Vitae

An innovative, and collaborative educator / artist / scholar using his experiences and passion to create inter-disciplinary and imaginatively, thought-provoking and engaging work within the classroom and in the theatrical arts for young people and adults.

EDUCATION ____________________________________________________________________________________

2005   Master of Fine Arts, Theatre / Drama & Theatre for Youth - The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas

Thesis Topic: Visual Dramaturgy in Collaboration & Adaptation: An Exploration of a Somewhat Enigmatic Tool in Theatre for Young Audiences Looking at Three Distinct Productions – Lily Plants a Garden; The Little Mermaid and The Very Persistent Gappers of Frip

2005    Professional Certificate, - The Graduate Portfolio Program in Nonprofit and Philanthropic Studies / The RGK Center of Philanthropy and Community Service, UT Austin

1989    Bachelor of Fine Arts - The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas

Emphasis: Technical Production with focus on Scenic Design

PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS
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2013 Playhouse Hiring Team Cornish College of the Arts / Performance Production Department
2012-2013 Interim Playhouse Manager Cornish College of the Arts
2012-2013 Admissions Liaison Cornish College of the Arts
2006 - Present Departmental Coordinator Cornish College of the Arts / Performance Production Department
2008 - Present Adjunct Instructor Cornish College of the Arts / Performance Production Department

RESEARCH INTERESTS
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Theatre History Myths, Legends & Tales History of Design in Children's Theatre
Musical Theatre History LGBTQ Voices in Theatre

TEACHING INTERESTS
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History and Philosophy of Children's Theatre Theatre as Social Change
Education & Outreach Programming Development Dramaturgy
Politics in Theatre Museum Theatre

AWARDS & HONORS
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Academic Awards - The University of Texas at Austin (Graduate School)

2004    Coleman A. Jennings Endowed Presidential Scholarship in Creative Drama/Theatre   for Young Audiences, Recipient

2003      Coleman A. Jennings Endowed Presidential Scholarship in Creative Drama/Theatre for Young Audiences, Recipient.

2003    University of Texas Department of Theatre and Dance Representative / Participant, The Bonderman / IUPUI / IRT National Youth Theatre Playwriting Symposium

2003    Ann Shaw Fellowship to the ASSITEJ / One Theatre World Symposium in Philadelphia, PA., Recipient.

2003    The National Winifred Ward Scholar, University of Texas Department of Theatre and Dance Nominee.

2002    Georgia B. Lucas Foundation Scholarship, Recipient.

Artistic Awards - The University of Texas at Austin (Graduate School)

2005    Best Direction of a Musical, The Very Persistent Gappers of Frip, Austin Critic’s Table Nominee

Artistic Awards - Freelance

2005    Best Scenic Design, The Secret Garden, Austin Critic’s Table, Nominee.

2003    Best Direction, Play for Children, Beauty and the Beast, Austin Circle of Theatre’s B. Iden Payne, Nominee.

2000    Best Actor in Play for Children, Alice In Wonderland, Austin Circle of Theatre’s B. Iden Payne Award, Nominee.

1999    Best Scenic Design, Big River, Austin Circle of Theatre’s B. Iden Payne Award, Co-Winner

1994    Best Scenic Design , Once On This Island, Austin Circle of Theatre’s B. Iden Payne, Nominee.

1993    Best Scenic Design, Man of La Mancha, Critic’s Choice, Nominee.

1990    Best Scenic Design, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Austin Circle of Theatres, B. Iden Payne Award, Winner.

1989    Best Scenic Design, In A Room Somewhere, Austin Circle of Theatre’s B. Iden Payne Award, Nominee.

1989    Associate Entry in the American College Theatre Festival, Southwest Region, In A Room Somewhere.

1988    Best Scenic Design, Blood Wedding, Austin Circle of Theatre’s B. Iden Payne Award, Nominee

INVITED CAMPUS LECTURES
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Presenter / Speaker, Introduction to Theatre (March 2005) The University of Texas at Austin.
Lecturer for introductory survey course in theatre for undergraduate non-majors. Lecture covered an overview of theatre for youth looking specifically at the past forty years of production at the University.

