Into the Woods: Designing a Set from 95% Recycled Materials
Avery Heidebrecht ’26’s ravaged version of Hollywood began as sketches on paper. What started as discarded items — broken cardboard, used scaffolding acquired from Facebook Marketplace, and cut-up dress fabric from a gala for the film “Wicked” — became, in her hands, the iconic Warner Brothers Water Tower. This is just one of many set pieces that compose University of Redlands’ production of “Into the Woods,” culminating Heidebrecht’s journey at U of R and signaling the institution’s entrance into sustainable theatre.
“Everything you’re seeing on stage was part of my vision,” she said. “It's not just a straight- up piece of cardboard — it's manipulated and formed into something beautiful.”
The concept of sustainable theatre was introduced to Heidebrecht by Theatre and Dance Department Chair Gregory Ramos and Director of Production Trevor Norton to recognize and respond to the growing climate crisis.
“Theatre is a powerful medium to respond to the most pressing issues of our time,” Ramos said.
“Sustainable theatre practices engage our students in innovative thinking, problem- solving, and most importantly, finding ways toward solutions.”https://www.redlands.edu/bulldog-bites/2026/an-artist-walks-into-the-woods#UniversityofRedlands #UofR #TheatreArts #BulldogBites
