In March 2021, I designed the set for Grand View University’s annual play for young audiences. That year, the play was an original work written by local Des Moines playwright Craig Peterson titled “Turtle Tales: Stories from the Shell.”

The play was originally intended to travel to local schools, but due to Covid-19 restrictions, we adjusted the concept to work in a stationary space. The characters in the show are part of a traveling actor troupe, who travel the country teaching kids valuable lessons about friendship, individuality, and taking care of the planet.

The scenery is comprised of the troupe’s traveling show wagon, complete with a fold-out stage! Banners adorned the wagon, and were repeated throughout the space to help enforce social distancing audience seating.

Director: Kristin Larson

Scenic Design: Olive Palmer

Costume Design: Emma Banner

Lighting Design: Alex Snodgrass