Presenter / Speaker, The University of Texas Department of Theatre and Dance (Fall 2002)
In conjunction with two appearances of Second Youth Family Theatre performing The Mark Twain Show. For Creative Drama I – Professor Coleman Jennings, Instructor & The University Interscholastic League Fall 2002 Super-conference facilitating post-show discussions with cast, and gave commentary on non-profit theatre management and programming.

Guest Designer and Lecturer, McNeese State University, Lake Charles, LA. (Spring 1991)
Worked as Guest Costume Designer for 75th Anniversary Season Production of The Tempest. Managed the shop, students and volunteers. Lectured for B.A. and B.F.A. majors on scenic and costume design “Challenges and Approaches to Various Productions.”

INVITED LECTURES
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Presenter / Speaker, Texas Educational Theatre Association (January 2003) Annual Conference, Austin, Texas “Integrating Mask Into the Middle and High School Curriculum: A Fearless and Fulfilling Hands-on Approach”

Guest Speaker, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School Summer Theatre Arts Camp (July 2002)
Gave presentation to middle and high school theatre arts students an overview on the profession of being a freelance scenic and costume designer. Used portfolio artwork along with production archival images to engage students in active dialogue.

Lecturer: Summer Musical Theatre Workshop, The University of Texas Department of Theatre & Dance (Summer 1992)
“Design problems in the theatre, especially musical theatre”

CONFERENCE AND RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS
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American Alliance for Theatre in Education (AATE) Annual Conference (July 2004, Salt Lake City)

Presenter – “Asian Identity in Children’s Theatre Design from 1900 to the Present” - Paper
Presenter – Outreach and Education Programming with Second Youth Family Theatre and The Arkansaw Bear

New Visions / New Voices ( May 2004, The Kennedy Center, Washington, D. C.)
Participated as a member of the creative team of The Very Persistant Gappers of Frip, a new commission by the Mark Taper Forum’s P.L.A.Y. (Performing for Los Angeles Youth Program). Members included Corey Madden, Associate Artistic Director, The Mark Taper Forum; Doug Cooney, Playwright; and David O, Composer.

Forty Years and Counting: Honoring the Achievements of Coleman A. Jennings (Spring 2004, The Department of Theatre and Dance, The University of Texas at Austin)
Served as Event Coordinator for this Symposium/Gala honoring Professor Coleman Jennings’ forty years of teaching at The University of Texas. This three-day event featured two receptions, Keynote speaker; four plenary panels comprised of leaders in the field of theatre for young audiences; and performance of Departmental production of The Honorable Urashimo Taro for attendees. Duties included travel arrangements for official guests, media releases, catering coordination, liason with Departmental staff and host during event.

ASSITEJ/USA & Philadelphia One Theatre World Festival (Spring 2003)
Awarded an Observership Grant from ASSITEJ/USA to attend and respond to this international theatre for young audiences festival and to attend the ASSITEJ/USA Conference held in conjunction with this festival.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE
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Cornish College of the Arts, Seattle, Washington

Adjunct Instructor, Literature of Theatre (Fall 2008 – Present)
Introductory year-long survey course for Freshman students in Performance Production and other departments that covers the canon of dramatic literature that forms the bedrock of Western theatre. Course covers reading of important texts from the Classic Greeks to the contemporary playwrights of the 21st century.

Substitute Instructor, Intro to Design 2D (Spring 2010)
Filled in for instructor of this Sophomore level foundation class. Class content was color theory, project evaluation and feedback for current and upcoming projects.

Guest Instructor, Intermediate Studio II (Spring 2009)
Instructor for scenic design students in this intermediate level studio course teaching collaboration skills working on paper projects over the course of the semester. Supervised students work related to conceptualization, storyboarding, research, drafting, model-making, rendering and presentation skills.

