The set designer uses the visual elements of the stage to convey the message of a story.
Joefferry Wenderlich loved the magical world of theater. There was only one problem: he was terrible at acting.
“I did theater in junior high school,” said Wenderlich, 17. The result didn’t thrill him. “I didn’t see myself continuing at acting.”
When he came to Fullerton Union High School, he was attracted to its strong program in technical theater. “The program is student-based. Students do all the design work. They stage manage, they direct, they do lighting and sound.”
Wenderlich started out as an assistant set designer for a production of “Sweeney Todd.” “As we were doing the work I kind of realized that I am an artist. I always liked to draw and I love theater, so it clicked that I could combine these two things into something that I really enjoyed.”
Wenderlich laughs now at his ignorance of the profession. “Before this point, I didn’t even know that set design was a thing that people did for a living. I just thought that it was done by a magical fairy or something.”
Wenderlich’s has also tried directing, and he sees definite parallels between that job and designing a play’s set.
“Designing a set is like making a jungle gym or playground for the actors. It’s the figurative structure of the play itself. Directing is a lot like design – you’re also building a structure for the performers to exist in.”
Wenderlich’s teacher, Michael Despars, calls his creative approach to theater design “refreshing and provocative. Joefferry’s work in design goes beyond expectations for a student of his age. He sketches with detail I have only seen from professionals.”
Wenderlich says he struggles sometimes to communicate his deeper thoughts. Theater design allows him an avenue of complete expression that he’s never felt before. “The ultimate hope is that when the curtain rises, people see parts of me sewn throughout the set. My inspirations, my aspirations, my compassion for people and for this art form.”
The judges agree that his concepts are mature beyond his years.
“It’s a very sophisticated approach,” said Ann Sheffield of Cal State Fullerton. “I liked the process – the struggle of creation, which he showed us unashamedly. And he allows the design to continue to grow and develop as conditions and demands change.”
“Joefferry is interested in telling a story through the space,” said T. J. Dawson of 3D Theatricals. “He’s very good at script analysis and figuring out how the space will support the story in a very meaningful way.”
Wenderlich says he plans to attend DePaul University in the fall, where he has been accepted as a student in the theater program’s scenic department. “It’s a good program with great connections,” he said. “I’m attracted to the area. I love Chicago theater, especially Lookingglass Theatre Company. I saw its production of ‘Moby Dick’ and ever since I’ve been really inspired to try new things.”
Wenderlich’s teacher has no doubts about his success. “He understands the importance of human collaboration within the art form of theater.”
THEATER FINALISTS
ACTING ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Devoree Shields, Mission Viejo High School
When watching her, you never felt like she was putting on a performance. Not only is she an honest and connected performer, but she is also a talented playwright.
MUSICAL THEATER PERFORMANCE ARTIST OF THE YEAR: R. J. Higton, Orange County School of the Arts
He sees himself not as a solo performer, but as a collaborator working with others to serve the work he wants to present. He is a dancer first, but has the goods to become a legitimate triple threat. He understands that he must also master singing and acting and has started down the path to master it all.
THEATRICAL DESIGN ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Joeffrey Wenderlich, Fullerton Union High School
He designs with the eye of a poet. He makes confident, beautiful choices and has grasped the idea that storytelling can be made through the space he provides in a meaningful way.
JUDGES
PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS: John Benitz, Chapman University; Susan Berkompas, Vanguard University; Dennis Castellano, UC Irvine; TJ Dawson, 3D Theatricals; Darryl Hovis, Chance Theater; Heide Janssen, Artist of the Year producer; Ann Sheffield, CSU Fullerton; Tony Vezner, Concordia College.
ARTS EDUCATORS: Danny Campbell, Mater Dei; Stacy Castiglione, Los Alamitos; Cheryl Des Palmes, Tesoro; Danyelle Dunavold, Northwood; Kathy Harris, Mission Viejo; Alexis Karol, Laguna Beach; Brianna Manasas, Foothill; Frankie Marrone, Tri-School; Tim Nelson, Huntington Beach APA; Joe Parrish, Buena Park; Cathy Petz, Yorba Linda; Robert Rotenberry, Huntington Beach APA; Samantha Sanford, Dana Hills; Terry Schwinge, Santa Ana; Kathleen Switzer, El Dorado; John Walcutt, OCSA; Robert Zick, Fountain Valley.
