Work samples

  • Katalepsis
    Katalepsis

    Katalepsis - Performers Ursula Marcum and Josh Hne as the Benefactors use the Giant Claw to begin a ritual, 2023 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • See Also
    See Also
    Audience and performers in the culmination of See Also, 2020 (photo by Glenn Ricci)
  • The Legend of the World's Most Magical Substance

    An excerpt from "The Legend of the World's Most Magical Substance," a shadow puppetry show re-telling of a wonderful discovery, 2022

  • The Institute of Visionary History
    The Institute of Visionary History
    The Institute of Visionary History and the Archives of the Deep Now, 2018 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

About Ursula

Baltimore City Highlandtown AE District

Ursula Marcum is a performing and visual artist who is fed by two distinct practices: one consists of being a part of highly collaborative works on a grand scale, while the other resides in independently creating artwork that is personal, quiet, and celebrates the wonder to be found in small, everyday things. Each practice informs and balances the other. Originally trained as a designer for theater (B.A., Catholic University) and museum exhibitions (M.F.A, George Washington University), she… more

The Boundary: A Life and Death Experience - Designer, Fabricator, Core Team Member, Crew Member, Co-Producer

“The Boundary: A Life and Death Experience,” explored themes of memory, grief, loss and the rituals surrounding death. In this devised, immersive experience, the audience was invited to craft a custom afterlife experience as they navigated a “showroom” of choices, created by a (possibly) disingenuous and inept tech startup called "Boundry." This in turn led to an individual journey that culminated in investigating what makes life worth living. The show ran in a private warehouse in the Hampden neighborhood of Baltimore from September 1 through November 5, 2023.

Cast: Regina LaCroix - Jenna Rossman, Betty O’Hellno | Ivy Hoang - Kim Le| Juno Scott - Tina Canady | Paul Thibodaux - Connor Kertiss | Henry Walker - Josh Hne | Lori Brown - Marissa Dahl | Sierra Tristan - Sam Ankrom-Chickering | Nina Walker - Dessie Delaplaine | Timeless Beings - Caitlin Bouxsein, Cori Dioquino, Kim Le, Megan Livingston, Alexander Scally | Bartender - Josh Aterovis | Dr. Vera Sadilim - Tara Cariaso, Karen Li


Crew: Alice - Andrea Clayville, Russ - Mara Falbo Wild, Gus - Griffin DeLisle, Guus - Ursula Marcum, DJ Jüs - Glenn Ricci  

             
Costumes: Deana Fisher Brill        

                            
Sound: Megan Livingston, Glenn Ricci     

                                       
Lighting: Glenn Ricci   

               
Fabricators: Josh Aterovis, Aaron Barlow, Deana Fisher Brill, August Bryant, Marissa Dahl, Jessie Delaplaine, Kim Le, Ursula Marcum, Jacob Marrero, Mika J Nakano, Chris Reuther                                 

Core Creative Team: Josh Aterovis, Kim Le, Megan Livingston, Ursula Marcum, Glenn Ricci
                         

  • The Boundary: A Life and Death Experience
    The Boundary: A Life and Death Experience

    Boundary - Entry into the showroom of the strange company, "boundry," 2023 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • The Boundary: A Life and Death Experience
    The Boundary: A Life and Death Experience

    Boundary - Detail from the office set for "boundry," 2023 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • The Boundary: A Life and Death Experience
    The Boundary: A Life and Death Experience

    Boundary - The hallway of the "boundry" showroom of possible afterlives, 2023 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • The Boundary: A Life and Death Experience
    The Boundary: A Life and Death Experience

    Boundary - The "Happy Place" afterlife showroom, 2023 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • The Boundary: A Life and Death Experience
    The Boundary: A Life and Death Experience

    Boundary - The "Project Silica" afterlife showroom, 2023 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • The Boundary: A Life and Death Experience
    The Boundary: A Life and Death Experience

    Boundary - The memory recording device in the "Project Silica" afterlife showroom, 2023 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • The Boundary: A Life and Death Experience
    The Boundary: A Life and Death Experience

