CURRICULUM VITAE
SANDRA J. STRAWN
Department of Theatre
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
A. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
A.1 Formal Education
Emporia State University Teaching certificate credits, 1978
Emporia, Kansas Secondary Education – English
Emporia State University Bachelor of Science in Education, 1976
Emporia, Kansas Secondary Education-Theatre/Speech
Emporia State University Bachelor of Fine Arts, 1975
Emporia, Kansas Technical Production and Design
Colby Community College Associate of Arts, 1973
Colby, Kansas Speech and Theatre
A.2 Continuing education/ certification
Hazardous Materials and Process for Theatre, Cal OSHA Title 8 Training/Certification
Monona Rossol, M.S. Industrial Hygienist and USA Safety Officer Summer, 2010
One-to-one computer – Webpage Design, PowerPoint, Word Processing, Spreadsheet,
Drawing, Photoshop, Illustrator 2006-2010
A.3 Academic and Professional Positions Held
Professor Department of Theatre 2013-present
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Scenic Designer 1991-present
Stage Properties Supervisor 1989-present
Head of Technical Production 1993-1998 and 2002-present
Associate Chair (Theatre) Summer 2003, 2004-2006
Head of Production 1993-1996
Associate Professor Department of Theatre 1995-2013
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Scenic Designer Northern Stage Company
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 1991-1998
Assistant Professor Department of Theatre and Dance
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 1989-1995
Scenic Designer Milwaukee Repertory Theatre
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 1987-1989
Designer/Craftsperson Properties/Production, Ltd.
Hartford, Wisconsin 1986-1998
Properties Artisan Milwaukee Repertory Theatre
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 1984-1989
Assist. Scenic Designer Actors Theatre of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky 1983-1984
Scenic Designer Hope Summer Repertory Theater
Holland, MI Summer, 1980
Properties Master Actors Theatre of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky 1978-1983
Properties Artisan Pennsylvania State Festival Theater
State College, PA Summer, 1978
Properties Master Utah Shakespeare Festival
Cedar City, Utah Summer, 1977
A.4 Special Honors, Awards, and Research Grants Received
PSOA Faculty Development – Digital Archive Training $500 2014
Student Success Award 2013-2014
For demonstrating a continuous dedication to the academic success of students at UW-Milwaukee.
POSA Faculty Development- Paul Owen book- scanning and photography $500 2010
Dean’s Research Grant – Paul Owen book- transcription/ photography $500 2009
Arts and Humanities Travel Grant (Conference travel/ SPAM presentation) $500 Summer, 2008
Arts and Humanities Travel Grant (Conference travel/ SPAM presentation) $500 Summer, 2006
Faculty Arts and Humanities Travel – Egypt (American Univ.-Cairo) $500 2004
Arts and Humanities Travel Grant (Conference travel/ USITT presentation) $1000 2004
B. PUBLICATIONS AND CREATIVE ACTIVITIES
B.1 Books, monographs, and other publications
PUBLICATION: BOOK
The Properties Director’s Handbook: Managing a Prop Shop for Theatre
Published by Focal Press November, 2012
B.2 Chapters in books
PUBLICATION: CHAPTER (Contributing advisor)
Theatrical Design and Production by Michael Gillette. December 2011
I originally worked with Michael to do a major revision and update on the Properties chapter in 2006 and then on his latest revision in 2011.
B.3 Editorials, reviews, and interviews of one’s research by others
Interview: Eric Hart, national blogger on Props interviewed me on my webpage and new book. November 2012 http://www.props.eric-hart.com/page/3/
Interview: Russ Bickerstaff, Theatre editor for Express Milwaukee.com interviewed me about The Last Days of Judas Iscariot props and working in the prop shop on the prop build for the show. March,2010 http://www.expressmilwaukee.com/blog-6555-a-writ-from-god-a-visit-with-judas-in-the-uwm-prop.html
Interview: Building Props as a Profession The Unsung Artist-“Watch This Space” TV show Fall, 1990
B.4 Projects or other professional work published.
Technical Editor: The Prop Building Guidebook, written by Eric Hart
Published by Focal Press February, 2013
PUBLICATION: WEBPAGE TEXTBOOK
www.prophandbook.com. Summer, 2008
An online textbook exploring the process of doing stage properties from how to manage a prop build resulting in an on time, on-budget, and as-designed show to running a safe and happy prop shop. The site continues to be used as a FREE textbook for many properties classes around the United States and formed the basis of the book just published with Focal Press.
B.5 Projects or other professional work exhibited other than thru print media
CREATIVE ACTIVITY
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE
AS FULL PROFESSOR
2015-2016
Scenic Designer Hot L Baltimore Bill Watson, Director
Properties Director UWM Fine Arts Theatre
Puppet Designer Orphan Train Robin Mello, Director
UWM Studio 508
Properties Director Corktown Rebecca Holderness, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Steve White, Scenic Designer
Properties Director Damn Yankees Tony Horne, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Rick Graham, Scenic Designer
2014-2015
Properties Director Loves Labor’s Lost Bill Watson, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Rick Graham, Scenic Designer
Properties Director The Crucible Jim Tasse, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Rick Graham, Scenic Designer
ON SABBATICAL in FALL
2013-2014
Scenic Designer Urinetown Tony Horne, Director
Properties Director UWM Fine Arts Theatre Rick Graham, Scenic Designer
Scenic Designer Laughing Stock Michele Lopez-Rios, Director
Properties Director UWM Fine Arts Theatre
Properties Director Dangerous Liaisons Rebecca Holderness, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Rick Graham, Scenic Designer
Scenic Designer Milwonky Alvaro Saar Rios, Director
Properties Director UWM Fine Arts Theatre
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE
AS ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
2012-2013
Scenic Designer Blood Wedding
Properties Director UWM Fine Arts Theatre Rick Graham, Scenic Designer
Scenic Designer The Tragedy of King Lear Rebecca Holderness, Director
Properties Director UWM Fine Arts Theatre
Scenic Designer Ruined Bill Watson, Director
Properties Director UWM Fine Arts Theatre
2011-2012
Scenic Designer Three Sisters Rebecca Holderness, Director
Properties Director UWM Fine Arts Theatre
Scenic Designer The Nature of Mutation Bill Watson, Director
Properties Director UWM Fine Arts Theatre
Properties Director As You Like It Bill Watson, Director UWM Fine Arts Theatre Rebecca Hamlin, Guest Scenic Designer
Properties Director The Sins of SorJuana Jenny Wanasek, director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Rick Graham, Scenic Designer
2010-11
Properties Director NO NO Nannette Tony Horne, Director
Properties Director UWM Fine Arts Theatre Kurt Sharp, Guest Designer
Properties Director The Last Days of Judas Iscariot Rebecca Holderness, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Rick Graham, Scenic Designer
Properties Director Lovers’ Quarrels Bill Watson, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Rick Graham, Scenic Designer
Scenic Designer By the Bog of Cats Michelle Lopez-Rios, Director
Properties Director UWM Fine Arts Theatre
2009-2010
Scenic Designer What I Did Last Summer
Properties Director UWM Fine Arts Theatre Tony Horne, Director
Properties Director A Midsummer Night’s Dream Jim Tasse, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Rick Graham, Scenic Designer
Scenic Designer Our Town
Properties Director UWM Fine Arts Theatre Bill Watson, Director
Properties Director Hay Fever Rebecca Holderness, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Kurt Sharp, Scenic Designer
2008-2009
Scenic Designer 1001
Properties Director UWM Fine Arts Theatre Rebecca Holderness, Director
Properties Director Arms and the Man Michelle Lopez-Rios, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Bruce Brockman, Scenic Designer
Properties Director Oedipus Rex Tony Horne, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Bruce Brockman, Scenic Designer
Properties Director Hair Bill Watson, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Rick Graham, Scenic Designer
2007-2008
ON SABBATICAL in SPRING
Properties Director Seven Guitars Bill Watson, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Bruce Brockman, Scenic Designer
Properties Master Ring Round the Moon Michelle Lopez-Rios, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Rick Graham, Scenic Designer
2006-2007
Scenic/ Props Designer
Head Scenic Artist Einstein’s Dreams Rebecca Holderness, Director
Properties Master UWM Fine Arts Theatre
Properties Master The Liar Bill Watson, Director
Mask Designer / Artisan UWM Fine Arts Theatre Rick Graham, Scenic Designer
Properties Master Mr. Melancholy Rebecca Holderness, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Rick Graham, Scenic Designer
Properties Master West Side Story Ray Jivoff, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Rick Rasmussen, Scenic Designer
2005-2006
Properties Director A Raisin In the Sun Bill Watson, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Bruce Brockman, Scenic Designer
Properties Director From These Green Heights Rebecca Holderness, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Bruce Brockman, Scenic Designer
Technical Liaison Moonchildren Raeleen McMillion, Director/ Producer UWM Studio Theatre-BA production
Properties Director Nickel and Dimed in America Bill Watson, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Steve White, Scenic Designer
2004-2005
Scenic Designer Inspecting Carol Raeleen McMillion, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre -BA Production
