About Niamh

Born and raised in Massachusetts, I discovered my passion for scenic art and crafting theatrical worlds in high school. This spark of enthusiasm led me to pursue a BFA in Theatre Design and Production at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. There, I was trained in design, drafting, scale model-making, stagecraft, construction, and, most significantly, scenic art. During my four years at Michigan, I had the profound privilege of working with University Productions, the university's renowned theatrical production company. At the Walgreen Drama Center Scenic Studios, I collaborated with a team of professionals, bringing to life scenic designs for five fully produced shows each season. This hands-on experience was invaluable, solidifying my passion for cultivating immersive, engaging theatrical environments. While my time at school was primarily spent with the scene shops developing my carpentry and stagecraft skills, during the second half of my education, when covid precautions had ultimately shifted, I discovered the magic of scenic painting. With a paintbrush in my hand, my passion for theatre was further ignited and I fell absolutely in love with the tradition of the scenic artistry.

After graduating in April 2023, I relocated to Chicago, Illinois, where I have continued to grow and diversify my career in theatre. I have been working as an overhire scenic artist, designer, theatrical facilities manager, and stage crew at institutions including Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Steppenwolf Theater, Timeline Theatre, the Apollo Theater, and more. I was especially honored to support my fellow Michigan alumni in Starkid Productions as their scenic designer for VHS Christmas Carols during the holiday season in 2023. Each role allows me to deepen my understanding of the intricate and collaborative nature of theatrical production, and I remain passionate about contributing to the vibrant world of theatre.