    Boundary - The "Audiostalgia" afterlife showroom, 2023 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • The Boundary: A Life and Death Experience
    The Boundary: A Life and Death Experience

    Boundary - Performers Dessie Delaplaine and Marissa Dahl portray characters trapped in the "Mirrorless Mirror Room" which was the boundary between life and death, 2023 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • The Boundary: A Life and Death Experience
    The Boundary: A Life and Death Experience

    Boundary - The "Bar Do," the final stop before returning to life, 2023 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • The Boundary: A Life and Death Experience
    The Boundary: A Life and Death Experience

    Boundary - Detail from the "Bar Do," the final stop before returning to life, 2023 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

"Katalepsis" - Designer, Fabricator, Performer, Co-Producer

“Katalepsis” was an adventure that transported audiences to the far future, in a post-apocalyptic era brought on by intersecting crises. The show explored themes of isolation and the resilience found in creative acts. This original work was devised by the ensemble, Audience members were invited to explore how humans can thrive and connect in a future in which they are physically separated and no longer the dominant species on earth.

This work was very much a collaborative effort. There were four Creator characters, and different designers were assigned to each Creator space - I was the designer for the room of the Timekeeper, and one of the Prop Masters and Fabricators for the show. I also performed as a Benefactor - a large, slow-moving, sentient mushroom being. "Katalepsis" was produced by Submersive Productions, where I serve as Co-Artistic Director.

This sold out production was extended twice and ran from March 23 - May 13, 2023, in the basement of The Peale Center in Baltimore.

Cast: Francisco Benavides, Hannah Fenster, Joshua Hne, Megan Livingston, Ursula Marcum, Bao Nguyen, Jess Rassp, Jess Rassp, Trustina Sabah, Lisi Stoessel

Core Creative Team: Mika Nakano, Trustina Sabah, Susan Stroupe, Glenn Ricci                                  

Contributing Artists: Helen Garcia-Alton (lights), Deana Brill (costumes)                

Production Manager: Tessara Morgan                               

Show Runners: Griffin DeLisle, Debra Lenik, Mara Falbo-Wild

Technical Director: Tyler Brust

Workshop Leader: Tara Cariaso

Intern: Chloe Azcuy

Front of House: Josh Aterovis, Andrea Clayville, Mika Nakano, Susan Stroupe

 

  • Katalepsis
    Katalepsis

    Katalepsis - Performer Hannah Fenster as Timekeeper, interacting with her life's work, 2023. Scenic / Prop design by Ursula Marcum. (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • Katalepsis
    Katalepsis

    Katalepsis - Performer Hannah Fenster as Timekeeper, interacting with her stitched calendar, 2023. Scenic / Prop design by Ursula Marcum. (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • Katalepsis
    Katalepsis

    Katalepsis - Performer Hannah Fenster as Timekeeper, ducking into her private space below her desk, 2023. Scenic / Prop design by Ursula Marcum. (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • Katalepsis
    Katalepsis

    Katalepsis - Detail from the living quarters of the Timekeeper, a visual reminder of daily tasks, 2023. Scenic / Prop design by Ursula Marcum. (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • Katalepsis
    Katalepsis

    Katalepsis - Performers Ursula Marcum and Josh Hne as the Benefactors use the Giant Claw to begin a ritual, 2023 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • Katalepsis
    Katalepsis

    Katalepsis - Performers Ursula Marcum and Jessica Rassp as the Benefactors deliver gifts, 2023 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • Katalepsis
    Katalepsis

    Katalepsis - Performers Ursula Marcum and Josh Hne as the Benefactors interact with performer Bao Nguyen as Siren, 2023 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • Katalepsis
    Katalepsis

    Katalepsis - Performer Trustina Sabah as Madame heads into the toxic world of the Benefactors, 2023 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

Puppetry - Story Creator, Fabricator, Puppeteer

Puppetry is essential to my practice, both as a collaborator in Submersive Productions and as an individual artist. The medium of puppetry is an interweaving of the visual and performing arts, and challenges my hands, brain and body as a puppet fabricator, a puppeteer, and a teller of stories. Most of all, puppets can be a conduit for delight and wonder, bringing a bit of magic into the everyday world.

