Kate Sutton-Johnson is a Creative Director, Storyteller and Designer, specializing in experiential design for both live events and permanent installations.  Kate holds a BFA degree in set design from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and she was the recipient of the 2007 Ivey Award for Emerging Artist and the 2016 Ivey Award for Set Design. 

Kate is currently at work on several ambitious Design Futures projects. These experiential, story-driven applications are providing opportunities for people of all abilities and backgrounds to see firsthand a glimpse of the future: possible worlds where they can explore and play as active participants in manifesting a planet, society and technological landscape that sustains and supports life.

All of Kate’s work stems from a rich foundation in theatrical design. She has worked professionally at the highest levels of American regional theater for the past twenty years. Her credits include contemporary dramas, classical theater, large-scale musicals, devised work and everything in between. Her theatrical work has appeared at the Guthrie Theater (MN), Asolo Repertory Theatre (FL), Ordway Center for the Performing Arts (MN), the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IN), the Children’s Theatre Company (MN), the 5th Avenue Theater (WA), Theatre Latte Da (MN), Weston Playhouse (VT), Mixed Blood Theatre Company (MN), Park Square Theatre (MN), Florida Stage (FL) and the Riverside Theatre (FL.)  

As a museum exhibit designer, Kate touches every aspect of the 3-dimensional environment, ensuring that visitors experience unforgettable immersions into natural history, anthropology, science, ethnography, archaeology, and conservation. Her ability to combine proven engagement techniques with innovation and the unexpected, result in designs that deeply engage audiences in new ways of thinking and learning. From a dynamic and accessible floor plan to the selection of exhibit finishes, Kate manages all aspects of the exhibit’s design. She also plays a major role in content development and the experiential aspects of the design including close collaborations with interactive and media developers. Her thoughtfulness for details and advocacy for visitors consistently result in powerful exhibit experiences. 

From 2017-2021, Kate was the Creative Director at Split Rock Studios, an employee-owned exhibit design and build firm based in St. Paul, MN; prior to that, she worked at the Science Museum of Minnesota, serving as the Senior Exhibit Designer from 2011-2017. She designed the world premiere traveling exhibition entitled MAYA: Hidden Worlds Revealed which toured the U.S. for nearly a decade. This 15,000 square foot exhibit employed hundreds of priceless artifacts, massive replicas, and immersive environments to show audiences the fascinating social, natural and spiritual realms of the ancient Maya and their highly advanced civilization.  In researching for this project, Kate traveled to Belize with a Science Museum of Minnesota team.  There, she explored many major Maya sites (including caves used for ritual practices) met with museum professionals and leading archaeologists in the field, and participated in interviews with modern descendants of the ancient Maya. Seeing the powerful connections the modern Maya have to their rich past, and yet how tenuous these connections can become over time, is a reminder of how important it is to learn and celebrate our collective human history in all its many facets.

Over the past decade, Kate has additionally taught set design, exhibit design and scenic painting at both the BFA and MFA levels at a number of institutions including the University of Minnesota, Hamline University, Augsburg College, and Macalester College.  She is frequently engaged as a public speaker and she welcomes the opportunity to talk with audiences, students, and colleagues about experiential, story-driven design.

In 2011, Kate was generously awarded a TCG Global Connections grant and traveled to Congo Brazzaville for twenty-one days.  This project was life changing and continues to be an unending source of inspiration.  Connections made with other artists on this journey cemented many of her long-held beliefs about the universal language of theatre.  At the same time, mishaps and miscommunications associated with this first-world-meets-third-world experience taught her to question new aspects of her art.  Working with indigenous cultures on future projects is a clear passion and a goal.  Her previous experience in Africa has given her a richer understanding of the complexity of an international collaboration.  Click here for a spotlight on Kate’s theatre collaboration in the Republic of Congo.  

Photography courtesy of Amy Anderson.

MUSICALS

BERNARDA ALBA, music, lyrics and book by Michael John LaChiuaa, produced by Theater Latte Da (MN) in 2020, directed by Crystal Manich

SWEENEY TODD, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by Hugh Wheeler, produced by the Asolo Repertory Theatre (FL) in 2019, directed by Peter Rothstein

SWEENEY TODD, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by Hugh Wheeler, produced by Theater Latte Da (MN) in 2015, directed by Peter Rothstein

MARY POPPINS, music and lyrics by Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman, additional music by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, book by Julian Fellowes, produced by Midlothian High School Theatre Department in 2015, directed by Katherine Baugher 

INTO THE WOODS, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Lapine, produced by Theater Latte Da (MN) in 2015, directed by Peter Rothstein

JONAH AND THE WHALE, music and lyrics by Blake Thomas and David Darrow, book by Tyler Mills, produced by 7th House Theater (MN) and presented by the Guthrie Theater in 2014, directed by Emily King and Tyler Michaels

SHREK THE MUSICAL, music by Jeanine Tesori, book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, produced by the Children’s Theatre Company (MN) in 2014, directed by Peter Rothstein

