An artist walks ‘Into the Woods’

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.”

With a subtle nod to recent natural disasters, including the California wildfires, the lush, chaotic dystopian version of Hollywood was produced with more than 95% recycled, repurposed, or found material. Seeking an opportunity to complete her capstone and bring aspects of her U of R experience to life, Heidebrecht, a studio art major and member of Kappa Pi Zeta, saw the production as a way to be more resourceful.

“It’s changed the way I think about things,” she said. “We’ve had to pivot a lot with the materials — to be creative and flexible, which has been a great lesson for me.” Much of the process has been guided by Norton, who has taken a balanced approach to creative teaching.  

“Failing is a great part of art — you have to mess up, you have to try something that doesn’t work, and learn and grow from that,” he said.

Like the skills Heidebrecht has applied to the production of sets, this version of “Into the Woods” models something transferable — the idea that sustainability isn't a sacrifice; it's a creative constraint that sharpens thinking.

“Into the Woods” runs March 28 through April 4, 2026, at the Glenn Wallichs Theatre. Tickets are available here.

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