The samples presented are from a variety of projects, both virtual and in-person.

  • Oysters
    Oysters

    Winter Seeds, produced by Vital Matters - Puppeteer Ursula Marcum with oyster puppets, 2021. Puppets by Jess Rassp. (photo by Chris Ashworth)

    Vital Matters is a Baltimore-based laboratory for change led by Michele Minnick. On December 11, 2021, in collaboration with Single Carrot Theatre and Submersive Productions, Vital Matters gathered theatre makers, artists, and community members from around Baltimore for "Winter Seeds," an evening of short play readings, entertainment and conversation related to climate change. This unique event, which took place at The Voxel, was a part of Climate Change Theatre Action.

  • Genny
    "Genny"

    Winter Seeds, produced by Vital Matters - puppeteering of "Genny" (short for Generalized Anxiety) by puppeteers Jess Rassp and Ursula Marcum, 2021. Puppet by Ursula Marcum. (photo by Chris Ashworth)

    Vital Matters is a Baltimore-based laboratory for change led by Michele Minnick. On December 11, 2021, in collaboration with Single Carrot Theatre and Submersive Productions, Vital Matters gathered theatre makers, artists, and community members from around Baltimore for "Winter Seeds," an evening of short play readings, entertainment and conversation related to climate change. This unique event, which took place at The Voxel, was a part of Climate Change Theatre Action.

  • The World's Most Magical Substance [CLIP]

    This is an excerpt from "The Legend of the World's Most Magical Substance," a shadow puppetry show re-telling of a wonderful discovery. It was a part of the National Capital Puppetry Guild Slam online in August of 2022.

  • The Legend of the World's Most Magical Substance [STIILL]
    The Legend of the World's Most Magical Substance [STIILL]

    A still from the shadow puppet show "The Legend of the World's Most Magical Substance"

  • The Return [CLIP]

    This is an excerpt from “The Return,” a shadow puppet show that was inspired by the winter solstice, and explores themes of isolation and re-connection. “The Return” was a part of a virtual artistic celebration of the solstice in December of 2020, produced by Baltimore artists Michele Minnick and Juanita Rockwell.

  • The Return [STILL]
    The Return [STILL]
  • Bound Up Together
    “Bound Up Together,” a toy theater puppet show about abolitionist and suffragist Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, was originally performed via livestream for the virtual Women’s Suffrage Puppet Pageant, hosted by the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry at the University of Connecticut, on September 26, 2020.
  • Bound Up Together [STILL]
    Bound Up Together [STILL]

    A still from the toy theater / puppet show, "Bound Up Together," originally performed via livestream for the virtual Women’s Suffrage Puppet Pageant. Hosted by the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry at the University of Connecticut in September of 2020.
     

  • Whiskey
    Whiskey

    "Whiskey" Ensemble Performance - Waves, 2019 (photo by Richard Termine)

    As a participant at the O'Neill Puppetry Conference I was an Ensemble Member for two workshop performances. "Whiskey" was under the direction of Erin Chmela, who was also the concept originator and puppet fabricator for the piece. This production exemplified the complicated relationship of one man to his favorite intoxicant. Ensemble Members: Chris Caswell, Martin Kettling and Anthony Marotta.

  • Unsettling
    Unsettling

    "Unsettling" - Stories, 2019 (photo by Richard Termine)

    As a participant at the O'Neill Puppetry Conference I was an Ensemble Member for two workshop performances. "Unsettling," was under the direction of Tracy Broyles. This workshop production explored ideas of migration, immigration and who and how those who came before are remembered. Ensemble Members: Ruth Burack-Lamberson, Andrew Cano, Erin Chmela, Lily Gershon, Cindy Hartigan, Heather Henson, Gina Leigh, Jess Rassp and Joel Schechter.

"rECHOllection" - Designer, Fabricator, Co-Producer

"rECHOllection" was an outdoor, open-ended immersive experience held in Druid Hill Park in Baltimore, MD on October 30 and November 6 and 7, 2021.

