ABOUT
Inspired by the exploration of collaboration, Reiko Huffman (she/her/hers) is a theatrical scenic designer and educator who is studies the messy parts of both worlds in order to discover what it means to collaborate in technical theatre. Currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, her interest was sparked by the paradox of theatre claiming to be a collaborative field, but without the proper processes to support it. Therefore, she combines her design experiences research into collaboration in order to better understand how our work is informed by our identities. Our design choices are inarguably informed by our current and past experiences, by sifting through these uncomfortable characteristics, we are reminded that successful design is a result of authenticity and being a good collaborator requires everyone to embrace what makes them human.
Reiko Huffman’s goal is to bring forward more unconventional ways of collaboration that allow us to find innovation outside of the processes that have always existed. This means prioritizing people and their stories above simply spectacle. Once we begin to divulge into selfless theatre practices can our designs uplift communities that need them most.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Email: huffmanreiko(at)yahoo.com