The Little Mermaid

Hickory Ridge High School

Director: Avri Gozy
Stage Manager: Alonna Downing
Scenic Designer: Lily Chapman
Costume Designer: Lilianna Espinal
Sound Design: Harika Gutta
Lighting Design: Nithila Srithik

Nov 2025 - Mar 2026

My Role in This Production

Served as Set Designer, Technical Director, and Run Crew
Developed and sketched all set design concepts
Led construction and supervised the build process
Executed all hand sculpting and detailed painting
Managed and implemented special effects, including smoke, haze, and bubbles

Projects

ARIEL GROTTO

Inspired by pink nephthea coral, I use soft colors and organic forms to reflect Ariel’s childlike wonder.

The unit splits into two pieces and incorporates practical effects, allowing objects and picture frames to fall during key moments.

URSULA'S LAIR

I designed the lair to evoke the deepest parts of the ocean, reflecting Ursula's banishment and transformation into a feared, isolated figure

Atmospheric effects, including smoke and illuminated cauldron lighting, enhance her magical presence and entrances.

ARIEL ROCK

Inspired by natural quarry rock, the structure is textured with moss and barnacles to suggest partial submersion.

This stationary piece serves as a visual anchor between the land and sea environments.

THE DOCK

A curved, stationary dock extends toward the audience, creating dynamic levels and opportunities for interaction.

It’s designed to support key moments like Ariel’s transformation and Eric’s connection to the sea, and is finished with moss texture and cross-bracing inspired by working ports and Neoclassical structures.

KISS THE GIRL BOAT

Inspired by a small rowboat, this unit allows actors to manually control movement through an open base.

Integrated LED lights shift color as the boat travels, culminating in a twirling purple flash during Ursula’s attack.

KING TRIDENT THRONE

Drawing from Greek mythology and the legend of Atlantis, I framed the throne with iconic Greek columns.

Flanking seahorses reference hippocampi, symbolizing power and the movement of the ocean. Clusters of coral give the ensemble places to play and create varied levels.

Constructed from styrofoam with spackle-based frosting, then airbrushed for enhanced texture and color.

Finished with shell detailing to reinforce the ocean-inspired aesthetic.

Designed as a breakaway unit that splits into two during the storm sequence for dynamic stage action.

Featuring a fully functional sail system that can be tightened and released using ropes.

Designed with hidden zippers that allow actors to pull red fabric out to suggest bones, creating a playful theatrical effect.

Large, hand-painted windows inspired by the Barnstoff Palace in Denmark, featuring an oceanfront view.

The design visually connects the characters to Ariel's past through the constant presence of the sea.