Select Directing and Costuming Works

Cymbeline

Costumed in Collaboration with: Larisa West

This production's visual theme was eclecticism. Blending elements of fantasy, early modern, and contemporary styles; Larisa served as the lead costume designer for the characters who distance themselves from the “courtly world”—including Arviragus, Guiderius, Belarius, and Roman figures like the Soothsayer.

Larisa drew inspiration for the Soothsayer from depictions of the blind prophet Tiresias in The Odyssey. She also aimed to visually connect the brothers and their adopted father beyond mere aesthetics, using recurring motifs such as tartan fabrics and shared materials for hand-wrapping. This shared visual language reflected not only their world but also the same resources as a family.

The Trail to Oregon: The Musical

Directed & Costumed by: Larisa West

A full length musical that parodies the video game series The Oregon Trail. This semi-improvisational show follows a dysfunctional family as they venture down the trail to a new life in Oregon. Audience members feel as though they are truly playing the video game as the names of characters are chosen by from audience call outs. Addtionally the audience votes at the end, choosing which unfortunate member of the gang dies of dysentery, with multiple different endings each show night.

Throughout this directorial journey, Larisa passionately led weekly improv workshops and classes, fostering cast chemistry, developing a unique ensemble language, and building trust among performers. She also choreographed the production's dances and combat.

Notably, this was UPJ’s first musical in over a decade and the only full-length student-directed production to date.

Before Juliet

Directed & Costumed by: Larisa West

With students the ages of 15-17 years old Larisa directed a piece that explore what might have happened in Shakespeare's world of Romeo and Juliet before Juilet comes into the picture. With the gods playing ever present games serving as narrators in this foreboding play, the tale of Romeo and his first love, Rosaline unfolds.

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