Thursday night and our third… step. It’s time to look at another one of Raleigh’s artist contributing to TheatreFEST 2018.

This year University Theatre continues its mission to bring professional artists and students together as we mount our 2018 TheatreFEST season. With the generous support of the Raleigh Arts Council and the John McIlwee Endowment, University Theatre is not only tapping the talent of Raleigh’s performers but also its designers, choreographers, and artisans.

This week we take a look at Jen Leiner, Scenic Painter for TheatreFEST 2018, lending her brush to three shows this summer, painting everything from the floors of Deathtrap to the ornate proscenium arch of The 39 Steps

Scenic Painter Jen Leiner

As long as I can remember, I have wanted to be technically involved with theatre. I attend plays, musicals, opera, ballet, Broadway productions-you name it, just to take in the sets and artwork involved. Seeing a stark room transform into another world is a thrill and I love the idea of painting a world around myself.

The majority of my personal artwork has always focused on setting so it was a no-brainer…it was time to expand. Alas, at the ripe old age of 41, with many years of painting experience behind me, I just decided to just go for it. I started volunteering at Raleigh Little Theatre in 2015 during their production of Sweeney Todd and I haven’t looked back. I’ve always known exactly what I want to do and here I am!

Working with NC State TheatreFEST is an extraordinary honor and I can’t wait to see what my future holds.

Be sure to check Jen’s amazing work and the amazing work of so many more of Raleigh’s artist and NC State’s students when NC State University Theatre presents TheatreFEST 2018

Tickets and Info

Jen Leiner (Scenic Painter) Jen is a 2010 graduate of Meredith College with a B.A. in studio art. Having has worked extensively over the past four years with local theatre organizations, she was the 2016-2017 recipient of the Glenn Amos Miller Technical Service Award at Raleigh Little Theatre.

She has designed and painted for Raleigh Little Theatre, NRACT, Duke Univerisity, Meredith College, Campbell University, William Peace University, Honest Pint, Man Bites Dog and currently NC State TheatreFEST. She is also in her second year as Set Designer for Raleigh Little Theatre’s Teens Back Stage summer program.

TheatreFest 2018 is funded in part by the City of Raleigh based on recommendations of the Raleigh Arts Commission.