CABARET, music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, produced by Theater Latte Da and the Hennepin Theatre Trust (MN) in 2014, directed by Peter Rothstein 

GUYS AND DOLLS, music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, produced by the 5th Avenue Theatre (WA) in 2011 and remounted at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts (MN) and the Theatre Under the Stars (TX), directed by Peter Rothstein

BEYOND THE RAINBOW, by William Randall Beard, music arranged by David Lohman, produced by the History Theatre (MN) in 2005 and again in 2011, directed by Ron Peluso 

DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, book by Linda Woolverton, produced by the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts (MN) in 2009, directed by Robert Johanson

SINGING IN THE RAIN, book by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, lyrics by Arthur Freed, music by Nacio Herb Brown, produced by the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts (MN) in 2009, directed by James Rocco

GREY GARDENS, book by Doug Wright, music by Scott Frankel, lyrics by Michael Korie, produced by Park Square Theatre and the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts (MN) in 2009, co-directed by James Rocco and Jayme McDaniel 

PARADE, book by Alfred Uhry, music by Jason Robert Brown, produced by Theater Latte Da and the Minnesota Jewish Theatre (MN) in 2008, directed by Peter Rothstein

YOU’RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN, by Clark Gesner, produced by Stages Theatre (MN) in 2008, directed by Sandy Boren-Barrett 

DISNEY’S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, music and lyrics by Matthew Gerrard, Robbie Nevil, Ray and Greg Cham, Drew Seeley, Randy Petersen, Kevin Quinn, Andy Dodd, Adam Watts, Bryan Louiselle, David N. Lawrence, Faye Greenberg and Jamie Houston, book by David Simpatico, produced by the Children’s Theatre Company (MN) in 2007, directed by Peter Rothstein

BEYOND THE RAINBOW, by William Randall Beard, music arranged by David Lohman, produced by the Riverside Theatre (FL) in 2007, directed by Ron Peluso

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, by Richard O’Brien, produced by the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts (MN) in 2007, directed by James Rocco

BEYOND THE RAINBOW, by William Randall Beard, music arranged by David Lohman, produced by Florida Stage (FL) in 2006, directed by Ron Peluso

SEUSSICAL, by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, produced by Stages Theatre (MN) in 2006, directed by Sandy Boren-Barrett

FOUND, by Victor Zupanc, produced by Mixed Blood Theatre (MN) in 2005, directed by Marcela Lorca

THE GRAND DUKE, by Gilbert and Sullivan, produced by The Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Company (MN) in 2003, directed by Randy WinklerBERNARDA ALBA, music, lyrics and book by Michael John LaChiuaa, produced by Theater Latte Da (MN) in 2020, directed by Crystal Manich

PLAYS

NOISES OFF, by Michael Frayn, produced by the Guthrie Theater (MN) in 2018, directed by Meredith McDonough

DIAL M FOR MURDER, by Frederick Knott, produced by the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IN) in 2017, directed by James Still

SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION, by John Guare, produced by Theater Latte Da (MN) in 2017, directed by Peter Rothstein

LE SWITCH, by Philip Dawkins, produced by the Jungle Theatre (MN) in 2016, directed by Jeremy Cohen

CONSTELLATIONS, by Nick Payne, produced by the Jungle Theatre (MN) in 2016, directed by Gary Gisselman

BECKY’S NEW CAR, by Steven Dietz, produced by the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IN) in 2010, directed by James Still

PRINCESS ACADEMY, based on the best-selling book by Shannon Hale, adapted for the stage by Lisa Hall Hagen, original music composed by Aaron Gabriel, produced by Stages Theatre (MN) in 2010, directed by Sandy Boren-Barrett

LIFE IS SWEET, a devised work created by the artists at Interact Center for Visual and Performing Arts (MN) in 2010, directed by Tod Peterson

MADAME MAJESTA’S MIRACLE MEDICINE SHOW, music by Aaron Gabriel, lyrics by Tod Peterson, book by Dawn Brodey, produced by Interact Center for Visual and Performing Arts in 2010, directed by Dario Tangelson

THE SNOWY DAY, by Ezra Jack Keats, adapted for the stage by Mark Rosenwinkel, music by Michael Mahler, produced by Stages Theatre Company (MN) in 2010, directed by Sandy Boren-Barrett

WELL, by Lisa Kron, produced by Park Square Theatre in 2009, directed by Michael Bigelow Dixon

RABBIT HOLE, by David Lindsay-Abaire, produced by the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IN) in 2009, directed by James Still

HOW I BECAME A PIRATE, by Janet Yates Vogt, produced by Stages Theatre (MN) in 2008, remounted at the Theatre Royal Bath in 2008, directed by Sandy Boren-Barrett

1001, by Jason Grote, produced by Mixed Blood Theatre (MN) in 2008, directed by Sarah Rasmussen

CRIMES OF THE HEART, by Beth Henley, produced by the Commonweal Theatre (MN) in 2007, directed by David Gardiner

