We were lucky to catch up with Yi-chien Lee recently and have shared our conversation below.

Yi-Chien, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of my most meaningful projects was designing the set for TICK TICK BOOM at Cygnet Theatre in San Diego in 2024. This musical by Jonathan Larson, known for Rent, explores an artist’s struggles with life and the pressure to succeed.

For this project, I aimed to capture Jon’s creative chaos and personal aspirations. I designed an immersive apartment set with a standout feature—a window that transformed into a bodega storefront. We also used the theater’s layout to bring actors closer to the audience, creating a more intimate experience and deepening the connection to Jon’s journey. With minimal furniture and transitions, I make an amalgam of multiple places at once from the the Moon Dance diner to the SOHO apartment, so the characters can achieve quick changes and move fluently.

This project was significant to me because it allowed me to contribute to a story that resonates deeply with many, including myself. Balancing artistic vision with practical execution was challenging but rewarding. TICK TICK BOOM was more than just a design job; it was a chance to be part of a narrative about artists’ struggles and dreams. It showed the power of theater to connect people through shared experiences and made this project one of the most fulfilling I’ve ever worked on.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a set designer based in San Diego, specializing in theatre and film. Originally from Taiwan, I came to the U.S. to pursue an MFA in Scenic Design at UC San Diego. My education laid the groundwork for my career, and since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with numerous local theatres, including Cygnet Theatre, Diversionary Theatre, East West Players, Backyard Renaissance Theatre, Moxie Theatre, Roustabouts Theatre, San Diego Rep, New Village Arts, and Old Globe Theatre. Each collaboration has offered unique challenges and opportunities, allowing me to refine my craft and contribute to a variety of productions.

I received the Craig Noel Award 2022 for Outstanding Scenic Design for my work on the October Night of Johnny Zero in Backyard Reinassance Theatre Company. Recent design credits include On This Side of the World, Kairos (East West Players), Sharon, The Little Fellow, Life Sucks, Water by the Spoonful (Cygnet Theatre), The Great Leap (Center Rep), Future is Female (Flint Rep), King of the Yees (Sierra Madre Playhouse), The Great Khan (SD Rep), Eighty-Sixed, Girlfriend, A Kind of Weather, Monsters of the American Cinema, TL;DR (Diversionary), Mother of the Maid, The Pleasure Trials (Moxie), Proof, How I learned to Drive, Gof of Carnage (Backyard Renaissance), The Comedy of Error- globe for all (Old Globe).

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

As a theatre scenic designer, I aim to enhance storytelling with immersive designs that strengthen the audience’s connection to the story. I collaborate closely with directors and creative teams to ensure my designs align with the production’s vision and bring the script to life. I enjoy experimenting with new materials to keep my work fresh. I design for both contemporary plays and reimagined classics, blending innovative and traditional methods. My goal is to create impactful environments that enhance the performance experience and reflect current social and cultural themes. Ultimately, I want my designs to transform productions and make them more engaging for both audiences and performers.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Looking back on my career as a scenic designer, I wish I had found certain resources and insights sooner. For example, seeing a variety of exhibitions and theater productions earlier would have helped me learn about different design styles. This exposure could have sparked new ideas and approaches in my work. Exploring other fields like visual arts, architecture, and film would also have been beneficial. Learning about current art trends and architectural innovations could have led to more creative and exciting designs.

Lastly, developing a personal style by being curious about different artistic styles, historical periods, and cultural influences could have helped shape my design identity. This broader exploration might have inspired more unique and interesting work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yichienlee.com/about
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yi-chien-lee-design910105

Image Credits

1) “Future is Female”, Flint Repertory Theatre
2) “The Secret Garden”, Music Theatre Heritage
3) “On This Side of the World”, East West Players
4) “Sharon”, Cygnet Theatre
5) “Tick Tick Boom”, Cygnet Theatre, photograph by Karli Cadel Photography