Julie Gallager

Craft: Paint Dept: Scenic Artist

Years in the business: 20- film & TV; 30 – Theatrical Scenery

Education: B.A. Multifield in Applied Math & Technical Theatre, St. Lawrence University

MFA Technical Theatre, emphasis in Scenic Design, University of South Carolina

Julie was born & raised in Baltimore, MD. College and theatre work as Scenic Designer would take her throughout the U.S., from Upstate NY, to SC, DC, OK, PA, and UT.  After a decade of moving around, TheatreVirginia called her to Richmond, VA, where she has lived for 20 years.

During her first season as Charge Scenic, David Crank & Doug Huszti, Art Directors on “Hannibal,” called her to join the paint crew.  Julie became familiar with IATSE through her academic and professional theatre experiences.  She joined USA 829 while teaching full time.  To be considered for “Hannibal,” she was told “it would be necessary to join 487, which (she) gladly did.”

Julie’s film career is centered in Richmond.  As the amount of film work varies from year to year, she continues to work in the theatre or ballet as an overhire, where she “enjoy(s) working on backdrops or the occasional upholstery or costume crafts projects.”

A highlight of her career, which she describes as “most unexpected and unique” was the opportunity to go to Budapest for 12 weeks for “John Adams.”  She cites though that “each show has had unique qualities of style or production crew or location that has made each job a learning experience.” She adds that the women of Set Dec, Art Dept., Locations and the Scenics from Baltimore have been “especially helpful” as guides throughout her profession.

Julie is thrilled that she has been able to sustain a career in the Arts without moving to NY, LA, or ATL.  When she isn’t working, Julie explores the historic sites and parks that she encounters on  film locations.  She also enjoys knitting, craft sewing and “occasionally need(s) to ride a roller coaster.”