American Idiot at UC Irvine Reviewed in The Show Report

In June 2018, I designed the scenic environment for UC Irvine’s production of American Idiot, presented at the Claire Trevor School of the Arts. The production was reviewed by The Show Report, which highlighted the intensity of the staging and praised the work of the design team.

As noted in the review, the scenic design featured slick gray overhead stairs on both sides of the stage, connected by an overhanging walkway and anchored by a central doorway that moved swiftly and seamlessly. Mattresses and beds were strategically placed to suggest interior spaces, while amps remained visible to support the concert-driven energy of the show. The environment worked in dialogue with video loops, digital imagery, newsprint, graffiti, strobes, lasers, and mood lighting, helping to establish both time period and emotional tone.

The review specifically cited the set’s contribution to the production’s impact, stating that “Scenic Designer Brandon PT Davis rocked the set.” Having the scenic work recognized within such a high-energy, music-driven production was a meaningful moment during my graduate training at UC Irvine, reinforcing the role of scenery as an active partner in storytelling rather than a passive backdrop.