How do you make an immersive experience during a pandemic?

First, you need many clever collaborators. To be clear, this work morphed and evolved throughout 2020 and 2021, ever-changing to meet the need for safety, but with a desire to get creative people working. There were Zoom workshops, Zoom meetings, Zoom rehearsals, dropping off props on stoops for perfomers to experiment with at home, backyard rehearsals, outdoor meetings, choosing an outdoor venue, more outdoor rehearsals, and, finally, performances in Druid Hill Park, with safety protocols in place. The actual pandemic we were experiencing greatly informed the fictional pandemic in this near-future artwork, which consisted of a temporal rift opening in the park where we, Baltimore citizens of 2021, could walk among Baltimore citizens of 2032. This future time consisted of a bleaker reality, with degraded environmental quality and more sinister pandemics. And yet, despite these conditions, the future community members of Baltimore still found ways to connect, express themselves, and attempt to heal from their collective loss of memory and companionship.

This highly collaborative work was developed with a large ensemble cast and a Core Creative Team of four members. "rECHOllection" was produced by Submersive Productions, where I serve as Co-Artistic Director.

Core Creative Team:
Mika Nakano, Trustina Sabah, Susan Stroupe, Glenn Ricci

Contributing Artists: Deana Fisher Brill, Alex Ciardullo, Sierra Ho, Megan Livingston, Ursula Marcum, Stephanie Parks, Jess Rassp, Elizabeth Ung

Cast: Samantha Ankrom- Chickering, Francisco Benavides, Caitlin Bouxsein, Tara Cariaso, Marissa Dahl, Nadya Elson, Jessie Delaplaine, Hannah Fenster, Jess Rassp, Martha Robichaud, Alexander Scally, Lisi Stoessel, Jacob Zabawa

Attendants: Josh Aterovis, David Brasington, Deana Brill, Andrea Clayville, Connor Kertiss, Natanya Washer, Rachel Wilson

Production Manager: Betse Lyons

Show Runner: Cyd Cohn

  • rECHOllection
    rECHOllection

    rECHOllection - the community board at the edge of the Temporal Rift in Druid Hill Park, 2021 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • rECHOllection
    rECHOllection

    rECHOllection - audience members interact with The Empathy Apparatus inside the Temporal Rift in Druid Hill Park, 2021 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • rECHOllection
    rECHOllection

    rECHOllection - Performers Jessie Delaplaine and Martha Roubichaud using the Empathy Apparatus inside the Temporal Rift in Druid Hill Park, 2021 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • rECHOllection
    rECHOllection

    rECHOllection - performer Marissa Dahl wanders through the Temporal Rift in Druid Hill Park, 2021 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • rECHOllection
    rECHOllection

    rECHOllection - performer Marissa Dahl interacts with audience members inside the Temporal Rift in Druid Hill Park, 2021 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • rECHOllection
    rECHOllection

    rECHOllection - the Altar of Lost Memories inside the Temporal Rift in Druid Hill Park, 2021 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • rECHOllection
    rECHOllection

    rECHOllection - performers Caitlin Bouxsein and Alexander Scally distilling memories from objects at the Memory Lab inside the Temporal Rift in Druid Hill Park, 2021 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • rECHOllection
    rECHOllection

    rECHOllection - a part of the process of distilling memories from objects at the Memory Lab inside the Temporal Rift in Druid Hill Park, 2021 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • rECHOllection
    rECHOllection

    Performers Tara Cariaso and Nadya Elson interact with audience members inside the Temporal Rift in Druid Hill Park, 2021 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • rECHOllection
    rECHOllection

    rECHOllection - performer Samantha Ankrom-Chickering interacts with a sound producing scenic element inside the Temporal Rift in Druid Hill Park, 2021 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

"See Also" - Designer, Puppeteer, Fabricator, Co-Producer

"See Also" was a devised, site-specific, immersive experience that was run as a part of the "In the Stacks" series held at the George Peabody Library, in Baltimore, in Februrary of 2020. Following threads (both figurative and literal) around the Peabody Library in a choose-your-own-adventure style, participants encountered visual art, soundscapes, and performers portraying character composites based on historical women and non-binary individuals from the collections of the Johns Hopkins Sheridan Libraries and University Museums. The performance culminated in the world premiere of a work by contemporary female composer Briay Conditt.

