A New York City craftsmen creates within the realms of design for set, scenic artistry, theater production, fine arts, and book construction

Sebastien Oliveros-Tavares

Bio

Raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. Educated at East Carolina University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts Theatrical Design & Production with a minor in Studio Arts. Since 2014, Sebastien has been returning to Shepherdstown, West Virginia every summer to help develop productions of new plays at the Contemporary American Theatre Festival. From 2017-2018, he also taught at the Shenandoah Conservatory, where he obtained regional design credit. Sebastien has designed plays from university productions to US premieres. Currently, Sebastien freelances as an assistant for renowned set designers in the city, painting scenery for theaters and production firms, and exploring the production realm that is within New York

Artist Statement

The creative energy put into the set is not bound only to the set designer's imagination.  For a creative team to be effective, it is essential that they collaborate and weave their unique perspectives into the narrative.  When a team incorporates each other’s strengths, the materialization of their collective vision creates an idea that has power.  

My responsibility is to design a set that transforms the space that supports the overall vision, transports the audience, and creates a rich atmosphere.  It is vital that the setting not only serves the characters of the story, but it reflects the tone and direction. When these influences are combined, what remains is a cohesive atmosphere that encompasses the performance as an impactful, vivid experience.