Properties Director Orpheus Descending Chris Flieller, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre -BA production Rick Graham, Scenic Designer
Properties Director Comedy of Errors Norma Saldivar, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Rick Graham, Scenic Designer
Milwaukee Shakespeare Company
Properties Director Julius Caesar Eleanor Holdridge, Director UWM Fine Arts Theatre Kris Stone, Scenic Designer
Milwaukee Shakespeare Company
Properties Director The Merchant of Venice David Chambers, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Darcy Scanlin, Scenic designer
Milwaukee Shakespeare Company
2003-2004
Properties Director The Tempest Norma Saldivar, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Rick Graham, Scenic Designer
Milwaukee Shakespeare Company
Properties Director Titus Andronicus Alec Wild, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Evan Alexander, Designer
Milwaukee Shakespeare Company
Properties Director As You Like It Lisa Rothe, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Chris Guse, Designer
Milwaukee Shakespeare Company
Scenic Designer Welcome to the Moon Raeleen McMillion, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theater-BA production
Properties Director Getting Out Raeleen McMillion, Director
UWM Fine Arts Theater-BA production Rick Graham, Scenic Designer
2002-2003
Scenic Designer Robe of Love
Script Adaptation UWM Fine Arts Theatre Dance Department
Janet Lilly, Ed Burgess- Directors/ choreographers
Properties Liaison A Midsummer Night’s Dream
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Milwaukee Shakespeare Company
Properties Liaison Othello
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Milwaukee Shakespeare Company
Properties Liaison Much Ado About Nothing
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Milwaukee Shakespeare Company
Properties Coach The Zoo Story
Little Murders Attic theatre BA Actor Training Program
2001-2002
Properties Coach Miss Julie Reconsidered UWM Studio Theatre Professional Theatre Training Program (PTTP)
Created by Eva Lindberg
Properties Master Everyman PTTP Lee Earnst-Director
China Tour Rick Graham- Designer
Properties Master Fen PTTP Christine Adaire- Director UWM Studio Theatre Rick Graham -Scenic Designer
Properties Master Everyman PTTP Lee Earnst-Director UWM Fine Arts Theatre Rick Graham -Scenic Designer
Properties Director Phaedra PTTP
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Chris Guse- Scenic Designer
Scenic Designer Sexual Perversity in Chicago PTTP Anne-Marie Cammarato-Director Scenic Artist UWM Studio Theatre
Properties Director
2000-2001
Properties Director The Kentucky Cycle PTTP Lou Salerni- Director UWM Fine Arts Theatre Chris Guse-Scenic Designer
Scenic Designer Outside Looking In (Winter Dance) Janet Lilly- Director/ choreographer
UWM Fine Arts Theatre School of the Arts Dance Department
Scenic Designer Comedy of Errors PTTP Christine Adaire- Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre
Properties Director Wild Honey PTTP James DePaul -Director UWM Fine Arts Theatre Rick Graham- Scenic Designer
1999-2000
Properties Director Endgame PTTP Lou Salerni-Director UWM Fine Arts Theatre Rick Graham- Scenic Designer
Properties Director Blithe Spirit PTTP Norma Saldivar – Director UWM Fine Arts Theatre Chris Guse- Scenic Designer
Properties Director Midnight and Moll Flanders Norma Saldivar – Director UWM Fine Arts Theatre Rick Graham- Scenic Designer
PTTP in partnership with Renaissance Theater Company
Properties Director Tartuffe PTTP James DePaul- Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Larry Kaushansky – Scenic Designer
Properties Director Ubu PTTP Bill Walters- Director/ Scenic Designer
UWM Fine Arts Theatre
1997-1998
Properties Director Oleanna PTTP James DePaul- Director UWM Fine Arts Theatre R.H.Graham-Designer
Northern Stage Company
Properties Director You Can’t Take It With You PTTP JR Sullivan- Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Mary Griswold- Designer
Properties Director King Lear PTTP Bill Walters-Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre R.H.Graham- Designer
Properties Director Hot Wind From the South PTTP James DePaul- Director UWM Studio Theatre R.H.Graham- Scenic Designer
Properties Director On the Verge PTTP Lou Salerni- Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre
Northern Stage Company
1996-1997
Properties Director The Three Sisters Bryna Wortman-Director
Miss Julie J. R. Sullivan- Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre PTTP R.H.Graham- Designer
Scenic Designer Great Expectations PTTP Norma Saldivar- Director
Properties Director UWM Fine Arts Theatre
Scenic Designer In the Heart of America Michael Johnson-Chase- Director
All My Sons Judy Leigh-Johnson- Director UWM Studio Theatre PTTP
Properties Director Queen of the Carnival / Father New Orleans James DePaul – Director UWM Fine Arts Theatre PTTP Steve White – Scenic Designer
Properties Director The Taming of the Shrew PTTP James DePaul – Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Victor Becker- Scenic Designer
1995-1996
Properties Director Cinderella Richard Mangan-Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Andrea Bechert- Scenic Designer
Northern Stage Company
Properties Director The Matchmaker PTTP Wes Savick- Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Kurt Sharp – Guest Scenic Designer
Properties Director Bus Stop Martin Rader- Director
Back County Crimes Michael Johnson-Chase- Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre PTTP R.H. Graham- Scenic Designer
Scenic Designer Substance of Fire Peter Bennett- Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre
Northern Stage Company
CREATIVE ACTIVITY
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE
AS ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
1994-1995
Properties Director The Lady From the Sea Alan Rust- Director
The Sea Gull Margaret Booker- Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre PTTP R.H. Graham- Scenic Designer
Properties Director The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Richard Mangan- Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre PTTP Donato Moreno- Scenic Designer
Scenic Designer Macbeth PTTP Malcolm Morrison- Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre
Scenic Designer Macbeth (Sweden Tour) PTTP
State Theatre School in Gothenburg, Sweden
Malcolm Morrison- Director
Properties Director Our Country’s Good PTTP Steven Hemming – Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Carolyn Ross- Scenic Designer
Properties Director She Stoops to Conquer PTTP Jim Abar – Director
Fine Arts Theatre Carolyn Ross- Scenic Designer
SUMMER, 1994
Theatre Designer Northern Stage Company – Summer in the Park
Scenic Designer As You Like It Malcolm Morrison- Director
Northern Stage Company – Summer in the Park
Scenic Designer The Lion In Winter Norma Saldivar- Director
Northern Stage Company – Summer in the Park
Scenic Designer The Imaginary Invalid Peter Hackett- Director
Northern Stage Company – Summer in the Park
1993-1994
Properties Director Servant of Two Masters PTTP Alan Rust- Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Victor Becker- Scenic Designer
Properties Director The Merry Wives of Windsor Malcolm Morrison- Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Vicki Smith- Scenic Designer
Properties Director A View From the Bridge PTTP Peter Bennett- Director
Desire Under The Elms Michael LaGue- Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre R.H.Graham- Scenic Designer
Properties Director Harvey Peter Hackett-Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Kathleen Smigielski- Scenic Designer
Northern Stage Company
Scenic Designer American Buffalo Tom Blair – Director
UWM Studio Theatre
Northern Stage Company
Properties Director Strider PTTP Peter Hackett – Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Niles Wheeler – Scenic Designer
1992-1993
Properties Director Under Milkwood PTTP Malcolm Morrison-Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Donato Moreno- Scenic Designer
Properties Director Twelfth Night Malcolm Morrison- Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Rick Graham – Scenic Designer
Northern Stage Company
Scenic Designer Rocket To the Moon Peter Hackett – Director
Come Back Little Sheba Alan Rust – Director
UWM Studio Theatre PTTP
Properties Director Mary Rose Peter Hackett – Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Pavel Dubrosky – Scenographer Northern Stage Company
Scenic Designer A Lesson From Aloes Peter Hackett – Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre
Northern Stage Company
1991-1992
Properties Director Mass Appeal Michaeljohn McGann -Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre RH Graham-Scenic Designer
Northern Stage Company
Scenic Designer The Grapes of Wrath PTTP Peter Hackett – Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre
Properties Director The Three Sisters Malcolm Morrison – Director
The Cherry Orchard Peter Hackett – Director
UWM Studio Theater PTTP
Properties Director The Course of True Love Corliss Philbaum – Director
UWM Studio Theater
Opera Workshop
Properties Director The Three Musketeers PTTP Bill Walters- Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Gordon Kennedy- Scenic Designer
Properties Director Woman In Mind Peter Hackett – Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Ken Kloth – Scenic Designer
Northern Stage Company
Properties Director The Epic of Gilgamesh PTTP John Kishline – Director
UWM Studio Theatre
Properties Director Romeo and Juliet PTTP Malcolm Morrison- Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre RH Graham – Scenic Designer
Scenic Designer The Grapes of Wrath PTTP
Peter Hackett – Director
International Theatre Festival at Theatre Nepean
University of Western Sydney, Australia.