This highly collaborative work was developed with a large ensemble cast and a Core Creative Team of ten members, of which I was a part. I also participated as a puppet and prop fabricator, puppeteer and designer. "See Also" was produced by Submersive Productions, where I serve as Co-Artistic Director.
Core Creative Team: Josh Aterovis, David Brasington, Kim Le, Bella Lucero, Ursula Marcum, Mika Nakano, Jess Rassp, Trustina Sabah, Glenn Ricci, Dani Turner
Ensemble: Josh Aterovis, David Brasington, Zipporah Brown, Tara Cariaso, Marissa Dahl, Jessie Delaplaine, Hannah Fenster, Emily Hall, Betse Lyons, Ursula Marcum, Mika Nakano, Jess Rassp, Trustina Sabah, Lisi Stoessel, Susan Stroupe, Dani Turner, Elizabeth Ung, Katharine Vary, Kaya Vision,  Natanya Washer, Caitlin Weaver, Jacob Zabawa
Costumes: Deana Fisher Brill
Lighting: Michael Logue, Mara Falbo-Wild
Sound: Glenn Ricci, C. Swann-Streepy

  • See Also
    See Also

    See Also - performer Ursula Marcum with an audience member at the card catalog, 2020 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • See Also
    See Also

    See Also - performers Hannah Fenster, Jess Rassp (both kneeling), Betse Lyons, Mika Nakano, Jessie Delaplaine and Natanya Washer (all standing), 2020 (Photos by Kintz)

  • See Also
    See Also

    See Also - performers Josh Aterovis, Lisi Stoessel, Zipporah Brown and Katharine Vary and audience members, 2020 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • See Also
    See Also

    See Also - performers Trustina Sabah, Susan Stroupe, David Brasington and Kaya Vision and audience members, 2020 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • See Also
    See Also

    See Also - performer David Brasington at the card catalog, 2020 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • See Also
    See Also

    See Also - performers intermingle with the audience, 2020 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • See Also
    See Also

    See Also - performers Jess Rassp and Emily Hall embrace during the culmination of the show, surrounded by other performers and audience members, 2020 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • See Also
    See Also

    See Also - cast members Susan Stroupe, Kaya Vision, Betse Lyons, Hannah Fenster, Mika Nakano, Jess Rassp, Jessie Delaplaine and Natanya Washer gaze upward, 2020 (Photos by Kintz)

  • See Also
    See Also

    See Also - performers and audience members participate in the culminating moment of the show, 2020 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • See Also
    See Also

    See Also - performers David Brasington and Ursula Marcum rewind the connecting threads back into their archive boxes at the close of the show, 2020 (Photos by Kintz)

"MASS/RABBLE" - Performer, Mask Fabricator, Co-Producer

MASS/RABBLE, was an experimental, movement-based performance presented on April 4-7 and 12-14, 2019 at the Baltimore War Memorial, as the culmination of a two week residency through the War Memorial Arts Initiative. Devised with an ensemble of 28 performers of different ages, ethnicities, and gender identities, this piece, conceived by Lisi Stoessel and led by Stoessel and Yuko Kaseki, used elements of Butoh dance, mask, embodied sound and immersive audience techniques to explore themes of overpopulation and how masses of bodies are affected by politics, displacement, and violence in our current era.

I was one of the Core Ensemble Members for this piece, as well as a Mask Fabricator. MASS/RABBLE was produced by Submersive Productions, where I serve as Co-Artistic Director.

