Contact Info
Carrie Arlette Ballenger
Bio & Career
I grew up with the US military overseas in Germany. We were moved back and forth many times, but I was fortunate enough to be there for all of my high school years. That certainly was a long time ago, but the experience has left an indelible mark on my world view and how I conduct myself.
I grew up with theater, starting from a very young age. Ithaca College is where I found my love of Scenic Art. I started my professional career in the metro DC area. Over 24 years, I have been lucky enough to make a living as an artisan. My experience working in many size theaters and shops has given me an ability to roll with whatever comes my way.
I was the Charge Scenic Artist at McCarter for the 15 years. McCarter has afforded me the opportunity to work with many Broadway designers, such as Eugene Lee, John Lee Beatty, and Beowulf Borritt..
McCarter has two spaces. The historic Matthews stage is an 1100 seat house and was the site of the first performance of Our Town. The more intimate Berlind is a 360 seat house and held the World Premiere of Christoper Durang's Tony Award winning Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike, for which I was the Charge Artist
McCarter also produced the workshop of Danai Gurierra's Eclipsed, which I had the honor of designing for our lab space. Our director Liesl Tommy would go on to direct the Broadway production.
I have since moved on to become a Visisting Assistant Professor at Lehigh University. It was always in my plans to teach and my time at Lehigh has been very fulfilling. I hope to continue to teach the rest of my career.
Teaching Philosophy
Scene Painting is a hands on activity and that is how I teach it. Every student is different, but practice brings aptititude. Positive reinforcement makes for an environment where students feel comfortable enough to try new things. Students who think they are not creative find, with the right tools, they can accomplish the projects.
Mastery thru practice gives the students confidence and comfort to create. Failure is only an opportunity to learn for next time. I made it clear when I started teaching at Lehigh, that I wanted the students to do as much of the work as possible. It is my job to make the process one that they can succeed at. They all have an ownership of the show we are painting or propping.
Currently, I teach a majority of non-majors. My role teaching Basic Scene Painting and Stage Props and Decor is to invite the students to understand more about the art of Theatre. My students learn the Elements of Design along with Painting and Props. I want them to carry the knowledge of how design influences nearly every aspect of their lives. I also strive to teach how theater is a safe space to learn about other peope and their stories. I hope to open their world view and willingness to engage with new ideas.
I'm sure my pedagogy will further develop with my time teaching. I am not someone who avoids change. One of the ideas I reinforce to my students is that the methods I'm teaching them are not the only way and they should try other ideas.
I enjoy teaching. I am a constant cheerleader to my students. I want them to suceed in my classes. I am so pleased when I see previous students still showing up for the Theatre Department's productions.