Properties Director Guys and Dolls PTTP Alan Rust – Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Howard Jones- Scenic Designer
1990-1991
Properties Master Blithe Spirit Christopher Grabowski – Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Bryan Leather – Scenic Designer
Northern Stage Company
Properties Director Man and Superman PTTP Montgomery Davis – Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Rick Rasmussen- Scenic Designer
Properties Director Caucasian Chalk Circle PTTP Peter Hackett – Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre R.H.Graham – Scenic Designer
Scenic Designer A Midsummer Night’s Dream PTTP Malcolm Morrison – Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre
Properties Director Summer and Smoke PTTP Alan Rust – Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre R.H. Graham – Scenic Designer
Scenic Designer Speed The Plow Peter Hackett – Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre
Northern Stage Company
Properties Director Line PTTP Peter Hackett – Director
Theatre Hebertot, Paris, France
Scenic Designer Translations PTTP
UWM Studio Theatre Professional Theatre Training Program
Malcolm Morrison – Director
1989-1990
Properties Master London Assurance PTTP Malcolm Morrison – Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Mark Pirolo – Scenic Designer
Properties Director Wild Honey PTTP Jared Sakren – Director
UWM Studio Theatre R.H. Graham – Scenic Designer
Properties Director Henry V PTTP Michaeljohn McGann – Director UWM Fine Arts Theatre
Properties Director Captain Jinks of the Horse Marines Alan Rust-Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre PTTP Kathlyn Smigielski- Scenic Designer
Properties Director The Price Christopher Selbie – Director
UWM Fine Arts Theatre R.H.Graham – Scenic Designer
Northern Stage Company
Properties Director International Theatre Training Festival
Staged in Fine Arts Theatre
Tango Ludik Solski College of Theatrical Arts, Poland
A Profitable Job Theatre School Gothenburg, Sweden
Madame Mao Theatre Nepean, Australia
PROFESSIONAL CREATIVE ACTIVITY
PRIOR TO COMING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE
Milwaukee Repertory Theater Milwaukee, WI 1984- 1989
Properties Artisan
1988-89 Season
Stiemke Theatre
Burning Patience Ken Kloth-Designer
Hector Donarski- Director
Kindness Pat Doty- Designer
Ping Chong- Director
And What of the Night John Story-Designer
Maria Irene Fornes- Director
The Chastitute Tamara Turchetta- Designer
J R Sullivan- Director
Stackner Cabaret
Irish Rascal Sandra Strawn and John Story- Designers
Ken Albers- Director
Laughing Wild Sandra Strawn and John Story- Designers
Ken Albers- Director
The Survival Revival Barbara Leigh- Designer
Larry Lerner- Director
Ain’t Nobody Blues But Mine Sandra Strawn and John Story- Designers
Robert Meiksins- Director
Powerhouse Theater
The Torch Laura Maurer- Designer
Semler Guillermo-Director
Precious Memories Loy Arcenas- Designer
John Dillon- Director
Talley’s Folly Art Johnson- Designer
Kenny Leon- Director
She Stoops to Conquer Vicki Smith-Designer
Ken Albers- Director
Wedding Band Scott Weldin- Designer
John Dillon- Director
Juno and the Paycock Victor Becker- Designer
Ken Albers- Director
Pabst Theatre
A Christmas Carol Stuart Wurtzel-Designer
Ken Albers- Director
1987-88 Season
Stiemke Theatre
Heathen Valley Pat Doty-Designer
Romulus Linney- Director
Loot Ken Kloth- Designer
Mary Robinson- Director
The Puppet Master of Lodz Sandra Strawn and John Story- Designers
J R Sullivan- Director
Stackner Cabaret
Shue Biz Ken Albers- Director
Powerhouse Theater
The Matchmaker Hugh Landwehr- Designer
John Dillon- Director
The Diary of Anne Frank Jeffrey Stuckman- Designer
Kent Stephens- Director
Three Sisters Victor Becker- Designer
Ken Albers- Director
The Tale of Lear Arden Fingerhut-Designer
Tadashi Suzuki- Director
The Miracle Laura Maurer- Designer
John Dillon- Director
The Miser Michael Miller- Designer
Ken Albers- Director
Pabst Theatre
A Christmas Carol Stuart Wurtzel-Designer
Kristine Thatcher- Director
1986-87 Season
Todd Wehr Theatre
The Black Cross Scott Weldin-Designer
John Dillon- Director
Tartuffe Scott Weldin- Designer
Ken Albers- Director
Twelfth Night Victor Becker–Designer
Ken Albers- Director
An American Journey Laura Maurer and Tim Thomas- Designers
John Dillon- Director
Hay Fever Michael Merritt- Designer
Dilys Hamlett- Director
Hedda Gabler Donald Eastman -Designer
Maria Irene Fornes- Director
Court Street Theatre
The Caretaker Pat Doty- Designer
Dan Mooney- Director
Niedecker John Story- Designer
Kristine Thatcher- Director
Pabst Theatre
A Christmas Carol Stuart Wurtzel-Designer
Richard White- Director
1985-86 Season
Todd Wehr Theatre
Two Brothers- A Ballad Laura Maurer and Tim Thomas-Designers
John Dillon- Director
Henry IV, Part I Peter Gould- Designers
Greg Boyd- Director
The Art of Dining Michael Merritt–Designer
Dilys Hamlett- Director
The Crucible Scott Weldin- Designer
M. Burke Walker- Director
Glengarry Glen Ross Michael Olich- Designer
John Dillon- Director
An American Journey Joyce Palkowski -Designer
John Dillon- Director
A Flea In Her Ear Bill Mikulewicz -Designer
Ken Albers- Director
Pabst Theatre
A Christmas Carol Stuart Wurtzel-Designer
Richard White- Director
1984-85 Season
Todd Wehr Theatre
Revenger’s Tragedy Kate Edmunds-Designer
Sharon Ott- Director
Wenceslas Square Laura Maurer and Tim Thomas- Designers
Jon Dillon- Director
A Woman Without Means Bill Mikulewicz –Designer
Ken Albers- Director
Top Girls John Ezell- Designer
John Dillon- Director
The Devils Disciple Hugh Landwehr- Designer
Greg Boyd- Director
Master Harold and the Boys Michael Olich-Designer
Israel Hicks- Director
Court Street Theatre
Macbeth Ken Kloth- Designer
Tom Blair- Director
Pabst Theatre
A Christmas Carol Stuart Wurtzel-Designer
Nick Faust- Director
Scenic Designer
(With John Story as co-designer) Stackner Cabaret
1988-89 Season
Laughing Wild Ken Albers-Director
Ain’t Nobody’s Blues But Mine Robert Meiksins-Director
Irish Rascals Ken Albers-Drector
Stiemke Theatre
1987 The Puppet Master of Lodz Director-J R Sullivan
Actors Theatre of Louisville Louisville, KY 1978- 1984
Assistant Scenic Designer (Partial Listing of shows) 1983-84
Paul Owen, Resident Scenic Designer
Pamela Brown Theatre
Holy Ghosts Romulus Linne- Director
A Christmas Carol Frazier Marsh- Director
Of Mice and Men Adale O’Brian- Director A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking Barnet Kellman- Director
Dial M for Murder Larry Deckel-Director
The Middle Ages Ray Fry- Director
Eighth Humana Festival of New American Plays Paul Owen- Designer
Lemons Kent Broadhurst- Director
Courtship Frazier Marsh- Director
Execution of Justice Oskar Eusis and Anthony Taccon-Directors
007 Crossfire Jon Jory-Director
The Undoing Jon Jory-Director
Victor Jory Theatre
The Gift of the Magi Robert Spera-Director
