Attendance: 2,500 Students
Budget: $10,000
Role: Production Coordinator, Stage Manager, Scenic Painter

I led a team of 30 designers and builders to transform a SCAD residence hall into an immersive fairytale world, featuring five distinct realms across The Hive. Each kingdom allowed students to step into a unique story, encouraging creativity and connection.

Over six months and 200+ hours, I worked closely with teams to develop the storyline, scenic design, and event strategy, from mood boards and spatial layouts to construction and final execution. The entire event was built sustainably, using recycled materials to construct large-scale scenic elements while maintaining an immersive experience.

Behind the Scenes Highlights

Projection Mapping & Scenic Installations– We experimented with projection mapping to enhance the guest experience, and after several challenges, we successfully integrated it into our scenic elements.

The Wish Tree – A central piece of the event, where guests tied handwritten wishes to its branches throughout the night, creating a shared, evolving story.

DIY Kingdoms & Large-Scale Builds – From hand-painted backdrops to custom-built entryways, the scenic elements were constructed with foam, wood, and repurposed materials to create a fully immersive outdoor environment.

The Final Hours – A major scenic element had to be reassembled at the last minute, requiring a full team effort to make sure everything was in place before the event opened.

Managing scenic installations in an entirely outdoor setting presented its own challenges. Lightweight materials like foam and paper had to be reinforced against wind and guest interaction, requiring strategic planning and quick problem-solving. Beyond design and build, I also coordinated rehearsals, stage logistics, and event operations, ensuring that performances, interactive installations, and guest experiences flowed seamlessly.

Watching thousands of students walk through a space that started as a concept on paper, engage with scenic elements, and leave their own mark on the Wish Tree made every challenge and late night worth it.