Smith Explores Cultural Appropriation in Theatre Design with TDP Students

Valerie St.Pierre Smith will teach a virtual masterclass on cultural appropriation in theatre design for theatre design & production (TDP) students on Friday, Nov. 13.

Boozhoo. Valerie St. Pierre Smith nindizhinikaaz. An observer of human nature and mischief maker, Smith is also an award-winning costume designer, artisan and stylist with an eclectic background in stage, fashion, dance, film and themed entertainment. Her design work has been seen across the country at the Kennedy Center, Woolly Mammoth Theatre, Mixed Blood Theatre, Sea World: San Diego, the National Museum of the American Indian and more. Smith focuses her creative superpowers and scholarly activity on raising awareness of and creating opportunities for equity, inclusion and understanding cultural appropriation — and its disruptions — in design. The scholarly side of her work has taken her across the globe, speaking and presenting at a variety of institutions and conferences, including Central Saint-Martins’ fashion programme in London, England, and writing for a variety of publications including HowlRound Theatre Commons. Smith is proud of her White Earth Ojibwe heritage and her USA 829 membership.