Ensemble Members: Samantha Ankrom-Chickering, Francisco Benavides, Caitlin Bouxsein, David Brasington, Tina Canady, Tara Cariaso, Jessie Delaplaine, Nadya Elson, Hannah Fenster, Gabriela Fernandez-Coffey, E’Tona Ford, Rae Anna Hample, Bryan Hargraves, Katie Hileman, Max Huck, Tavia LaFollette, Kim Le, Mika Nakano, Marissa O’Guinn, Jessica Rassp, Trustina Sabah, Alexander Scally, Susan Stroupe, Kaya Vision, Natanya Washer, Caitlin Weaver, Matthew Williams and Jacob Zabawa
Costume Design: Deana Fisher Brill
Lighting Design: Helen Garcia-Alton
Sound Design: Glenn Ricci

  • MASS/RABBLE
    MASS/RABBLE

    MASS/RABBLE - Corridors of Light, 2019 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • MASS/RABBLE
    MASS/RABBLE

    MASS/RABBLE - Animals, 2019 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • MASS/RABBLE
    MASS/RABBLE

    MASS/RABBLE - Floor, 2019 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • MASS/RABBLE
    MASS/RABBLE

    MASS/RABBLE - Breaking Through, 2019 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • MASS/RABBLE
    MASS/RABBLE

    MASS/RABBLE - Response, 2019 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • MASS/RABBLE
    MASS/RABBLE

    MASS/RABBLE - Tsunami, 2019 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • MASS/RABBLE
    MASS/RABBLE

    MASS/RABBLE - Masks, 2019 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

"The Institute of Visionary History and the Archives of the Deep Now" - Designer, Fabricator, Co-Producer, Wall Operator

Designed with small audiences in mind, The Institute of Visionary History and the Archives of the Deep Now was produced by Submersive Productions and took place in a one-room installation that was introduced as a "thin place," a place where one can more easily transcend our present reality and contact other planes, places, and times. Audience members were inducted as researchers, then led to the room to conduct an experiment where they inhabited the world with the performers. In addition to the performance, the room was activated using light, projections, sound and object theater. Six original "Episodes" were devised with eight different performers for this run throughout the fall of 2018 in The Peale Center in downtown Baltimore. Each Episode took place in the same installation, which was modified for each show. In collaboration with the Creative Core Team of Josh Aterovis, Glenn Ricci and Susan Stroupe, I designed the room and served as Prop Master and Wall Operator for each of the Episodes.

Costumes: Kristina Green
Lighting , Projections and Sound: Glenn Ricci
Devisers/Cast:
Tina Canady, Rachel Wilson - "Episode 1" (Episode 1)
Mika Nakano - "Project P.S." (Episode 2)
Kim Le - "Altar Ego" (Episode 3)
Cori Dioquino - "Waters of Oblivion" (Episode 4)
Elizabeth Ung - "She Who Sees and Hears the Cries of the World" (Episode 5)
Francisco Benevides, Lisi Stoessel  - "A Horse by the Tail in the Night" (Episode 6)

In 2019, we presented revised versions of Episode 2 by Mika Nakano and Episode 3 by Kim Le.

  • The Institute of Visionary History and the Archives of the Deep Now
    The Institute of Visionary History and the Archives of the Deep Now

    The Institute of Visionary History and the Archives of the Deep Now, 2018 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • Episode 1, The Institute of Visionary History
    Episode 1, The Institute of Visionary History

    Episode 1 of the Institute of Visionary History, with performer Tina Canady, 2018 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • Episode 2, The Institute of Visionary History
    Episode 2, The Institute of Visionary History

    Episode 2, "Project P.S." The Institute of Visionary History and the Archives of the Deep Now, with performer Mika Nakano and audience members, 2018 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • Episode 3, The Institute of Visionary History
    Episode 3, The Institute of Visionary History

    Episode 3, "Altar Ego," The Institute of Visionary History and the Archives of the Deep Now, with performer Kim Le and audience members, 2018 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • Episode 4, The Institute of Visionary History
    Episode 4, The Institute of Visionary History

    Episode 4, "Waters of Oblivion," The Institute of Visionary History and the Archives of the Deep Now, with performer Cori Dioquino, 2018 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • Episode 4, The Institute of Visionary History
    Episode 4, The Institute of Visionary History

    Installation/Set Dressing Detail, Episode 4, "Waters of Oblivion," The Institute of Visionary History and the Archives of the Deep Now, 2018 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • Episode 5, The Institute of Visionary History
    Episode 5, The Institute of Visionary History