The Three Sisters Jon Jory-Director
Shorts Festival of One Act Plays
The Death of King Philip Ray Fry- Director
Couvade Frazier Marsh- Director
A Gothic Tale John Pielmeier- Director
Businessman’s Lunch Larry Deckel- Director
Graceland Ken Jenkins-Director
Husbandry Jon Jory-Director
Eighth Humana Festival of New American Plays
The Octet Bridge Club Robert Spera- Director
Danny and the Deep Blue Sea Barnet Kellman- director
Independence Patrick Tovatt-Directors
Husbandry Jon Jory-Director
Properties Master (Partial Listing of shows) 1978- 1983
(With Sam Garst as Co-properties master)
1982-83 Season
Pamela Brown Theatre
Julius Caesar Norris Houghton- Director Paul Owen-Designer
A Christmas Carol Ray Fry- Director Paul Owen-Designer
Murder at the Vicarage Larry Deckel Director Guest Designer
Mass Appeal Russell Treyz-Director Paul Owen-Designer
The Hasty Heart Adale OBrian- Director Paul Owen-Designer
Seventh Humana Festival of New American Plays Paul Owen-Designer
In a Northern Landscape Frazier Marsh- Director
Sand Castles Theodore Shank- Director
Thanksgiving Jon Jory –Directors
Shorts Festival of One Act Plays Paul Owen-Designer
Coup Jon Jory- Director
Clucks Jon Jory- Director
Nice People Dancing to
Good Country Music Larry Deckel- Director
Mine Frazier Marsh-Director
The Art of Self-Defense Larry Deckel-Director
Victor Jory Theatre
Key Exchange Larry Deckel-Director Paul Owen-Designer
Closing Ranks R. Wayne West and Larry Deckel-Director
Paul Owen-Designer
Shorts Festival of One-Act Plays (Selected titles from over a dozen plays produced)
Paul Owen-Designer
The Happy Worker Dierk Torsek- Director
Partners Robert Spera- Director
Good Old Boy Vaughn McBride- Director
A Tantalizing Emily Mann- Director
The Value of Names Emily Mann- Director
Flight Lines Adale O’Brian- Director
Bartok As Dog Frazier Marsh- Director
In The bag Frazier Marsh Director
OFFSITE
Seventh Humana Festival of New American Plays
Food From Trash John Jory-Director Paul Owen-Designer
1981-82 Season
Pamela Brown Theatre
The Three Musketeers Jon Jory- Director Paul Owen-Designer
A Christmas Carol Frazier Marsh- Director Paul Owen-Designer
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Guest Designer
Billy Bishop Goes to War Amy Saltz-Director Guest Designer
The Oldest Living Graduate Ken Jenkins- Director Paul Owen-Designer
Sixth Humana Festival of New American Plays Paul Owen-Designer
The Informer Jon Jory- Director
The Grapes of Wrath Terrance Shank- Director
Old-timers Game Patrick Tovatt –Director
Shorts
The Eye of the Beholder Larry Deckel-Director
The Groves of Academe Steven Albrezzi-Director
The New Girl Jon Jory-Director
Shorts Festival of One Act Plays Paul Owen-Designer (Selected titles)
The Saint of the Day Jon Jory- Director
Talking With Jon Jory- Director
Cemetery Man Jon Jory- Director
Rupert’s Birthday Frazier Marsh-Director
The New Girl Larry Deckel-Director
Victor Jory Theatre
The Arabian Nights Jon Jory -Director Paul Owen-Designer
The Gospel According to St Luke Robert Spera- Director Paul Owen-Designer
Liberty Mini-Festival of Short Plays Stephen Albrezzi-Director
Paul Owen-Designer
Shorts Festival of One-Act Plays (Selected titles from over a dozen plays produced)
Paul Owen-Designer
A Pale Lion Ray Fry- Director
Clara’s Play Patrick Tovatt- Director
The Eye of the Beholder Larry Deckel- Director
Gun for the Roses Ken Jenkins- Director
Lamps Jon Jory- Director
In Between Times Adale O’Brian- Director
Sixth Humana Festival of New American Plays Paul Owen-Designer
A Different Moon Sam Blackwell- Director
Clara’s Play Frazier Marsh- Director
Solo Michael Hankins, Jon Jory, and Steven Albrezzi –Directors
Full Hook-up Jon Jory- Director
Talking With Jon Jory- Director
Chapter and Verse Jon Jory-Director
STATE TOUR
Chocolate Cake
The New Girl Paul Owen-Designer
INTERNATIONAL TOUR
DUBLIN Shorts- Women Writing About Women Paul Owen- Designer
1980-81 Season
Pamela Brown Theatre
Cyrano do Bergerac Jon Jory- Director Paul Owen-Designer
A Christmas Carol Frazier Marsh- Director Paul Owen-Designer
Sly Fox Jon Jory-Director Hugh Landwehr-Designer
On Golden Pond Jon Jory-Director Paul Owen – Designer
Artichoke Adale OBrian- Director Paul Owen-Designer
Fifth Humana Festival of New American Plays Paul Owen-Designer
Full Length Portrait of America Ken Jenkins- Director
Swop Jon Jory- Director
My Sister In This House Jon Jory–Director
Victor Jory Theatre
Sea Marks B J Whiting -Director Paul Owen-Designer
Shorts Festival of One Act Plays (Selected titles) Paul Owen-Designer
Chocolate Cake Amy Saltz- Director
Morning Call Adale OBrian- Director
Propinquity Radha Delamarte- Director
Just Horrible Larry Deckel- Director
Semi-Precious Things Marsha Norman- Director
Final Placement Amy Saltz- Director
Fifth Humana Festival of New American Plays Paul Owen-Designer
Future Tense Jon Jory and Frazier Marsh- Director
Park City: Midnight Frazier Marsh- Director
After Commencement Larry Deckel-Director
Autobiography of a Peal Diver Michael Hankins- Director
Early Times Jon Jory, Larry Deckel, Radha Delamarte- Directors
Extremities John Bettenbender-Director
STATE TOUR
Bus Stop Director Paul Owen-Designer
INTERNATIONAL TOURS
DUBLIN Getting Out Jon Jory-Director Paul Owen- Designer
ISRAEL Getting Out Jon Jory-Director Paul Owen- Designer
TORONTO Chocolate Cake Paul Owen- Designer
Chug
Final Placement
1979-80 Season
Pamela Brown Theatre
Mornings At Seven Jon Jory- Director Paul Owen-Designer
Childe Byron Frazier Marsh- Director Guest Designer
A Christmas Carol Israel Hicks-Director Paul Owen-Designer
Today A Little Extra William McNaulty-Director Paul Owen – Designer
Tarantara Tarantara – Director Paul Owen-Designer
The Incredible Murder of Cardinal Tosca Ray Fry Director
Paul Owen-Designer
Fourth Humana Festival of New American Plays Paul Owen-Designer
Agnes of God Walton Jones- Director
They’re Coming To Make it Brighter Jon Jory- Director
Sunset/Sunrise Jon Jory–Director
Victor Jory Theatre
The Slab Boys Peter Maloney-Director Paul Owen-Designer
Admissions (7 one-act plays) Paul Owen-Designer
Doctors and Diseases P MacDonald-Director Paul Owen-Designer
Commencement (11 one-act plays) Paul Owen-Designer
Lone Star Alan Duke-Director Paul Owen-Designer
Fourth Humana Festival of New American Plays Paul Owen-Designer
Weekends Like Other People Israel Hicks- Director
Remington Alan Duke- Director
The America Project (10 one-act plays)
Power Plays Peter Maloney- Director
STATE TOUR
In Fashion Jon Jory –Director Paul Owen-Designer
1978-79 Season
Pamela Brown Theatre
Whose Life Is It Anyway Daniel Sullivan-Director Paul Owen-Designer
The Play’s The Thing Patrick Henry- Director Joe Varga -Designer
A Christmas Carol Jon Jory-Director Paul Owen-Designer
Room Service Jon Jory- Director Paul Owen – Designer
The Shadow Box Michael Hankins-Director Joe Varga-Designer
