Katie Novak is a props artisan, carpenter, and theatrical artist from the Chicagoland area, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Theatre Production Design & Technology from Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. In her early career, Katie has been freelancing in props design, carpentry, and artisan work in the Chicago metro area. Notable companies that Katie has had the pleasure of working with include the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Haven Chicago, and the Citadel Theatre.

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As an artisan, Katie is no stranger to working in a prop or scene shop. With her experience working in the Illinois State University scene shop during her undergrad, two seasons in the Illinois Shakespeare Festival scene shop as a carpenter and another as the Prop Shop Supervisor, as well as her various overhire experiences, Katie's theatrical expertise lies among the tools, paint, and sawdust of a shop.

 

Working in the theatre, it is Katie's philosophy to incorporate sustainability into her work as an artisan, and bases many of her designs around the consciousness of reusing and recycling. There is nothing she loves more about the production process than being able to ethically source props or materials, and then find a new home for her work after her job is done. Part of the beauty of theatre that Katie truly appreciates is the community's willingness to help other designers succeed, and as she continues to grow her network and career, it is Katie's goal to continue to practice her belief in sustainable theatre at a much larger scale within the industry and community.