Guest Instructor, Intermediate Studio I (Fall 2008)
Instructor for scenic design students in this intermediate level studio course teaching collaboration skills working on paper projects over the course of the semester. Supervised students work related to conceptualization, storyboarding, research, drafting, model-making, rendering and presentation skills.

Adjunct Instructor, Literature of Theatre (Fall 2007)
Introductory survey course in dramatic literature covering plays from the Classic Greeks to Luigi Pirandello. Curriculum included play reading, in-class discussion and group activities; written, verbal and visual feedback to readings; video and film excerpts, quizzes; reviews and others as assigned.

Guest Lecturer, Literature of the Theater (Spring 2007)
Led group discussion and analysis of August Wilson’s play Fences along with a discussion of African American theatre and Wilson’s place and strong beliefs within that canon of literature.

Guest Lecturer, Literature of the Theater (Spring 2007)
Led group discussion and analysis of Epic Theater through the lens of Bertolt Brecht and his play Mother Courage.

The University of Texas at Austin

Assistant Instructor, Training the Speaking Voice / Undergraduate (Spring 2005)
Instructor of Record for this undergraduate survey course in basic tools and techniques for proper speaking. Throughout this course, students engaged in activities exposing them to the mechanics of proper breathing and alignment, sound shapes, diction, over-coming public speaking and finally memorization. Using active tools of body work with stretching, yoga-modified mat-work, students first engaged their bodies followed by voice mechanics using tools and techniques from Cecily Berry. Poems from Dr. Seuss; self generated context using Patchen poetry as spring-board; Stand and Deliver; Voice Over, themed Public Speaking and Journaling were all used to evaluate and explore the voice.

Assistant Instructor, Fundamentals of Acting / Undergraduate (Fall 2004 & Spring 2005)
Instructor of Record for this undergraduate survey course in basic acting techniques and tools. Used course text and self-generated reading packet covering the following topics: AutoDrama; voice work; self generated context using poetry as spring-board; Open Scenes; and scene work taken from contemporary American plays from the last century to the present. Students were also required to contribute a significant portion of written work as part of the overall grading criteria.

Guest Lecturer, Fundamentals of Acting / Undergraduate (Fall 2004)
Led group in absence of fellow instructor focusing primarily on the physical tool of the actor. Lead group exercises in physical warm up and conditioning and voice and breath exercising and strength training.

Guest Lecturer, Children’s Dramatic Literature / Undergraduate (Spring 2004)
Led group analysis of Aurand Harris’ The Arkansaw Bear using board-talk and group discussion.

Guest Lecturer, Children’s Dramatic Literature / Undergraduate (Spring 2004)
Led class discussion and critical analysis of three plays by Coleman A. Jennings.

Teaching Assistant, Theatre for Children / Undergraduate (Fall 2003 & Spring 2004)
Lead classes and discussion, created quizzes, grade daily assignments for instructor’s approval, served as director for class project directing class members in production that then toured to two elementary school; supervised the creation of outreach material for class projects.

Teaching Assistant, Directing the Young Performer / Undergraduate (Fall 2002)
Undergraduate class for majors, non-majors and post baccalaureate students,
Instructor: Joan Lazarus. Led discussions, provided class assistance to students, supervision of projects and assignments for instructor, maintained attendance records, graded some assignments.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
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AATE: The American Alliance for Theatre and Education
IDEA: International Drama / Theatre in Education Association
ATHE:   Association for Theatre in Higher Education
ASSITEJ: International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People
IATSE: International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local 205
TCG: Theatre Communications Group

SERVICE EXPERIENCE
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2015 - 2016 Faculty Promotion Committee Cornish College of the Arts
2012 – 2013 Accreditation Steering Committee   Cornish College of the Arts
2009, 2010, 2011, 2013          Senior Project Committee Member   Cornish College of the Arts
2013   IATSE Union Negotiation Committee Cornish College of the Arts
2008 – 2012   Cornish Citizen Artist Initiative, Cornish College of the Arts
2009 – 2012 Cross-College Committee on Writing and Research         Cornish College of the Arts
2009 – 2012 Diversity Steering Committee Cornish College of the Arts
2009 – 2010   Script Reader Village Theatre, Issaquah, WA.
2009 – 2010 Staff Council Cornish College of the Arts
2008 – 2009 Staff Council Cornish College of the Arts

