Robin Vest Design

Pronouns: she/her

Member of United Scenic Artists local 829

Citizen of the Muscogee Nation

Representation: Russ Rosensweig, Russ@summitentertainmentgroup.com

Robin Vest has been designing whimsical scenery since 2002. She spent much of her 11 years in New York working on new plays, getting to the root of the environment and trying to minimize moving pieces in favor of a seamless evolution of space. Lately she has been designing more musicals, reimagining shows like Fiddler on the Roof, Peter Pan and Annie, connecting to audiences with playful scenery influenced by the books her own children read. Other favorite projects over the past years include What the Constitution Means to Me with Oklahoma City Rep directed by Jessica Holt, Gloria at Profile Theatre directed by Josh Hect, and Miss You Like Hell directed by Esteban Arévalo Ibáñez at Theatre Squared.

Bio:

Robin spent eight years at Guilford College in Greensboro North Carolina where she served as chair of the Theatre Studies department and associate professor. While working with Guilford Robin designed locally with Triad Stage, Playmaker’s Rep, UNCG, Cape Fear Regional Theatre, Brevard Music Center, and Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. Outside of North Carolina Robin's work has been seen at Tulsa Performing Arts Center, Profile Theatre Company, Theatre Squared, The Goodman, The Old Globe, Washington National Opera, Utah Opera, Vancouver Opera, Fort Worth Opera, Cleveland Playhouse, Merrimack Rep, Barrington Stage, and Williamstown Theater Festival, Alpine Stage, and Opera House Arts. In New York she has worked with Manhattan Theater Club, Lincoln Center, Manhattan Class Company, Playwright's Horizons, Second Stage, The Cherry Lane and many others.

In addition to Guilford Robin has taught for Mason Gross school of the Arts at Rutgers University, and University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Oklahoma State University, University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City University, Robin’s students work extensively after graduating, she has former students who teach at Kent State and Yale, recent graduates who’ve attended Yale School of Drama for their Masters, and a mentee who designs at Legoland.

Robin has served as associate and assistant designer on projects for Walt Spangler, Alexander Dodge, Takeshi Kata, Katrina Lindsey, James Noone, and Narelle Sissons. Most recently Robin drafted the original scenery for the 2024 Tony nominated set of Water For Elephants designed by Takeshi Kata.

About me:

I believe that live theatre is a potent art form for building empathy and understanding between communities. It is our duty as theatre artists to amplify underrepresented stories and experiences and bring them to life for all patrons. As a designer it is imperative these stories are told with truth and dignity, and that the spaces I create support that mission. I seek the truth in a story through intense research, prototyping, and creative experimentation. It is an honor to do the work I do, bringing to three dimensions the words of the playwright, who’s experiences and voice are not my own. I have a responsibility to create a meaningful connection with the text and to serve it honestly.

I believe that theaters are spaces where every body should feel seen and heard. And that there is no room for exclusion in a place dedicated to exploring the human condition.

Upcoming Projects

Waitress, the ZACH theatre, Austin TX, June 2025

Ragtime, Tulsa Performing Arts Center, Tulsa OK, August 2025