Third Humana Festival of New American Plays Paul Owen-Designer
Crimes of the Heart Jon Jory- Director
Circus Valentine Jon Jory- Director
Gold Dust Jon Jory–Director
Victor Jory Theatre
The Runner Stumbles Peter Bennet-Director Paul Owen-Designer
The Gin Game Richard Rames-Director Paul Owen-Designer
Third Humana Festival of New American Plays Paul Owen-Designer
Find Me Jon Jory- Director
Holidays (10 one- act plays) Michael Hankens-Director
Matrimonium Ray Fry- Director
Lone Star R. Stuart White- Director- Director
STATE TOUR
Gold Dust Jon Jory –Director Paul Owen-Designer
Hope Summer Repertory Theater Holland, MI Summer, 1980
Scenic Designer Amorous Flea Donald Finn-Director
The Miracle Worker Susan Hope-Director
Aladdin
Pennsylvania State Festival Theater State College, PA Summer, 1978
Properties Artisan The Sunshine Boy
Mafioso, An Offer You Can’t Refuse
Luann Hampton Laverty Oberlander
Candide
Utah Shakespearean Festival Cedar City, Utah Summer, 1977
Properties Master The Taming of the Shrew
Adams Memorial Shakespearean Theatre
Brian Hansen- Director Gene Chesley- Scenic Designer
Romeo and Juliet
Adams Memorial Shakespearean Theatre
Charlene Bletson- Director Gene Chesley- Scenic Designer
Coriolanus
Adams Memorial Shakespearean Theatre
Richard Risso- Director Gene Chesley- Scenic Designer
The Green Show
Elizabeth Hamilton- Director
Milwaukee Repertory Theatre Milwaukee, WI 1976-1977
Scenic Artist The Dog Ran Away
(Apprentice position) Vanities
The Trial of the Moke Scenic Designers: Chris Idoine
Volpone and RH Graham
The Death of A Salesman
A Christmas Carol
The Guthrie Theater Minneapolis, MN Summer, 1976
Scenic Artist The Matchmaker
(Internship position) Michael Langham-Director Desmond Heeley-Scenic Designer
Doctor Faustus
Ken Ruta-Director Ralph Funicello-Scenic Designer
B.6 Other Significant Research and Professional Activities not listed elsewhere but deemed significant.
OUTSIDE CREATIVE ACTIVITIES
(Since coming to UWM – Full Professor)
Archivist Paul Own Design Archive
Fall, 2015 Following five years of archiving the drawings, models, photos, and documents covering the fifty + year design career of Paul Owen, I negotiated the acceptance of his entire archive to the University of Louisville’s Special Collections Archive. I also worked with Actors Theatre of Louisville for the donation of design models to the collection and am continuing to do data work on the archives organization and eventual online publication.
Scenic Designer Julius Caesar
Fall, 2015 Feast of Crispin
Next Act Theatre
Properties Artisan In the Heights
Winter, 2014 Skylight Opera Theatre
Broadway Theatre Center
Scenic Designer The Detectives Wife
Fall, 2013 Milwaukee Chamber Theatre
Broadway Theatre Center
OUTSIDE CREATIVE ACTIVITIES
(Since coming to UWM – Associate Professor)
Properties Artisan Coconuts
Winter, 2006 Skylight Opera Theatre
Broadway Theatre Center
Properties Artisan Animal Crackers
Winter, 2005 Skylight Opera Theatre
Broadway Theatre Center
Mask Designer/Craftsperson A Midsummer Nights Dream
Winter, 2005 University Lake School
Hartland, WI
Properties Artisan Svlayman Al Halabi
Costume Crafts Artisan Falaki Mainstage
Spring 2004 American University in Cairo- Egypt
Properties Consultant Lady, Be Good
(Molding glasses- Silicone) Broadway Theatre Center –Mainstage
Summer 2003 Skylight Opera Theatre
Properties Artisan Little Shop of Horrors
(Audrey Plant) Broadway Theatre Center-Mainstage
Summer 2003 Skylight Opera Theatre
Properties Master Middleman
Winter, 2001 Cedar Creek Repertory company
Scenic Designer Firebird Ed Burgess-Director/Choreographer
Spring, 1997 Milwaukee Ballet
Gala Designer Sites on the Horizon Garden Party
Summer 1996 Northwest Mutual Life Insurance
Scenic Designer Imagining Brad
Spring, 1996 Renaissance Theatreworks
OUTSIDE CREATIVE ACTIVITIES
(Since coming to UWM – Assistant Professor)
Set Dresser/ Craftsperson Kohl’s Pre-Christmas Sale Commercials
November, 1995 Mark Irving Productions
Scenic Designer Ramona Quimby JoAnn Woodard-Director
Fall, 1995 First Stage Milwaukee
Puppet Craftsperson Dinosaurs
Spring, 1995 First Stage Milwaukee
Scenic Designer Death and the Maiden William Leach – Director
February, 1994 Milwaukee Chamber Theatre
Scenic Designer A Different Moon Marie Kohler-Director
October, 1993 Renaissance Theatreworks
Sculptor/Craftsperson Stonehenge Letters – Kohl’s Dept. Store
Summer 1993 Mark Irving Productions
Scenic Artist/Set Dresser Mothers Day – Kohl’s Dept. Store Commercial
1993 Mark Irving Productions
Craftsperson B-13 Bingo Boy costume
Summer 1993 Pottawatomie Bingo
Scenic Designer The Grapes of Wrath Paul Sommers – Director
Spring, 1993 Phoenix Theatre Company Sydney, Australia
Craftsperson Durasoft Challenge of Champions
1992, Fall Ice rink wall decorations
NBC Wide World of Sports
Scenic Designer Vincent
1992, Fall Milwaukee Chamber Theatre
Monty Davis – Director
Gala consultant Americas Cup Gala
1992, Summer Lake Geneva Yacht Club
Scenic Designer The Music Man James Moore – Director
1991, Summer Washington Park – Music Under the Stars
Craftsperson Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
1991 Recycling costumes
Gala Consultant Pops for President
1990, 1991 United Performing Arts Fund
Mannequin sculptor USITT convention
1990 Charles Berliner – Designer
Scenic Designer Hello Dolly John Montgomery – Director
1990, Summer Washington Park – Music Under The Stars
Scenic Artist/Sculptor High Five for Wellness
1990 Channel 10/36
Craftsperson Wisconsin Lottery
1990 MooLa Cow costumes
Scenic Designer 1989 Victory Celebration
1989 United Way of Greater Milwaukee
Scenic Designer Midwest Express
1989 Corporate Gala – Hanger Opening
Scenic Designer Oklahoma John Montgomery – Director
1989, Summer Washington Park – Music Under the Stars
C. TEACHING
C.1 Courses Usually Taught
C.1.1 Courses taught
Undergraduate
THR 575 Studio 4 cr. 10-15 students (each semester)
THR 675 Advanced Studio 2-4cr. 1-3 students (each semester)
THR 685 Internship 2-6 cr. 1-3 students (each semester)
THR 692 Independent Study 1-4 cr. 1-3 students (each semester)
THR 215 Properties Production 3 cr. 8-15 students (each spring)
THR 412 Career Prep and Development 2 cr. 15-18 students (each fall)
THR 315 Adv. Prop. Production 3 cr. 8-12 students (every other fall)
THR 435 Production Management 3 cr. 5-12 students (every other spring)
THR 497 Study Abroad- PARIS 3 cr. 14 students (Winterim 08)
THR 497 Study Abroad – EGYPT 4-6 cr. 1 student (Spring 08)
C.1.2 Courses Previously Taught (UWM)
Undergraduate:
THR BA 103 Introduction to Theatre Studies 3 cr. 22-26 students (each semester)
THR BA 112 Theatre Production and Design 3 cr. 18-24 students (each semester)
THR 318 Scene Design 3 cr. 5 students (spring-taught twice)
THR BA 406 Properties Production 3 cr. 6-12 students (varied)
THR 415 Casting and Molding for the stage 3 cr. 12-15 students (every other spring sem.)
