Theatre as The Ecological Design Classroom
Design Arts & Humanities 2025 Graduate ExhibitionPresentation by Alivia Cross
Exhibition Number 600
Abstract
With respect to sustainability in set design, my eco-scenography research here at Penn State University articulates the principles of eco-scenography as an integrated framework for sustainable theatre design practice. Through the application of eco-design principles—co-creation, celebration, and circulation— an eco-scenographic ethos demonstrates how the design process can extend beyond aesthetic considerations to encompass broader environmental and community-oriented objectives. By examining the stage design process for Sweeney Todd at Penn State’s Centre Stage, I illustrate how sustainable practices, such as the repurposing of materials and fostering local collaborations, can enhance both the ecological impact and educational value of theatrical productions. This approach not only mitigated the environmental footprint of the School of Theatre, decreasing the amount of generative new material waste, but it also served as a model for cultivating sustainable and pedagogically responsive design practices within academic settings. Ultimately, my eco-scenography research promotes a vision of theatre that is both ecologically mindful and socially engaged, providing a framework for future sustainability within the field.
Importance
My design work advocates for incorporating sustainability into artistic practices, particularly within the domain of theatre. By reconceptualizing sustainability beyond traditional concerns of material consumption and waste reduction, challenging assumptions about ecological responsibility in theatrical production. It posits that sustainability should transcend technical aspects, becoming an underlying ethos that informs the artistic process and responds to the broader ecological and socio-cultural crises of our time. This redefinition fosters a paradigm shift in which the artistic community is encouraged to engage in practices of co-creation, ecological justice, and community involvement. The research further underscores the role of theatre as a site for social reflection and action, urging educators to cultivate a sense of collective responsibility and environmental awareness among future practitioners.