    Episode 5, "She Who Sees and Hears the Cries of the World," The Institute of Visionary History and the Archives of the Deep Now, with performer Elizabeth Ung, 2018 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • Episode 6, The Institute of Visionary History
    Episode 6, The Institute of Visionary History

    Episode 6, "A Horse by the Tail in the Night," The Institute of Visionary History and the Archives of the Deep Now, with performers Francisco Benavides and Lisi Stoessel, 2018 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

"BATS!" - Designer, Fabricator, Puppeteer, Co-Producer

Written and performed by artist Michele Minnick, "BATS!" was a mixed media, interactive contemplation on the nature of fear and madness. With a high level of audience engagement and participation, the story unfolded with the use of text and live accordion music by Minnick, projections and soundscapes by Glenn Ricci, original drawings by Chelsea Demitras and puppetry in the Marquee Lounge at The Creative Alliance in Baltimore in 2018. As a part of the Production Team, I served as Puppet Fabricator and Puppeteer, as well as Props Manager and Set Dresser. Puppeteers Caitlin Bouxsein and Jess Rassp were also members of the Production Team. The show was produced by Submersive Productions, where I serve as Co-Artistic Director.

  • Minor Depression (puppet)
    Minor Depression (puppet)

    Minor Depression, marionette in "BATS!" 2018 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • Genny (puppet)
    Genny (puppet)

    Genny (short for Generalized Anxiety), rod puppet in "BATS!" 2018 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • Genny and the Audience
    Genny and the Audience

    Genny, pictured with performer Michele Minnick and puppeteer Caitlin Bouxsein."BATS!" 2018 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • Audience at BATS!
    Audience at "BATS!"

    Performer Michele Minnick engages with the audience. "BATS!" 2018 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • Audience at BATS!
    Audience at "BATS!"

    Audience participates in one of the final moments of the show. "BATS!" 2018 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • The Bar
    The Bar

    Scenic Detail, "BATS!" 2018 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

"H.T. Darling's Incredible Musaeum" - Prop Master, Fabricator, Puppeteer, Set Dresser, Co-Producer

"H. T. Darling’s Incredible Musaeum: The Treasures of New Galapagos, Astonishing Acquisitions from the Perisphere" was a four story immersive adventure that activated The Peale Center in downtown Baltimore - the first purpose built museum in the United States - consisting of two full award-winning runs, one in the spring and one in the fall of 2017. The "Musaeum" was filled with a number of "specimens" from a distant planet, brought back by intrepid explorer H.T. Darling. 

During the performance, multiple narratives were happening in the building simultaneously, and the audience was invited to inhabit the world with the performers and choose their own path. Over twenty performers and artists devised and collaborated to create this project. I fabricated several of the puppet specimens and was part of the team of puppeteers during both runs. I also served as the Props Master, Set Dresser and Co-Producer for the show. The show was produced by Submersive Productions, where I serve as Co-Artistic Director.

Creative Core Team: Glenn Ricci, Lisi Stoessel, Susan Stroupe
Devisers/Cast: Josh Aterovis, Caitlin Bouxsein, Francisco Benavides, David Brasington, E'Tona Ford, Emily Hall, Marie Claire Macadar, Brad Norris, Martha Robichaud, Trustina Sabah, Lisi Stoessel, Sarah Olmstead Thomas, Katharine Vary, Alex Vernon
Puppeteers: Francisco Benavides, David Brasington, Jessie Delaplaine, Kim Le, Ursula Marcum, Jess Rassp, Trustina Sabah, Lisi Stoessel, Alex Vernon
Set Design: Lisi Stoessel
Costume Design: Stephanie Parks
Lighting Design: James Johnson
Sound Design: Glenn Ricci

 

  • Bearsnake (puppet)
    Bearsnake (puppet)

    The Bearsnake, a hand puppet shown with performer Trustina Fafa Sabah. H.T. Darling's Incredible Musaeum, 2017 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • Bearsnake (puppet)
    Bearsnake (puppet)