THR BA 484 Fieldwork in Theatre 3 cr. 1-3 students (varied)
THR BA 685 Internship 1-4 cr. (varied)
Professional Theatre Training Program:
Undergraduate:
PTTP 401 Costume Crafts II 2 cr. (every other year)
PTTP 412 Career Preparation and Development 2 cr. (every other year)
PTTP 215 Scenery and Properties Production I 2 cr. (every other year)
PTTP 315 Scenery and Properties Production II 2 cr. (every other year)
PTTP 415 Scenery and Properties Production III 2 cr. (every other year)
PTTP 402 Costume Crafts II 2 cr. (every other year)
PTTP 475 Rehearsal and Performance I 4 cr. (each semester- year one)
PTTP 575 Rehearsal and Performance II 4 cr. (each semester- year two)
PTTP 675 Rehearsal and Performance III 4 cr. (each semester- year three)
PTTP 699 Independent Study 1-6 cr. (each semester)
Graduate:
PTTP 699 Independent Study 1-6 cr. (each semester)
PTTP 712 Career Preparation and Development 2 cr. (every other year)
PTTP 729 Rehearsal and Performance I 4 cr. (each semester- year one)
PTTP 829 Rehearsal and Performance II 4 cr. (each semester- year two)
PTTP 929 Rehearsal and Performance III 4 cr. (each semester- year three)
PTTP 901 Costume Crafts II 2 cr. (every other year)
PTTP 715 Scenery and Properties Production I 2 cr. (every other year)
PTTP 815 Scenery and Properties Production II 2 cr. (every other year)
PTTP 915 Scenery and Properties Production III 2 cr. (every other year)
C.2 Course Innovations
Over the past two decades I have been at the forefront of developing the teaching of properties production as a separate field of study in technical production with the sensibilities of design and creativity firmly based in the practices of stagecraft, promoting gender equity in learning the craft, and founding the exploration of props in the larger humanistic and artistic study of theatre. Few universities offered the training of this specialization and by necessity I researched, developed, and created the props curriculum arc of training.
The initial classes were for a graduate level program defining an arc of training leading to the profession and connecting directly to my experience as a seasoned properties artisan and designer. Over the years I have modified the classes to keep up with new products/ processes and to respond to the changing needs of my students as well as the industry. These classes live within and compliment the technical production track as well as the costume production track.
The properties curriculum I developed starts with a foundational class (215) and moves into more specialized training as the student develops proficiency in standard practices.
215 Properties Production, the foundational props class, introduces students to a “jack of all trades” range of skills covering script analysis for props, making a prop list, how to manage a “build” as well as introducing the student to more advanced sewing projects, crafting, joinery and woodworking. This is followed by two specialized props classes I developed and teach: 315 Advanced Props- Furniture and Soft Goods for the Stage and 415 Casting and Molding for the Stage. Prop students are also encouraged to explore management training with 435 Production Management, a class I developed and teach based on my many years of professional shop management.
At UWM, Studio (575) is the class most directly connected to the production process of producing shows. Essentially, the students “intern” with me in the prop shops duplicating a professional shop work environment working side by side with me to develop new skills. The four semesters of Studio exposes the student to all areas of production allowing a diverse level of abilities to be learned and applied.
All production students also take 412 Career Preparation which I developed and teach each fall preparing the student for the eventual job search with resume, cover letter, and portfolio preparation as well as interview skills/practice. Over the years I have developed parts of the course to be accessed online and much of the course work is created for online/digital presentation and review. I anticipate taking this course fully online for alternate sections in the future.
C.3 Teaching in Institutes and Special Seminars
C.3.1 Organizing workshops, other programs (guest artist residencies) – last six years
Workshop: Smooth On Products – UWM Prop shop Spring, 2009, 2012, 2014, 2016
Workshop: Firearms for the Stage Jim Guy, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Fall- 2010, 2013
Workshop: International Management for Theatre Sarah Grubb
UWM Fine Arts Theatre 27 students and invited guests Spring 2011
Workshop: Properties Design/ Remote Control and Special Effect Sean McArdle
UWM Fine Arts Theatre 32 students and invited guests Spring, 2011
Guest Artist: Tina Yaegar Scenic Artist – Mainstage shows 2014 and 2015
Guest Artist: Rebecca Hamlin Scenic Designer and Scenic Artist –Fall semester Fall, 2014
Guest Artist: Linda Fruend Scenic Artist- Ruined Spring 2013
Guest Artist: Sean McArdle Special Effects – No No Nannette Spring, 2011
Guest Artist: Kurt Sharp Scenic Designer and Scenic Artist- No No Nannette Spring, 2011
Guest Artist: Rebecca Hamlin Scenic Designer and Scenic Artist – As You Like It Fall, 2011
Guest Artist: Kurt Sharp Scenic Designer and Scenic Artist – Hay Fever Spring, 2010
C.3.2 Other Teaching Activities
American University of Cairo (AUC) Spring, 2004
I was a guest lecturer at AUC in spring, 2004 for a short course on mask making and props. While in Cairo I met with Jan Montassir, Dean of International Students AUC to talk about ways our two universities could set up student exchanges and/or guest artist opportunities. Upon my return to UWM, I met with Terence Miller, Director of Overseas Programs and Partnerships at UWM to discuss my meeting in Egypt. A formal partnership was written in 2006. The theatre department has had three students go to AUC to study – one was a semester long study-abroad and the other two were student residencies as guest artists in the costume shop.
C.4 Direction of Student Research and Creative Activities (last five years)
C.4.1 Academic Advisor- Primary advisor for technical production students in the BFA track and “in-coming” BFA applicants, creating four-semester plan of classes, monitoring GPA requirements for continuation, meeting each semester for enrollment advisement and class modifications.
