “Computers do not make me happy.”Together, they unpack how physical labor connects to moral intention, how commercial art differs from independent work, and how creative collaboration can serve as quiet resistance to capitalism’s demand for productivity. The trio also begins to explore the concept of moral ambition: what it means for artists to pursue work that not only tells stories but reshapes culture with integrity, care, and purpose, a topic inspired by Rutger Bregman.Chapters00:00 – Origins in Set Design05:00 – Ritual and Mythic Making10:00 – Puppetry & Gender25:00 – Labor and Tools38:00 – Commercial vs Independent Art49:00 – Moral Ambition & Creative IntegrityMusic by Claire McKeown "Sarabande in D minor"https://open.spotify.com/track/33X6NXAFqKXffxbdxCJ80A?si=2163333f328d4722More info about Scene Shift https://www.scene-shift.com/Like, subscribe, and join our newsletter for our latest episodes and news!

6. 

   17 Sept 2025

   Hard Feelings and Zombie Shows: Set Designers Discuss the influences of Parenting and Family

   Join us for an honest roundtable discussion with theatre designers Chen Wei-Liao, Collette Pollard, Lee Jellinek, Louisa Thompson, Mimi Lien, Yvonne Miranda, and Naomi Kasahara, hosted by Maureen Weiss and Sibyl Wickersheimer. They share personal stories from gossiping in the theater with their kids to the challenges of balancing schedules during tech. They offer insights into various styles of integrating and navigating parenthood as professional designers. Some reflect on their upbringing, connecting aspects of their current practice with influences from their caregivers' careers and lifestyles. Key Highlights: Collette Pollard discusses the intersection of personal history and professional storytelling. Lee Jellinek shares insights on re-entering the design world post-pandemic. Louisa Thompson talks about the challenges of juggling theater, teaching, and parenting. Yvonne Miranda highlights the unique dynamics of costume versus set design and the very real lack of support for caregivers built into the theatre systems. Chen Wei-Liao reflects on family influences and the joy of creating and gives her “control group” perspective of why she chose not to have children and pursue this career. Sibyl Wickersheimer shares anecdotal experiences of unexpected bringing her kids to tech rehearsal and sharing a moment with her son at a play. Maureen Weiss shares advice for how to get through meltdowns and balance work and family. Mimi Lien sheds light onto the lessons our children teach us and how things don’t always go as planned as a parent

7. 

   9 Jul 2025

   David Zinn on “Truths about Football and Sports Bars” in Theatre

   In this discussion with Tony Award Winning set and costume designer David Zinn, we explore the importance of community among designers, the challenges posed by institutional frameworks, and the nuances of decision-making in design. We reflect on the performative aspects of our roles and the joy of collaboration, emphasizing the need for flexibility and openness to surprises in the creative process. We delve into the intricacies of collaboration in theater design, emphasize the importance of trust among team members, and discuss the journey of finding one's unique voice as a designer. Takeaways The pandemic allowed for more meaningful connections among designers. Isolation in the creative process can be mitigated through community. Flexibility in decision-making is crucial for successful collaboration. Surprises in theatre can enhance the audience's experience. Compartmentalization helps designers switch between different roles effectively. The creative process often involves embracing chance and accident. The joy of design comes from both control and relinquishing it. Collaboration is key in theatre design. Trust among team members enhances the creative process. Post-tech conversations are beneficial for team cohesion. Music by Claire McKeown "Sarabande in D minor." (https://open.spotify.com/track/33X6NXAFqKXffxbdxCJ80A?si=2163333f328d4722) Learn more about Scene Shift ( https://www.scene-shift.com/). Like, subscribe, and join our newsletter for our latest episodes and news!

8. 

