Cory Aoki Trachsel

Cory Aoki Trachsel (they/he/she) is a second-year student in San Francisco State University’s Master of Arts program in Theatre Arts. Their work focuses on the intersections between principles of theatrical design and psychological concepts of visual perception, with an emphasis on the relationship between a stage picture and the emotional impact it has on its audience. As a production team member, they actively advocate for a theatrical process that prioritizes empathy, transparency, accessibility, and sustainability.

Cory received their Bachelor of Arts from Sarah Lawrence College in 2020, concentrating in technical theatre, art psychology, and experimental art. From their sophomore year onward, they designed scenery, lights, and props for over 15 on-campus productions, and worked as a carpenter, scenic painter, and electrician for the theatre department. From 2018-2019, they also served as production manager for Sarah Lawrence College’s independent theatre company Downstage. Since graduating, they have designed and worked backstage with several California-based theatre companies and programs, including The Western Stage, 2x4BASH, Hartnell College’s Theatre Arts and Cinema Department, and Santa Cruz Shakespeare. Last semester, Cory designed the set for the SFSU School of Theatre and Dance’s Spring 2025 Mainstage production.