"Only twice in my thirty years as artistic director have I been so moved by my first impression of a theatre artist's ability that I made blanket and sweeping offers.  In 1987 I met a 22-year old actor named Don Cheadle and immediately offered him the lead in the next world premiere produced by the Mixed Blood Theatre Company.  In 2004 I met Kate Sutton-Johnson, viewed her portfolio, heard her speak of her approach to design, and offered her the entire next season of this company's mainstage work as a scenic and prop designer. Don Cheadle's career has proven my hunch to be astute and never have I been so certain of the meteoric rise of a theatre person's career than I have been and am of Kate Sutton-Johnson's.

Kate has the unique skill of being a collaborator and visionary with a solitary aesthetic.  These two instincts do not collide.  Rather they compliment each other handsomely and force the rest of her creative teams to come to the table prepared to do their best. She brings out the best in designers and directors, digs deeply to understand the content and themes of the plays on which she's working, and has a pragmatism that enhances the quality of her artistry. "

-Jack Reuler, Artistic Director, Mixed Blood Theatre

" Kate was, without a doubt, the perfect designer and collaborator for [RABBIT HOLE at the Indiana Repertory Theatre.]  Not only did she and I quickly establish a working vocabulary that continued to grow and deepen, Kate also forged meaningful relationships with the other designers on the production, the shops, the actors and many staff members.

In her design work, I appreciated Kate's commitment to detail, her love for the process, her understanding of how space affects story and how details affect actors and performance.  From beginning to end, I knew that Kate was about the work, about wanting to always make choices that support the bigger picture and she achieved this while also maintaining her high level of artistry.  During tech, I relied on her good taste AND good humor.  Clearly, this was a healthy, thriving collaboration that resulted in a gorgeous production."

-James Still, Playwright and Director

" Kate is the "real deal." She is right there with you every step of the way.  She digs into the script and absolutely understands the show's requirements.  Then she goes further.  Tirelessly delving into how the setting can affect the actors and the action.  Rarely have I felt such a strong collaboration.  Her skills are bountiful and her vision is clear and articulate.  She strengthens everyone's skills, is a leader, a natural teacher."

-James Rocco, Producing Artistic Director, Ordway Center