A NUMBER, by Caryl Churchill, produced by the Weston Playhouse (VT) in 2007, directed by Steve Stettler

MESSY UTOPIA, by Naomi Iizuka, Seema Sueko, Aditi Brennan-Kapil, and Velina Hasu-Houston, produced by Mixed Blood Theater (MN) in 2007, directed by Aditi Brennan-Kapil

THE AMAZING ADVENTURE OF ANNA MARIE, by Mollye Maxner, produced by the Open Dream Ensemble in 2007, directed by Mollye Maxner

HARRIET AND WALT, based on the book by Nancy Calson, adapted for the stage by Jennifer Kirkeby, produced by Stages Theatre (MN) in 2007, directed by Marilee Mahler

TWELFTH NIGHT, by William Shakespeare, produced by Macalester College Theatre Department (MN) in 2006, directed by Cheryl Moore Brinkley

LUTEFISK CHAMP AND OTHER FROZEN HOLIDAY TALES, by David Mann, produced by the History Theatre (MN) in 2006, directed by Craig Johnson

YELLOWMAN, by Dael Orlandersmith, produced by Mixed Blood Theatre and presented by the Guthrie Theater (MN) in 2006, directed by Marion McClinton

STREGA NONA, by Tomie dePaola, adapted for the stage by Thomas W. Olson, produced by the Weston Playhouse (VT) in 2006, directed by Tim Fort

CONSTANT STAR, by Tazewell Thompson, produced by Park Square Theater (MN) in 2006, directed by Warren Bowles

THE ILLUSION, by Tony Kushner, produced by Augsburg College Theatre Department (MN) in 2006, directed by Martha Johnson

CONFLUENCE, a devised work created by the Guthrie BFA acting program, produced by the Guthrie Theater (MN) in 2006, directed by Marcela Lorca

QUEEN OF THE REMOTE CONTROL, by Sujata Bhatt, produced by Mixed Blood Theatre (MN) in 2005, directed by Aditi Brennan-Kapil

SEASCAPE, by Edward Albee, produced by the Jon Hassler Theater in 2005, directed by Matt Sciple

PERMANENT COLLECTION, by Tom Gibbons, produced by Mixed Blood Theatre (MN) in 2004, directed by Warren Bowles

FLAGS, by Jane Martin, commissioned by the Guthrie Theater and produced by Mixed Blood Theatre (MN) in 2004, directed by Steve Pearson

AS BEES IN HONEY DROWN, by Douglas Carter Beane, produced by Theater in the Round (MN) in 2003, directed by Zach Curtis

MARVIN’S ROOM, by Scott McPherson, produced by Theatre in the Round (MN) in 2002

THE GOOD PERSON OF SETZUAN, by Bertolt Brecht, adaptation by Tony Kushner, produced by the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in 2002, directed by John Dillon

CHEKHOV IN YALTA, by John Driver and Jeffrey Haddow, produced by the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in 2001, directed by Tanya Belov

MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS

Conservation Action Center, a permanent 7500 SF indoor exhibit at Zoo Miami, produced by Split Rock Studios (Creative Director & Exhibit Designer)

November 1963 Exhibit, a permanent exhibit housed in the University of North Texas Law Center in downtown Dallas, produced by Split Rock Studios (Creative Director & Exhibit Designer)

Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center, a permanent 10,000 SF exhibit in Manitowoc, WI produced by Split Rock Studios; was named one of USA Today’s Top 10 Attractions of 2018 and Time for Kids’ World’s 50 Coolest Places of 2019 (Exhibit Designer)

Sportsology, permanent exhibit at the Science Museum of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN (Exhibit Designer)

Weighing the Evidence, permanent exhibit at the Science Museum of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN (Exhibit Designer)

Donald W. Reynolds Great Plains Discovery Center, produced by the Science Museum of Minnesota for the Museum of the Great Plains, Lawton, OK (Exhibit Designer and Scenic Artist)

Create.Connect, produced by the Science Museum of Minnesota for the Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, Fishers, IN (Exhibit Designer)

Space: And Out-of-Gravity Experience, national tour produced by the Science Museum of Minnesota (Scenic Artist)

Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed, national tour produced by the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Museum of Science Boston, and the San Diego Natural History Museum (Exhibit Designer and Scenic Artist)

Living West, produced by the Science Museum of Minnesota for History Colorado, Denver, CO (Scenic Artist)

Sports Hall, Being Human Hall, and the Texas Instruments Engineering and Innovation Hall, produced by the Science Museum of Minnesota for the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Dallas, TX (Exhibit Designer)

Discovery Rooms for Little Learners, California Science Center, Los Angeles, CA (Scenic Artist)

RACE, national tour produced by the Science Museum of Minnesota (Scenic Artist)

Lost Egypt, national tour produced by the Science Museum of Minnesota (Scenic Artist)

Wild Music, national tour produced by the Science Museum of Minnesota (Scenic Artist)

Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination, national tour produced by Museum of Science Boston and Lucas Film LTD (Scenic Artist)

CORPORATE CLIENTS

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