Working: A Musical
Directed by Brian Fruits-Esparza
Scenic Design by Zoe Speer
Costume & Lighting Design by Julie Giampaolo
Photographed by Hank Brockett
March 2026
Conceptual Discussions:
The director emphasized realism, wanting the production to honor real people's stories while allowing for quick transitions into choreography. He also requested adaptable scenery, directional floor graphics, and the word "Working" incorporated into the design.
Design Goals:
I wanted to celebrate Chicago, where the interviews took place, while using projections and detailed set dressing to support the show's realism and fast pace.
Logistics:
I designed seven skyline silhouettes to both evoke Chicago and serve as surfaces upon which I mapped projections. The floor mural, based on the CTA map, incorporated the title and directional elements. Mobile wagon units provided flexible settings with detailed dressing for key moments.
Outcome:
Projections, including cast photos, reinforced the authenticity of the stories. The wagons created believable snapshots of each setting, while the recognizable Chicago skyline and CTA-inspired floor connected audiences to the city's identity.
