From human set pieces to abstract spaces, Leila’s designs take advantage of the transformative moments in scripts to add spice and grit to the stage. She loves working on challenging projects in an environment of collaborators and storytellers. She always works closely with the director to analyze and create the scripts location and key elements, and then Leila adds a twist.
Leila’s designs are unconventional and abstract. She enjoys devised and site-specific work where she is able to embellish elements that already exist in the environment. Leila Graduated from James Madison University in 2016 with a BA in Theatre and a Minor in Studio Art. Examples of Leila’s work and aesthetic: Fear of Falling- A hospital bed sheet was ripped from the bed and used in a movement piece, as the sickly Icarus watched and came to a chilling realization about his girlfriend’s cancer. The same bed sheet was used as angel wings and then as a body bag moments later when she died. Later in the piece, when Icarus confronts God, during a storm, Leila worked closely with the Projections Designer to create ‘the perfect storm.’ Maximizing the alley stage with audience on opposite sides, they decided to place the projections above the audience on both sides, spanning the entire length of the stage. The projections began as rain, and soon the rain turned into words pouring down. The storm surrounded the actor, and also allowed the audience to see the storm from the point of view of the character as well as if peering through the window from the outside. Doctor Faustus- with limited resources and a small budget, Leila decided to utilize the cast to create human set pieces, which became more prevalent as the magic and demons were responsible for more of the action in the script. Leila played with these limitations even more by creating a 20’ installation for a lobby display, constructed using only free materials, adding to the creepy and unsettling vibe of the production. Midsummer- In this punk/rock version of the play, Puck whipped out some pink hairspray from his belt, sprayed Bottom’s mohawk pink, and snapped on a tail for Bottoms magical transformation into a punk/rock donkey. |
Studio Art Portfolio available at
leilaspolter.weebly.com Artist Facebook Page facebook.com/leilaspolter.artist An informal space where Leila posts process photos and sketches as well as finished works. |
