Friel is a set designer, scenic artist and freelance illustrator based in San Diego. She previously lived in Providence, RI, where she worked as a scenic artist after obtaining a BA in performance studies from Brown University. Friel believes in a design practice rooted in storytelling. Her favorite story-worlds often exist in a realm beyond realism. Her extensive experience with scenic painting — she most recently worked as a scenic artist at the Old Globe — informs her design practice through an attention and appreciation for texture and materiality. This past year of COVID-necessitated Zoom
theater has deepened her interest in production design, as it has spurred her
exploration into the world of designing for the camera and video editing. She hopes to pursue design opportunities in both theater and film. Professional assisting credits include Loch Ness (asst. Paul Tate DePoo III) at Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival and some upcoming Robert Brill projects.