Alivia Cross

January 31, 2025

To the Selection Committee:

It is my pleasure to write this letter on behalf of Alivia Cross in support of her nomination for the Arts and Architecture Graduate Sustainability Award. During her time at Penn State as a graduate design student, Alivia has endeavored to prioritize sustainability as an integral component of her creative work and research.

Alivia articulates her mission as “embracing the concept of eco-scenography, which advocates for a holistic approach to sustainability in theatre design.” Alivia also notes that she was “inspired by the idea of designing a theatrical set to serve beyond the closing performance, as she wanted her work to become a part of a larger conversation about responsible material consumption and community engagement with academic theatrical productions and the larger theatre industry.”

Alivia’s inspirations and ideas led her to use them as the foundation for her MFA culminating thesis project, designing the set for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Alivia collaborated with the creative team, local businesses and the community ensuring that over 70% of the materials used for the set were repurposed materials. In addition to leading this effort to produce Sweeney, Alivia’s work sparked conversations in the School of Theatre about how we can use her work as model to continue and expand the school’s commitment to sustainable practices in our approach to design, and in this way is groundbreaking for our area.

The work in which Alivia is engaged is the present and future for emerging scenic designers. Her work intersects creative production with building ecofriendly, sustainable futures, and provides the foundation for future exploration for Alivia as an artist-scholar and for the School of Theatre.
Alivia’s work is unique, of the moment, and necessary. Her approach to design encourages conservation, responsible practices, and innovation without excessive waste. I offer Alivia my highest recommendation in support of her receipt of the Arts and Architecture Graduate Award for Sustainability.

Sincerely

Kikora Franklin

Aquila Kikora Franklin
Professor of Theatre/Dance
Interim Director
Penn State School of Theatre/Penn State Centre Stage