This portfolio highlights the theatrical works of Allie Seanor, completed in August 2026. The three 20-by-40-foot backdrops were a private commission for the Academy of American Dance, founded and directed by Julia-Ball Dugan. Seanor and Dugan collaborated closely to design a cohesive collection of scenes that fit the storyline of The Nutcracker while matching the show's color palette, costumes, and overall production design.

Over the span of 11 weeks, Seanor managed each stage of production. Starting with foundational preparation—hanging the muslin, securing it to a truss frame, and starching the material. From there, the work moved into precise technical execution, including gridding, measuring, drawing, and painting. Each hand-mixed color was applied carefully onto the canvas in thin layers, slowly working up the backdrops to completion.  

Beyond technical craftsmanship, each backdrop holds personal hidden “easter eggs” designed to incorporate a deeper layer of meaning into the scenes. These artistic decisions add a human touch to the artworks that standard printed rentals cannot replicate. 

These backdrops will serve as a lasting addition to the production, complementing the dancers' skill and grace to create a striking fusion of the arts on stage.