C.4.2 Internships supervised: (only last six years listed)
Pam Seccombe : Milwaukee Chamber Theatre – Management / Production
Leah Montesinos: InTandem Theatre – Stage management/ Directing
Corin Davidson: Milwaukee Chamber Theatre- Stage Management
Lisa Fadden: First Stage Milwaukee – Promotion/ Fund raising
John Leahy: American Players Theatre – Production Assistant
Angela Zyella: Milwaukee Repertory Theatre – Props Production
Kimberly Jenson: Non-profit Management/ Administration, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre
Mike Gerlach: Props and Puppetry internship, First Stage Milwaukee
Lauren Pekel: Stage management internship for The Sound of Music, Skylight Opera Theatre
Leah Montesinos: Stage management internship for A Thousand Clowns, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre
Theresa Ennis: Sound internship for Sunday In the Park with George, Skylight Opera Theatre
Logan Byrne: Sound internship for Plaid Tidings, Skylight Opera Theatre
Dustin Donohoe: Rigging internship for Marriage of Figero, Skylight Opera Theatre
Allison Hunt: Stage Management, Skylight Opera Theatre
Sarah Olsen: Light design and production, First Stage Milwaukee
Melissa Erdmann: Props internship for Marriage of Figero, Skylight Opera Theatre
Brenda Lewitske: Stage Management, Black Entertainment and Youth Center
Casey Miller: Rigging internship at Sapsis Rigging (Philadelphia, A)
Loren Watson: Sound internship for A Day in Hollywood, Skylight Opera Theatre
Jay Tollefsen: Props internship, Actors Theatre of Louisville (Louisville, KY)
Eva Rebholz: Stage Management, Hanger Theatre (Ithaca, NY)
Jay Tollefsen: Puppetry internship, Jim Henson workshop (NYC)
Eric Shallhorn: Scenic construction, First Stage Milwaukee
Carina Liebsch: Props internship, Guthrie Theatre (Minneapolis, MN)
Carina Liebsch: Props internship, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre
C.4.3 Independent Research supervised: (last six years)
Lisa Fadden- Puppet design and construction- ¼ size human
Moondancer Katrina Drake – Faux Painting
Lisa Fadden- Puppetry control and creation
Heather Hirvela – Upholstery and Pattern work
Lisa Fadden – Scenic Painting
Melissa Erdmann: Stage Weaponry
Eric Schallhorn: Prop shop organization / work pods
Melissa Erdmann: Props organization and inventory management
Jay Tollefsen: Advanced upholstery techniques
Ann Volrath: Furniture design / advanced upholstery techniques
D. OUTREACH AND SERVICE
D.1 Participation in Programs or Service Beyond the Campus Related to Expertise
Using Thermoplastic for Creative Mask-Making Kenilworth Open House 2011 Participants built half-masks from Friendly Plastic (2 sessions)
Using Thermoplastic for Creative Mask-Making Wisconsin High School Theatre Festival 2006 Whitewater, WI Participants built half-masks from Friendly Plastic (2 sessions)
International Interdisciplinary Information Technology Workshop UWM 2006 Participated in the Indigenous Knowledge Breakout group and the Post Feedback session Group Facilitator, Dr. Sandra Braman.
Mask-making for the Theatre Milwaukee County High School Theatre Workshop Day 2006
Participants explored the use of thermoplastic materials in the design and construction of theatrical half-masks.
Mask-making for the Theatre American University in Cairo 2004
Performing and Visual Arts Department Participants explored the use of thermoplastic materials in the design and construction of theatrical half-masks.
Paper Mask-making for the Theatre Milwaukee County High School Theatre Workshop Day 2003
Participants explored the use of paper/ cardboard in the design and construction of animal half-masks.
Mask-making for the Theatre Alumni College 2002
Participants explored the use of thermoplastic materials in the design and construction of theatrical half-masks.
Mask-making with Thermoplastics American College Theatre Festival 2001
Participants explored the use of thermoplastic materials in the design and construction of theatrical half-masks.
Masks, Props, and Things Milwaukee County High School Theatre Workshop 2001
Participants explored the use of thermoplastic materials in the design and construction of theatrical half-masks.
Julius Caesar – Blood, swords, and violence for Shakespeare University Lake School 1999
Presentation on blood, weapons, and stage violence to middle-schoolers working on Shakespeare.
Having a Career in Props 1996-1999
Presentation on the skills and training needed to have a professional theatre career building props for the stage or film. Presented at various high schools around Milwaukee and the suburbs. Audiences ranged from middle school to pre-college vocational students.
Having a Career in Theatre Roosevelt Middle School 1995
Theatre in Milwaukee- Behind the Scenes UWM Outreach University- Elderhostel 1991
Having a Career in Theatre Design Milwaukee School of Engineering 1990
Having a Career in Props UWM Outreach University- Elderhostel 1990
D.2 Consultative Services to Community Agencies or Groups
Community / Professional Theatre Resource Connection
Each year I assist other Milwaukee area professional theatre organizations and area high schools in their procurement of props and scenic items for producing shows. Many of these people, knowing my extensive sources network and “Rolodex” call me for finding the odd and unusual prop item or solving a particular problem for their show. In addition to using me as a recourse locator, if we have a particular item in stock and won’t need it for a show, I have “loaned” them the item. In some instances to show their appreciation, the organization has donated to the UWM Foundation – technical production fund. These monies have supported student travel to national conventions and special workshops with guest artists. Other organizations, in lieu of donating money, give us a reciprocal “loaning” arrangement from their stock saving on our own production costs.
Consultant- University Lake School- Fine Arts Building (Meyer and Associates, Architects) 1994-1996
D.3 Other Important Service Activities
D.3.1 Membership/ leadership in dept, school, college, division, university committees and/or task forces.
COMMITTEE WORK- University
Faculty Rights and Responsibilities Spring 2005
Academic Program Course and Curriculum Committee Spring 2003
Program Review Committee- Comparative Religion
Awards and Recognition Committee 1995-1998
Faculty Grievances and Appeals Committee 1995-1998
Athletic Board Committee 1993-1996
Title IX Committee
By Laws Committee
Non-Resident Tuition Appeals Committee 1992-1995
COMMITTEE WORK – School
Search and Screen – Dance Department – Production Manager 2013
Peck School of the Arts Black and Gold Committee 2005-2007
Kenilworth Development Committee 2004
Peck School of the Arts Course and Curriculum Committee, CHAIR 2003-2004
School of the Arts Course and Curriculum Committee, Co- chair 2001- 2002
School of the Arts Inter arts / IPAC Development 2002
School of the Arts Dean Search and Screen committee 2001
School of Fine Arts Academic Appeals Committee 1990
COMMITTEE WORK – Departmental
Advisory Committee to Department Chair 2005- present
Technical Production Committee 1989- present
CHAIR-1993-1998 and 2002-present
Department of Theatre Curriculum Committee, 2001-2007, 2011-present
Co-chair: 2011-2013
CHAIR: 2005-2007
(Analysis of BA alignment with new BFA and review of MFA curriculum)
(Revision of BA and BFA curriculum, discontinuation of PTTP curriculum)
CHAIR: 2002-2004
(Analysis and revision of Theatre BFA in acting, stage management, costume production and technical production)
(Management of CAR writing for new BFA tracks and passage thru review committees)
CHAIR: 2001-2002
(Management of CAR writing for new BA tracks and passage thru review committees)
Alvaro Rios (Junior faculty) mentoring committee 2013-present
Tony Horne (Junior faculty) mentoring committee Chair 2012-2014, 2008- 2012
Season Selection Committee 2005-2006, 2008- 2011
CHAIR 2009- 2011
Rebecca Holderness (Junior faculty) mentoring committee 2006- 2011
Scholarship and Recruitment Committee 2008-2009
Department of Theatre Undergraduate Review 2006
Department of Theatre Student Recruitment Committee, CHAIR 2005-2006
Department of Theatre (Acting) Search and Screen Committee 2004
Department of Theatre (Master Electrician) Search and Screen Committee 2004
Department of Theatre (Movement) Search and Screen Committee 2003
Department of Theatre K-12 Knowledge, Skills, Dispositions DPI Assessment 2002- CHAIR
Department of Theatre Search and Screen (K-12- Theatre), CHAIR 2002
Department of Theatre Mission Statement Committee, 2001-2002
Department of Theatre Search and Screen (Movement) 2002
Department of Theatre BA Curriculum Development committee 2000, 2001
(Analysis and development of new Theatre BA with three tracks-Theatre Studies, Theatre in Society, K-12)
Theatre Faculty Workload committee 2000, 2001
Department of Theatre Faculty/ Academic Staff Merit Committee 1997
Department of Theatre Handbook Revision Committee 1997
Department of Theatre Search and Screen (Technical Director) CHAIR 1997
Department of Theatre Search and Screen (Acting/ Text) 1996
Department of Theatre Search and Screen (Director-PTTP) 1996
Department of Theatre Season Planning/ Play Selection Committee 1996
Department of Theatre Search and Screen (Technical Director) 1996
Department of Theatre Search and Screen (Audio/Electric’s) CHAIR 1995
Department of Theatre BA/ BFA Curriculum planning Committee 1995
Department of Theatre Season planning/ play selection Committee 1995
Department of Theatre Search and Screen (Voice and Speech) 1995
Department of Theatre Merit Committee 1995
Department of Theatre Tenured Faculty Review Committee 1995
Department of Theatre Search and Screen (Audio/Electric’s) 1994
Department of Theatre Season planning/ play selection Committee 1994
Department of Theatre PTTP Instructor Evaluation Sheet Committee 1991
D.3.2 Major responsibility for coordination of programs
DEPARTMENTAL and SCHOOL
Head of Technical Production 1993-1998 and 2002 – present
As the Program Head for the Technical Production Track in the Theatre BFA I define the teaching duties, room assignments, class schedules, and workload/design responsibilities for the Technical Production faculty. I am the “contact” person for all recruitment/advising/ administrative/ student assessment/ guest artists/ season coordination activity for the BFA in technical production.
