Biography

---

Hello, I'm Genesis, a passionate and determined scenic design student dedicated to crafting visual experiences. Born and raised in El Paso, TX, my journey into the world of design was sparked during childhood when I was first exposed to the art form. Today, I channel that early inspiration into creating environments that blend traditional scenic elements with modern technology. As I navigate the vibrant world of design and technology within the academic and professional realm, I aim to sharpen my skills and pushing the boundaries of my last design. My artistic journey began when I was a child when my mother took me to watch local high school and UTEP productions. The first show I experienced at UTEP was “Of Mice & Men'' by John Steinbeck when I was around 10 years old. Even as a child, I was moved by the production design and performance, as I still remember the experience to this day. Years later, I can happily say I have designed for the very stage I was first introduced to, The Wise Family Theater.

I began my formal training at UTEP “after” the 2020 pandemic. During the lockdown, my interest in theater design was reignited when I began experimenting with different mediums; acrylic, watercolor, clay modeling, model making etc. I enrolled and began my degree plan in Theater Design and Technology with a concentration in Scenic Design. At UTEP, I immersed myself in a curriculum that encompasses multiple design principles such as lighting, sound, costumes, scenery, and projections. The training I have received at UTEP changed the trajectory of my career as I am learning about the latest advancements in theater design technology. My time in my undergraduate training has been an opportunity of creative and technical exploration, and I am eager to expand my knowledge through a MFA program post graduation. 

Being a design student has given me the chance to explore the latest design technology and techniques. My production design journey began with projection design for the UTEP Department of Theater and Dance productions. Through these designs, I learned how to create projections with Q-Lab, video editing software, and other techniques such as puppetry. After I received the required training to create effective scenery, I debuted my scenic design with Mary Zimmerman’s “Metamorphoses''. My designs are made possible by the training I received in Vectorworks, Photoshop, rendering, and model making I have learned from my talented mentors. Each of my designs was a chance for me to learn, grow, and contribute to the performing arts in El Paso. Check out my portfolio for my work! 

In addition to my academic pursuits, I am privileged to serve as an sssistant at the UTEP Department of Theatre and Dance Scene Shop. My journey in set construction began during my initial semester as a practicum student in the Scene Shop. The following semester, I assumed the role of an assistant, overseeing fellow practicum students and gaining valuable insights from the leadership position. I take great pride in assisting in fostering a learning environment and being an open resource for all.

During the summer of 2022, I secured my first professional role in the performing arts as a Stage Crew Apprentice at The Santa Fe Opera. This experience exposed me to collaborative teamwork within a large-scale repertory theater. As part of the stage crew, I assisted in assembling and disassembling diverse sets throughout the season. I remain captivated by Julia Hansen's design for Bizet's "Carmen," a profound blend of art, activism, and technology. Additionally, contributing to the crew for the world premiere of "M. Butterfly" with music by Huang Ruo left a lasting impression on me. At the end of the season I had the honor of receiving The Gustave and Jane Baumann Memorial Award, an award offered to a single stage crew apprentice each season. My time at The Santa Fe Opera significantly shaped my career in the performing arts, and I am grateful for the mentorship and insights gained from seasoned professionals in the field.