ARTS MANAGEMENT
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Interim Playhouse Manager, Cornish College of the Arts, Seattle, Washington (December 2012 – May 2013)
Assumed the role of Playhouse Manager for Cornish College of the Arts leading the transition team as the College became the lease holder of this former home of the Tony award winning regional Intiman Theatre Company on the campus of Seattle Center. Tasks included working with Trustees, College Administration, Seattle Center management, community arts groups, members of local I.A.T.S.E. chapters and professional third-party rentals during this critical time of transition.

Performance Production Department Coordinator, Cornish College of the Arts, Seattle, Washington (September 2006—Present)
Provide administrative and clerical support by managing all aspect of daily operations such as accounting (petty cash, purchase orders & cash reimbursements), correspondence, typing, filing, record-keeping, database management, meetings, etc. Support internal and external communication by acting as liaison with College administration and department offices. Serve as resource to the department.   Generating and publishing the departmental newsletter including assisting with writing/layout. Manage department’s Work Study program including facilitating the hiring of students, processing time sheets and monitoring the annual work study budget.

Co-Founder & Co-Artistic Director, Second Youth Family Theatre, Austin, Texas (August 1991)
One of the three co-founders of one of Austin’s only producing organization geared solely for children and their families producing main stage and touring productions as well as education and outreach programming offering workshops and classes.

Producing Artistic Director, Second Youth Family Theatre, Austin, Texas (1996—May 2005)
Assumed the directorship of Second Youth in 1996 after serving as Co-Artistic Director since company’s inception. Supervised the day-to-day management of Company business - grant writing, budgets, hiring designers and technicians, accounting, correspondence; play selection, season creation, playwriting, directing and performing. Maintained a very strong hand in the overall supervision of all Second Youth projects and productions. Instrumental in the establishment of Second Youth’s Arts Outreach and Education Program that toured productions into schools, libraries and community centers in the Austin metropolitan area. Negotiated the company’s first summer arts collaboration with The University of Texas Department of Theatre and Dance in 2004 for the company’s Summer Theatre Arts Workshop. Oversaw the transition of company management throughout the 2004-2005 season.

Events Stage Manager, The Performing Arts Center, The College Of Fine Arts, The University of Texas at Austin (1987-1991 / 1994 – 2005)
Served as one of the House Stage Managers for the seven performing arts venues for the College of Fine Arts. These include Bass Concert Hall (3000 Seats); Opera Lab Theatre (400 seats); Bates Recital Hall (700 seats); Jessen Auditorium (250 seats); B. Iden Payne Theatre (500 seats) and the Brockett Theatre Room (flexible seating up to 200). Duties included liaison with front of house, tour management, and artists as needed; supervision of house running crews; liaison with external and internal security, catering and event service providers.

Production Stage Manager, Zachary Scott Theatre Center (1991-1992) Austin, Texas
PSM for, then, non-Equity main stage productions for one season. Productions included Carousel, Let’s Do It! A Cole Porter Cabaret, A Shayna Maidel and The Boys Next Door. Duties included production supervision including blocking notation, rehearsal supervision, crew management, and ‘calling’ shows.

PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL THEATRE EXPERIENCE
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Stage Technician - McCaw Hall / Seattle Opera - (2008 - present)

Stage Technician – Various Venues (1985-1992 / 1997-2003) Austin, Texas.
First as freelance technician then as union member of I.A.T.S.E. Local 205, duties include stage work, lighting technician, properties work, maintenance, wardrobe technician and professional dresser for solo artists, ensembles, symphony, opera, ballet, modern dance and industrials for the various venues comprising the Performing the Arts Center complex at The University of Texas; The Paramount Theatre for the Performing Arts; Civic Auditorium and selected smaller community theatre venues.