    The Bearsnake "living specimen" interacts with performer Trustina Fafa Sabah and audience members. H.T. Darling's Incredible Musaeum, 2017 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • Cave Urchin (puppet)
    Cave Urchin (puppet)

    The Cave Urchin hand puppet. H.T. Darling's Incredible Musaeum, 2017 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • Toothy Creature (puppet)
    Toothy Creature (puppet)

    The Toothy Creature hand puppet. H.T. Darling's Incredible Musaeum, 2017 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • Fuzzy Slug (puppet)
    Fuzzy Slug (puppet)

    The Fuzzy Slug rod puppet. H.T. Darling's Incredible Musaeum, 2017 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • Moss Hedgehog (puppet)
    Moss Hedgehog (puppet)

    The Moss Hedgehog hand puppet, shown with puppeteer Jessica Rassp and performer Alex Vernon. Made in collaboration with artist and performer Lisi Stoessel. H.T. Darling's Incredible Musaeum, 2017 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • The Grand Hall
    The Grand Hall

    The Grand Hall featured many "living specimens" and objects from the planet New Galapagos. Found on the second floor of H.T. Darling's Incredible Musaeum, 2017 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • The Net Room
    The Net Room

    The Net Room belonged to the character of Maxilla (played by Trustina Fafa Sabah, pictured here with audience).

"The Mesmeric Revelations! of Edgar Allan Poe" - Prop Master, Set Dresser, Co-Producer

"The Mesmeric Revelations! of Edgar Allan Poe" was an immersive theater experience based on the women in the life and fiction of Poe, staged in the Enoch Pratt House in the Mt. Vernon neighborhood of Baltimore. A collaborative, multi-disciplinary work that incorporated performance, soundscapes and art installation, thirty artists devised and created "a world both bizarre and beautiful" for two separate runs in the Spring and Fall of 2015. As Co-Producer, Prop Designer/Fabricator and Set Dresser, I created objects and installations to be encountered and discovered by audience members during their visit.

Cast/Devisers: Jessica Baker, Siobahn Beckett, Caitlin Bouxsein, David Brasington, Sarah Doccolo, Nick Genna, Shannon Graham,  Tanner Medding, Jenna Rossman, Alexander Scally, Lisi Stoessel, Ann Turiano, Natanya Washer, Caitlin Weaver
Directors: Michele Minnick, Glenn Ricci, Susan Stroupe
Costume Design: Stephanie Parks
Ligting and Scenic Design: Kel Millione
Sound Design: Glenn Ricci

  • Hanging Letters
    Hanging Letters

    Installation/Set Dressing element from "The Mesmeric Revelations! of Edgar Allan Poe," 2015

  • Sarah Contemplates
    Sarah Contemplates

    Performers Shannon Graham and David Brasington inhabit the world of "The Mesmeric Revelations! of Edgar Allan Poe," 2015 (photo by Glenn Ricci)

  • Violin
    Violin

    Installation/Set Dressing element from "The Mesmeric Revelations! of Edgar Allan Poe," 2015

  • Ring for Service
    Ring for Service

    Installation/Set Dressing element from "The Mesmeric Revelations! of Edgar Allan Poe," 2015

  • Stereoscopic Evidence
    Stereoscopic Evidence

    Installation/Set Dressing element from "The Mesmeric Revelations! of Edgar Allan Poe," 2015

  • This It Is
    This It Is

    Installation/Set Dressing element from "The Mesmeric Revelations! of Edgar Allan Poe," 2015

  • Eyes
    Eyes

    Installation/Set Dressing element from "The Mesmeric Revelations! of Edgar Allan Poe," 2015

  • Decanter/Glasses Bound
    Decanter/Glasses Bound

    Installation/Set Dressing element from "The Mesmeric Revelations! of Edgar Allan Poe," 2015

  • Brambles
    Brambles

    Installation/Set Dressing element from "The Mesmeric Revelations! of Edgar Allan Poe," 2015

  • Bird Cages
    Bird Cages

    Installation/Set Dressing element from "The Mesmeric Revelations! of Edgar Allan Poe," 2015