Prop Shop Supervisor 1989 – present
I manage the two properties “studios” as working production prop shops as well as teaching classrooms, monitoring supply usage and keeping the tools in a safe and working condition. I supervise the props storage areas keeping them in some semblance of order and available for use in our productions. As the “authorized” shopper for this area, I manage the prop show accounts as well as the overhead budget area to keep stock supplies on hand, ready for production and class work and to maintain/replace tools, do the majority of purchasing for the show production needs and arrange for transportation (rental vans or my own car).
Associate Chair of Theatre Summer 2003 and 2004 – 2006
Advisement to Theatre Chair on departmental issues, students, planning, and policies. Attend meetings to represent chair as needed. Monitor advising and recruitment. Liaisons with professional partners and represent UWM in those partnerships.
Milwaukee Shakespeare/ PSOA Partnership 2003-2005
Provided leadership in contract negotiations, departmental liaison for production work, guest artist selection, revision of curriculum to align with MS partnership, and calendar/production/ class scheduling.
Head of Production 1993-1996
Program Head for the Production Tracks in the Theatre BFA / MFA, I work with the area heads of costume and stage management production to define the teaching duties, room assignments, class schedules, and workload/design responsibilities for the production faculty and represented our collective needs in coordination with the Head of Acting/ Performance. Additionally, I lead the tech production area in all advising/ administrative/ student assessment/ guest artists/ season coordination activities.
OTHER SERVICE
Archive photographer/ archivist 2006- 2014
I began photographing all Mainstage production in 2006 when the department needed publicity photographs for recruitment publications and advertising. Students also utilize my photographs in creating portfolios and I use the photos to help teach the Career Prep class for creative work archival purposes. My production photos are archived for use by the department and the PSOA for publicity/ publications, on the web, and in presentations as well as documenting our students/faculty work.
I now coach a designated student in this archival process and maintain the photo archives on shop machines allowing for portfolio development by our students.
Provided materials/ designed centerpieces for the PSOA Christmas Party 2003- 2009
UWM Fine Arts Theatre Lobby Display 2000- 2005
Arranged lobby displays highlighting production student’s work in class or backstage for Mainstage productions.
Event Designer – PSOA Zelazo Center dedication ceremony 2002
Designed and built decorations/centerpieces for Zelazo gala
Event Designer – PSOA “Naming” ceremony 2001
Designed and built decorations/ centerpieces for PSOA lobby and exterior
Earnest Spaights Plaza Dedication 1997
Sewed curtain for unveiling of sign and assisted Physical Plant in rigging of curtain
D.3.3 Student activities
Faculty advisor – UWM Anime/ Cosplay club 2008-2012
20+ members exploring video, re-enactment, art, and costuming for cosplay conventions and anime performances.
D.3.4 Professional service – committees, memberships
Society of Properties Artisans/ Managers (SPAM) Member: 1994- present
S*P*A*M is an association of professional Prop Managers and Educators. The purpose of SPAM is to serve as an educational vehicle and resource to create fellowships among property professionals to address issues of common importance to its members. SPAM was formally created in 1994 from a group of thirteen professional prop masters from LORT theatres and myself as the lone educator. It has since grown to over three hundred members across the United States.
Committees served:
Education 1998-2004
To promote the teaching of properties production in the classroom at the high school and university level. Committee defined a “teaching syllabus” to be used in a Stagecraft or high school production class as well as creating a syllabus for a beginning level props class covering being a properties master and various class projects covering a range of prop skills.
Publications 2008- 2011
Utilizing print and online media to promote props as a career. Committee created brochures on “What is A Prop?” “Prop Careers and Training” and “Prop Internships” for distribution at national conferences and speaking events. The committee has also assisted in the publication of the SPAM webpage with historical information of the association, minutes of past meetings, internship information, and a SPAM map.
United States Institute of Theatrical Technology Member: 1996 – present
AWTE (Alliance for Wisconsin Theatre Education) Member: 1998- 2006
D.3.5 Special assignments/ participation for/at professional organizations
SPAM National conference Milwaukee, WI Co-Host Summer 2013
Tour- Milwaukee Repertory
Tour- Skylight Music Theatre
Tour- Ten Chimneys
Tour- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Seminar- Special Effects in props
Seminar- Vacuum forming and CNC machining
Seminar- Silk-screen printing
New Products seminar
SPAM National conference Kansas City, MO Conference session attendee Summer 2013
Tour- Kansas City Repertory
Tour- Kansas City Opera
Seminar- Blood Effects for the Stage
New Products seminar
United States Institute of Theatre Technology Milwaukee, WI Spring 2013
New Authors book signing
Inventory/ digital archive management seminar
Production Manager Forum Milwaukee, WI Spring 2013
Prop managers/ Production managers dialogue – session leader
SPAM National Conference San Francisco, CA Conference session attendee Summer 2010
Tour- Berkley Repertory
Tour- American Conservatory Theatre
Tour- San Francisco Opera
Tour- PIXAR studios
Prop Mastering for Pixar productions
SPAM National Conference Louisville, KY Conference session attendee Summer 2009
Frazier Museum collection – Weaponry
Managing an Inventory Database – Dan Tracy
Prop Master Collaboration – A Set Designers View – Paul Owen
Tour- Actors Theatre of Louisville
SPAM National Conference Seattle, WA Conference session attendee Summer 2008
Puppetry and Processes – Doug Paasch, Puppet master
Costume Drafts – Scott Grey, Seattle Children’s Theatre
Topica websites for Prop Inventories
Tricks of the Trade- battery and pneumatic solutions
Tour- Seattle Repertory, ACT, Seattle Children’s Theatre
SPAM National Conference- Minneapolis, MN Conference session attendee Summer 2007
Radio Control effects
Casting and Molding Products with Smooth-on
Body double casting processes
Tour- Guthrie Theatre
Tour- Minneapolis Children’s Theatre
SPAM National Conference- Cedar City, Utah Conference session attendee Summer 2006
Session chair Gillette’s” Theatrical Design and Production” (43 participants)
Backstage tour Cirque de Solie- “O”
Tour- Liberace Museum
Tour- Utah Shakespeare Festival
SPAM National Conference- North Carolina School of the Arts, Winston-Salem
Conference session attendee Summer 2005
Props Magic- New products and processes
Sculptural Arts coatings
Mohawk finishing Products
Old Salem- Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts
SPAM National Conference- St. Louis, MO Conference session attendee Summer 2004
Casting and Molding for the Stage
Prop Internships
Using live and artificial flame onstage/ FX
Alliance for Wisconsin Theatre Education Conference Fall 2002
Theatre Teacher Training – Co-presenter with William Gray, DPI
United States Institute of Theatre Technology 2001
It’s All in the Packaging: Computer Research for Period Properties
National conference session contributor
SPAM National Conference- Milwaukee, WI Conference attendee/ sponsor Summer 2000
See above D.3.4
SPAM National Conference- Ashland, OR Conference session attendee Summer 1998
Working with Special Effects
Self-Education Resources
Managing Your Stock
Tour- Oregon Shakespeare
United States Institute of Theatre Technology 1997
Training for A Career in a Professional Prop Shop
National conference leader session
Recent Products and Applications for Props
National conference session contributor
SPAM National Conference- Kansas City, MO Conference session attendee Summer 1996
Using the Internet as a resource
Designers and directors – The Creative Process
Educational Opportunities
How to Effectively Manage Creative People
SPAM National Conference- Cleveland, OH Conference session attendee Summer 1994
Fax pyramid for organization/communication
Resource sharing for Props
Updated 1/ 2016