Biography

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Hello, I'm Genesis, a passionate and determined scenic design student dedicated to creating storytelling 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. The first theatre show I experienced was “Of Mice & Men'' by John Steinbeck when I was around 10. Even as a child, I was moved by the production design and performance, as I still remember the experience. 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 the University of Texas of El Paso “after” the 2020 pandemic. 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, stage management and more. My time in my undergraduate training has been an opportunity of hands-on practical experience, and I am eager to expand my knowledge.

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. The following semester I debuted my scenic designs with Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses. Following, I scenic designed Plumas Negras, written by Juliette Carrillo, and I am currently working on Quixote Nuevo, written by El Paso native Octavio Solis. Quixote Nuevo is my capstone project at UTEP and will open in May 2025. My designs are made possible by the training I received in Vectorworks, Photoshop, rendering, and model making, which I have learned from my talented mentors. Each of my designs has been a chance to learn, grow, and contribute to the performing arts in El Paso. Check out my portfolio for my work! 

In addition to academics, I serve as an assistant at the UTEP Department of Theatre and Dance Scene Shop. This position entails set construction, shop assistance, and practicum training and supervising. I take great pride in assisting in creating a fun learning environment 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 through the mentorship and insights gained from seasoned professionals in the field. 

 Spring of 2024 I was privileged to serve as a member of the set construction crew for The El Paso Opera's production of Sunday in the Park with George by James Lapine. This opportunity opened more doors for me as I was able to spend the summer with the Des Moines Metro Opera as a Stage Carpenter. This staff position included assembling 5 sets throughout the season alongside the interns and other staff members.