How does a self-proclaimed country-girl come to work for some of D.C.'s most experimental theaters?
On Saturday, November 21, local theater prop designer Britney Mongold will visit the Luce Foundation Center to explain her career's trajectory in the latest installment of our Luce Artist Talk series. As a set and prop designer, Mongold works with several theaters across Washington, D.C., including Cultural D.C.'s Source Festival.
Mongold will use objects from Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection on display in the Luce Center to explain her artistic history and describe what inspires her. Objects, like the museum's Merry Go Round Model connect the D.C. artist to her rural origins.
Mongold grew up in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. After studying painting at Hollins University, she worked on a farm, creating functional decorations that taught visitors about agriculture, science, and Virginian history. Mongold's experience on the farm, which included restoring a 30 horse Allan Herschell Carousel, was the artist's introduction to working in 3-D.
Mongold decided to pursue a career in theater and moved to D.C. to study acting at the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts. There, her decorative experience came in useful when she was recruited as a designer for Rorschach Theatre's Glassheart. Three years later, Mongold is now a prop designer and creates scenic paintings for several theaters in D.C. Mongold's current career is the culmination of years of varied experiences, and on Saturday, November 21, Mongold will be at the Luce Center to elaborate on her creative process.
Her talk will begin at 1:30 p.m. Beverages will be served until 3:30 p.m.