   9 Jul 2025

   Pulling Focus: Marsha Ginsberg on the Design Process for Her Tony Nominated Set for "English"

   In this conversation with Maureen, Sibyl, and guest Marsha Ginsberg, they discuss Marsha's artistic journey and the role of collaboration in creating impactful designs. They explore how Marsha's background in fine arts and architecture informs her approach to set design, emphasizing the significance of lighting, composition, and the emotional resonance of walking into a theater space for the first time. The discussion also touches on the adaptations required when transitioning from smaller venues to Broadway, highlighting the evolving nature of set design and the interplay between time, light, and audience perception. English (by Sanaz Toossi) is used as the prime example, of which Marsha was recently nominated for a Tony Award for the best scenic design of a play. Marsha discusses the creative challenges faced during productions, the joy of collaboration with actors and creative teams, and the evolution of her design approach. She reflects on the significance of visual dramaturgy in theater and shares insights into her upcoming projects, emphasizing the importance of making design feel inevitable and interconnected with the narrative. Topics Researching real spaces enhances the authenticity of set designs. The aesthetic of a space can significantly impact emotional responses. Collaboration with directors is essential for effective set design. Understanding composition involves recognizing the tension between objects. Lighting plays a crucial role in guiding audience focus. Marsha's journey reflects the integration of fine arts and theater design. Teaching architecture students offers a different perspective on design. The evolution of a set design is influenced by the venue's characteristics. Beauty in design can challenge stereotypes and clichés. The relationship between time and light is vital in theater production. Knud was interested in internal shifts during a scene. The exterior of the box was done by skilled plasterers. The production had a clear path of what was needed. The piece felt more resonant in the current anti-immigrant moment. The incorporation of transitional moments has been magical. The design should feel inevitable and linked with the play. Visual dramaturgy is crucial in making a successful production. There's a need for diversity in theater participation. The space should not overshadow the performance. The importance of initiatives outside educational institutions. Music by Claire McKeown, "Sarabande in D minor." (https://open.spotify.com/track/33X6NXAFqKXffxbdxCJ80A?si=2163333f328d4722) Learn more about Scene Shift here (https://www.scene-shift.com/). Like, subscribe, and join our newsletter for our latest episodes and news!

9. 

   8 Jul 2025

   Living the Dream - Narelle Sissons on Shifting from Set Designer to Painter

   In this conversation, Maureen, Sibyl, and Narelle Sissons explore the intricate relationship between set design and painting, discussing how experiences in theatre inform artistic expression. They delve into the importance of emotional depth in art, the role of improvisation, and the balance between collaboration and independence in the creative process. Narelle shares her journey from set design to painting, emphasizing the lessons learned from theatre that continue to influence her work. The discussion highlights the significance of personal experiences, reflection, and the impact of feedback in shaping artistic endeavors. In this conversation, Narelle Sissons discusses her journey as an artist transitioning from stage design to painting. She reflects on the boldness she has developed in her artistic expression, the importance of personal narratives in her work, and the physicality involved in her painting process. Narelle also shares her future plans, including upcoming exhibitions and the exploration of feminine perspectives in her art. Topics: Compartmentalizing is essential for mental health in creative work. Art can be a reflection of personal experiences and emotions. Theatre teaches valuable lessons that can be applied to painting. Improvisation is a key component of both set design and painting. Collaboration can enhance creativity but also requires discernment. Emotional attachment to work can lead to more authentic art. Taking breaks can provide fresh perspectives on artwork. Feedback can reveal insights that the artist may overlook. The process of creating art often involves trial and error. Finding the right moment in art is crucial for impactful expression. Narelle's boldness in production has evolved over time. Set design plays a crucial role in creating visual narratives. Personal experiences significantly influence artistic creation. The physicality of painting is essential to Narelle's process. Narelle is excited about integrating different art forms in her future work. Exploring feminine perspectives is a key theme in her art. Art can evoke personal memories and connections for viewers. Narelle's work challenges traditional notions of femininity in art. The importance of risk-taking in artistic endeavors is emphasized. Narelle's journey reflects a continuous evolution in her artistic practice. Music by Claire McKeown "Sarabande in D minor." (https://open.spotify.com/track/33X6NXAFqKXffxbdxCJ80A?si=2163333f328d4722) More info about Scene Shift https://www.scene-shift.com/ (https://www.scene-shift.com/) Like, subscribe, and join our newsletter for our latest episodes and news!

10. 

    8 Jul 2025

    Official Trailer for Scene Shift: The Podcast

    Scene Shift: The Podcast focuses on conversation between theatrical set designers to convey the process and collaborations that theatre makers rely on. Traditionally designers have played a support role, considered as 'backstage' but the scope of design elements is growing. Today the boundary between design and performance has shifted and designers actively share the stage with performers. In this series, set designers come together to share and uplift their expanding roles in theatre making. Checkout scene-shift.com (scene-shift.com) for more.

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Apple Podcasts (US)

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