ABOUT NATALIE RIAN (MORALES)

EARLY STAGES

Throughout my childhood, I was often labeled as a quiet child, but I was also a “smart cookie,” as my teachers described me. Constantly analyzing details of the world and the people that inhabit it, the composition of my vision was rather vivid. I found ways to revisit my memories in many forms of art, as well as making sense of it in a logical manner. I constantly sketch, draw, and paint images I find pleasing, being especially attentive to small detail.

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I studied architecture for 3 years at John F. Kennedy High School (Granada Hills, CA), where I was introduced to drafting and model making. Under the tutelage of Teacher A. Kahlenberg, I was often encouraged to set my creativity free while still producing clean, structured work. Straight out of high school, I went to the University of California, Riverside to study Mechanical Engineering. While taking the required math and science courses for the major, I discovered that the field was not for me. Though, I understood the material, and knew of my potential in the field, the saturation of calculations and scientific thinking were taking me on an unbalanced path.

I did, however, enjoy my job at the time: tutoring children. I saw myself trying to teach them STEM subjects with visually stimulating methods. Although pure math and science did not turn out to be my passion, I came to realize my delight in enlightening others with complex material via visual demonstrations.

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NATALIE MEETS THEATRE

In 2013, I took a step back, and continued on my search for fulfillment at LA Mission College. As a general education course, I enrolled an introductory theatre acting course with Professor G. Aviles Rodriguez, and found that I was immediately attracted to the theatre world. I explored this major by taking the only four courses offered on campus. Which then led me to join the LAMC Drama Club where I acted in showcases, played major roles, and became an active officer. I was especially struck by the role I played in a community based performance called ALMAS: A Day of the Dead Celebration at the Pioneer Memorial Cemetery.

With the LAMC Drama Club, I accepted the various roles of Secretary, Treasurer, and eventually President of the club, where I had the opportunity to produce, stage manage, and direct a showcase. My experiences at the community college level opened my eyes to a new branch of study, and gave me a deeper view of the multifaceted field.

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SCENIC LIFE

In Spring 2015, I transferred to California State University, Northridge (CSUN) as a theatre major, and discovered the specialty of Scenic Design: the perfect balance of art and science in a fun theatre world.

I took an introductory scenic design course with Professor E. Delgadillo Jr., with whom after learning basic terms for tools, materials, and methods, the hands-on work for the building of real set pieces helped converge my skills. It was thrilling to be able to apply my knowledge from class immediately into a show for the department’s production season. This allowed me to feel involved in my own artistic way, and I wanted more. So I spoke to the professor, asked if he could mentor me in this field, and my scenic work really took off.

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By the fall semester of the same year, I helped senior student and scenic designer Taylor Anderson, with the set painting of Robert Sherwood’s Idiot’s Delight, while I was also in the cast of the same play. I was known as the “master of wood graining.” She presented me with more faux painting techniques. Ms. Anderson became my peer role model, as she was the only female student who was designing a show in the department.

In Spring 2016, I was presented the opportunity to assist Mr. Cesár Holguín, scenic designer for CSUN’s production of Sophocles’ Antigone. While shadowing him during the design process and meetings, Holguín also gave me the liberty to design an aspect of his set--the floor. Simultaneously, I was asked to help with paint treatments for other CSUN shows, such as the musical Parade and the opera Don Giovanni.

By the end of the semester, I had received the Owen W. and Christine H. Smith Scholarship Endowment Award, from the Theatre Department at CSUN, based on my interest in scenic design, grade point average, and involvement in the department.

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The summer of 2016 expanded my understanding of scenic design and its applications. I assisted Taylor Anderson once again, with the production design of a student thesis film called Jack & Me. I obtained the role of assistant for scenic designer Caitlin Lainoff with the Independent Shakespeare Co. at Griffith Park. Lainoff was instrumental during my apprenticeship as she described her designs and building process for the sets of the Shakespeare’s Richard III and The Tempest. I helped her paint, and used stencils to create wall and floor textures. Lainoff also walked me through the motivations and ideas a designer should take into account at each stage of the process.

In the Fall 2016 semester, I co-designed CSUN’s production of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It. I feel very fortunate to have been involved with this piece, as it was directed by Melissa Chalsma, artistic director and co-founder of the Independent Shakespeare Company, whom I had the pleasure working with during the summer. The challenge was very enlightening and rewarding.

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Later on, I was chosen to be one of a team of four students to design a trade show booth for the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA) representing CSUN’s Tseng College of Graduate, International, and Midcareer Education, displayed in May 2017. In the spring 2017 semester, I was the lead scenic designer for CSUN’s production of El Nogalar by Tanya Saracho, which opened March 2017.

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I graduated from CSUN with my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre in 2017, and was offered a few design opportunities the week before graduation. I had the honor of doing additional scenic design for Sarah Callaghan's We Are Not These Hands, directed by Larry Biederman, for the Hollywood Fringe Festival. I also assisted Caitlin Lainoff for the summer season of Independent Shakespeare Co. once again, this time featuring Measure for Measure and Two Gentlemen of Verona. At the same time, I designed and constructed the set, as well as provided props, for Ralph Waxman's Alicia in Arroyoland, directed by Guillermo Aviles-Rodriguez, presented by Teatro Arroyo and the Arroyo Arts Collective, at the Audubon Center in Debs Park located in Highland Park.

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GRADUATE SCHOOL

Once the busy summer was over, I began attending graduate school at Cal State Long Beach in the fall of 2017. Here I learned much more able what I am capable of, while also mentoring and teaching undergraduates in the start of their own careers and journeys. Despite the difficult circumstances presented to the world by the COVID-19 pandemic, I am proud to announce that I graduated in May 2020 with a Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Arts for Technical Theatre/Design, option in Scenic Design. Whether it was for building, painting, designing or mentoring, by the time I graduated I had worked on at least 25 shows during my time in grad school. Each and every one of them have allowed me to refine my skills and learn new ones.

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AFTER GRAD SCHOOL:

During the pandemic years of 2021 and 2022, I worked in various art departments for film gigs. My notable film credits include short films from AFI, Billboard Music and Walmart Commercials.

Once I received my MFA, I was quickly hired as a Part-Time Faculty Lecturer at CSUN teaching Scenic Design for Theatre in January 2021. Simultaneously, I scenically design productions, and mentor students in the Props and Scenic Design areas. Eventually, I started teaching Stagecraft and Scenic Design at LMU as well.

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As a side business, I also sell my illustration artwork on Etsy. Please feel free to look around and find something you'd like! Simply click on the link below.
http://etsy.com/shop/WorkshopNatalie/

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It has been an astounding journey of self-exploration, and one I wish to continue, for the enjoyment and enlightenment of others and myself. My desire is to dive deep into design elements and knowledge, to further my understanding of the compositional vision of humanity, along with the stories it comes with. Each and every project I become involved with is a new opportunity for growth, not just for me, but for my family, peers, friends, communities, and anyone I come across. That is hope for me.

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Recent Life Update:
I will be getting married in July of 2024, hence the change in last name from Morales to Rian.